Before Dreading

What are dreadlocks? 

Dreadlocks are matted strands, or “locks” of hair that form over time naturally if hair is not brushed due to individual hairs rubbing together and causing friction. 
They are not dirty. This is a misattributed stereotype. They can (AND SHOULD!) be washed just like regular hair. Dreads are a permanent solution to curly, unmanageable hair types, but can be made in practically all types of hair. 
Historically, various cultures and religious texts have mentioned, described, and included dreadlocks.

I’m not quite sure what thickness I want my dreads to be. 

You should start thinking about how many dreads you would like. Some people like really skinny dreads. The pro is they look really neat and put together, the con is that they are often more work (one has to be watchful of them eating each other) and take longer to lock up. Skinny dreads are 50+ per head. Some people like fat dreads. While I wouldn’t encourage you to go as fat as me (21), 35 ends up in a sizable dreadlock. Some cons about the fat dread is that loose hair that slips out is a little more persistent, and they have to be worked on consistently so they don’t flatten out.

How much work are dreads, anyway? 

They require weekly to bi-weekly self-care, such as: washing, making sure that they’re not growing together, palmrolling them to keep them from going flat, and occasional root-rubbing to make sure they have an easier time locking up at the roots. There is some work involved at the beginning, although they do eventually evolve into a hassle-free hairstyle at around the year mark.

What do you suggest for dread shampoo? 

I make personal recommendations for shampoo on a client-by-client basis. 
However, if you have normal hair (not greasy, oily, and dandruff-free), I usually like to recommend the Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo Bar. I know this seems contradictory considering my negative opinion of their wax, but their shampoo is pretty decent for starting new dreads. 
Crosstown Traffic carries Knotty Boy products in Ottawa. Please don’t buy any other Knotty Boy product than their shampoo. The rest of them tend to be overpriced and useless. 

This celebrity’s dreads are really cool. Can you make my dreads look like theirs?

I’m really happy you have done some research and discovered what thickness of dreads might look best for you! However, your dreads are going to look like your dreads because everybody’s hair behaves differently. I can definitely make your dreads the same thickness as the celebrity’s dreads and I will try my best to do so if you specify this. In the long run, different hair behaves differently, so it’s best to just accept that your dreads are going to be an expression of you and not Hollywood. Another thing to think about with this is that a lot of celebrities with dreads have had them for YEARS, so of course their dreads are beautiful and desirable. Your dreads will be just as beautiful if you keep them for a number of years. 

I have scalp problems. Will dreads still work for me? 

Depending on the severity of scalp problems you might be experiencing, dreads may not work for you. I am worried about aggravating pre-existing conditions. I suggest that you speak to your dermatologist about permanently matting your hair before you go ahead and do so. My knowledge about dreads will never surpass the advice of a licensed medical professional.

I hate looking after my difficult hair. Once I get dreads I can just leave my hair to do its own thing, right? 

In the beginning, you have to be conscientious of your dreads trying to grow together at the root unless you would like a big beaver tail at the back of your head. Dreads are a commitment and if you invest a modest amount of time into them, you will reap the rewards.

New Dreads

Why do my new dreads stick up and make me look like Sideshow Bob?

This is just because your hair is suddenly very tight and stiff against your scalp. They usually relax in 3-5 days after your first wash. 

My dreads are great, but when will they look how I expect dreads to look? 

Whoa, slow down there. Dreads require a lot of patience and about 6 months to a year to mature, no matter how they’re created. In our culture of instant gratification, it’s common for people to want results “now”. No one, however good they are, can make hair do what it does naturally any faster than the hair wants to do it.  If you need a little reassurance, view any of my clients for whom I’ve done an update. You’ll notice that their dreads get more and more fabulous every time I see them!

I just washed my dreads for the first time and I think they’re falling out! HELP!

They’re not falling out. It’s very common for dreads to loosen up on their first wash. I commonly compare dreads to sponges. You know how sponges stretch out and get more squishy when they’re wet? Dreads are like that. They’ll return to normal soon when they dry. Also, new dreads go through phases of loosening and thickening up as the knots get denser. No need to worry. 

Do I have to have new growth re-crocheted or re-backcombed periodically? 

No, no, no! This is a surefire way to damage your hair. The only thing I will do is solidify any weak spots and sew loose hairs in with a blunt sewing needle (tapestry needle). Dreads dread on their own. 

Mature Dreads

Can I condition my mature dreads? 

I would be very careful with this, but yes it can be done. Don’t attempt this unless your dreads are established, mature dreads, and at least 1.5 years old. Use an amount of conditioner about the size of a dime, rub your palms together, and run it over your dreads on the outside. Do not massage the conditioner into the dread. Rinse very well. Do not do this every time you wash them; save it for when they feel extra-scratchy. 

Can I dye my dreads? 
Of course, but I’m not an expert on it. If you wish to undertake this yourself, there’s a very good FAQ on this here.  

Tools and Techniques

Why do you spend so much time on the dreads you do when some salons do them in half the time?

    I take pride in my work. Dreads are something I genuinely enjoy creating for people. While I independently book all of my appointments, someone doing dreads at a salon may attempt to see 2-4 people per day to maximize the profit for the salon. To make the dreading process quicker, most salons use wax. This allows them to stick some hair together, get the dreads done in half the time, and frequently charge twice what I do. Unfortunately, this isn’t the best method to do dreads and salons often suggest coming back every two weeks for expensive maintenance appointments. Meanwhile, I stick to my principles and try to give every client the best dreads I can create and let him/her benefit from the wealth of knowledge I have amassed in my free time. Dreading without wax takes more time because I create the knots myself and give every client the best experience I can possibly aim for.

I read that crocheting/backcombing can damage hair and dreads. 

    This is a hotly debated topic on dread communities and forums throughout the internet. One camp of people asserts that since it is true that hair dreads naturally, one should just stop brushing his or her hair, keep washing it, let the hair dread, and separate into sections. This is called the neglect method. There’s nothing wrong with this method. It can take years for dreads to form this way. People who advocate neglect often propose that backcombing and crocheting can damage hair and therefore, the dreads that are created this way are not as strong. 
    I am in the other camp. While, the neglect method does eventually, after many years, result in dreads, a kickstart does not hurt. Many people continue to start their dreads with either backcombing or a combination of backcombing/crocheting to no ill effect. Hair follicles must be rough in order to knot up. However, if backcombing or crocheting is performed too vigorously or by those who might be inexperienced, it can break the hair.     
    This is why research is important when either you or someone else creates your dreads. The damage that is perceived by some to be done by crocheting or backcombing results in re-backcombing or re-crocheting the roots, thereby weakening the already strained hair that is there. Remember, the roots of your dreads have a lot of weight on them. After the initial backcombing/crocheting is done to begin the dreads, it is not beneficial to repeat this process on the roots that grow in. Instead, they should be allowed to grow in on their own. Any loose hairs should be gently weaved in with a tapestry needle.  Remember that is is perfectly normal to have 1-2 inches of loose hair at the root of your dreads!