Dreadlocks - extravagant hairstyle, representing tangled curls. Despite the laboriousness, it can be done even at home. There are various ways to create these braids. For example, the technique of curling, weaving, rubbing with wool, and other methods.
Dreadlocks for women and men
The word dreadlocks is translated from English as "frightening curls". Dreadlocks (loki) have been popular among representatives of informal youth subcultures for many years. They are visually very similar to braids, but have a slightly different creation technology.
Male and female dreadlocks practically do not differ from each other except in shades and thickness. This hairstyle is classified as unisex. Usually girls prefer to wear bright multi-colored braids, while guys choose more restrained colors.
For the fairer sex, craftsmen weave thin graceful ropes, and for men they make coarser mats of felt or wool. Although female lokas can be made from the same materials.
Girls can collect dreadlocks in original compositions on their heads, securing them with all kinds of hairpins, elastic bands. Such tourniquets look great in a hairstyle like a "malvinka" placed on the back of the head.
Most often, women of fashion braid a wide braid from dreadlocks or make a tail. In professional stores for locks sell a large number of special rings, jewelry like pendants. A knot gathered at the back of the head will also look incredibly feminine.
Many guys do dreadlocks on long, short curls. Often, brutal men complement such tourniquets with shaved temples. Well-made mats look creative and stylish, they add volume to hairstyles, do not require special care.
At what age can dreadlocks be done?
Dreadlocks should not be done on children and people with a high level of sensitivity, because such a procedure is very painful. Safe artificial curls are more suitable for them. For everyone else, such hairstyles are not contraindicated. However, many masters do not undertake to braid locks for children, since the scalp at this age is very delicate.
Hair length and structure for braiding curls
You can make dreadlocks at home from your hair if their length is at least 10-15 cm. They are also braided to a height of 5-7 cm, but then there is a high probability that the bundles will begin to unravel. To create artificial locks with lengthening with kanekolon or felt, a strand length of 8-10 cm is suitable.
Hair type is important for dreadlocks.
This hairstyle is best done on thick, dense straight or curly, curly strands. Afrokos should not be done if the curls are thin, brittle or repeatedly colored. They simply will not withstand heavy loads when braiding plaits.
Types of dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are classified into several varieties, which are made using different technologies from different materials.There are closed, open views.
The most popular lock types are:
- "Safe". They are "put on" like stockings on their own strands. Such blanks are made from kanekalon threads. This material can deform if the harnesses are dried with a hairdryer, from which the locks lose their appearance to the rhinestone. Its main advantage is that this method allows you to quickly remove dreadlocks without harming your hair at all.
- Double. They are often chosen to create a steampunk image. These locks are weaved according to the classical scheme - their strands are combined with kanekolons. They are intertwined like a spiral. But it is more difficult to care for them than for JJ harnesses.
- From felt. Such dreadlocks resemble Afrokos made from kanekolon. They are put on their hair like covers. These dreadlocks look unnatural, but they have a certain charm. Plus, they can be easily removed.
- "Dangerous". This is what traditional dreadlocks are called. They use their own hair to create them. The minimum length of the strands should be at least 10 cm. Such braids can be washed, dried, but the locks must be braided periodically. They understand quite painfully. In this case, the hair is severely damaged, and the weaving process itself is very unpleasant.
- "Industrial". They are created using a wire frame. Usually, these dreadlocks stick out in all directions, and the wire structure supports the lock until they grow below shoulder level. This hairstyle is incredibly effective, but it is rather uncomfortable to sleep with it.
- De-dreadlocks. They are also called "safe". This type of tangles is somewhat shocking to those around, for which they received such a name as "terrible", "frightening". You don't need your own strands to create such dreadlocks. The harnesses have two ends. The braids are attached to real strands. As a result, a pair of strands is created, resembling an eight in shape. That's why the name is - "double end" - "Double Ended".
- Gray dreadlocks. The same safe varieties. The original name of the locks is "Singl Ended" which means "single end". They differ in weaving technology. Here the loop is only on one side, while De-locks have both.
- Jah dreadlocks. Braids like these are made in factories and are considered safe as well. These bundles are the smoothest and thinnest. Moreover, they are multi-colored. Often they are complemented by braidamia, Senegalese braids. Their standard length is approximately 80 cm.
Materials
At home, you can make dreadlocks on your own both on your own strands and using artificial locks.
They are usually made from the following materials:
- kanekolona (so called synthetic fibers, they come in different lengths, different shades);
- wool;
- felt.
Accessories
The hairstyle will turn out even more spectacular if you use various decorations. These can be purchased at specialized dreadlocks stores.
It can be all kinds of accessories:
- metal rings;
- wood beads;
- copper, curly, spiral braids;
- various tubes;
- headbands;
- pendants and other decorative items.
What do you need to weave dreadlocks yourself?
To create dreadlocks, you need the following materials and tools:
Wax | This is the main element in creating locks. It is very important that it is of high quality. The purity, structuredness, shine of the harnesses depend on it. This tool not only fixes the braids, but also cares for the hair. |
Rubber bands | They should not be overly tight, dense. Their pressure can significantly damage the strands. |
Clamps | You should choose durable fixtures that do not have any decorative details or additional elements. |
Large comb | A fine-toothed comb with a comfortable handle is best. It should not be overly streamlined. It is used for combing tangles. |
Lock blanks | It will take about 40 - 60 pieces. |
Needle | It should be long with a wide ear. |
Threads | You must choose the color of your hair. |
Hair dryer | They dry their hair. |
Hook | It is used to thread curls through the lock. |
How to make safe dreadlocks at home?
Before you start to weave safe dreadlocks, you should purchase kanekolones - synthetic hair of the required length and shade. If desired, they can be easily removed without damaging the hair.
Artificial dreadlocks
A similar technique is suitable for owners of short strands. It is necessary to prepare shampoo, wax, gum. And, of course, there are synthetic blanks. Their length should be 3 times their own curls.
Weaving pattern:
- To begin with, the entire mass of hair on the head should be divided like squares. Their size should be about 2.5 cm. The resulting tails must be fixed with elastic bands.
- Next, each bundle must be divided into 3 strands. Now you should add a synthetic curl to one of them.
- Then, a classic braid should be woven from 3 tails. There will be 1 artificial thread inside it. The tourniquet is fixed with an elastic band at the bottom.
- Next, you need to take another kanekolon strand and tightly wrap the braided braid with it from the base to the very tip.
- At the end, the woven tourniquet must be pulled off with an elastic band, and then wax should be applied to its surface.
Ready Ja Dreadlocks
Making dreadlocks at home using a similar technique will be the fastest and safest for your hair. However, it is the most expensive one. Because completely ready-made locks are used. Moreover, they can be very different - all kinds of colors, sizes.
There are even luminous, ultraviolet examples.
Instructions for creating afrokos:
- First of all, you should buy ja-dreadlocks of the desired shade, size and diameter.
- The hair will need to be divided into sectors, focusing on the number of locks acquired. Then they are simply attached to their own strands.
- Such harnesses should be attached to hair with a height of 5 cm. They can be worn without removing for about six months. They are created according to the same pattern with De-dreadlocks, which is located just below.
DE-dreadlocks
Such loks are braided kanekolonnye bundles of various lengths, thicknesses, colors. They are attached to natural strands with an elastic band, strong thread, or sewn on.
- You should take multi-colored or plain blanks and divide them with an elastic band in half in the center.
- Next, one part must be fixed motionless in order to comb another bundle.
- Now the mats need to be combed with a fine comb. Then you need to turn it over and do the same procedure with the second curl.
- You should get a finished combed tourniquet. He will have an elastic band in the middle.
- Next, you need to select a strand on the head.
- Then you should attach this dreadlock to it from the middle, where the elastic is, fixing it with a thread or elastic.
- As a result, one part of the woven locus remains free, the other is an extension of one's own hair.
How to make natural dreadlocks?
It is quite possible to make dreadlocks at home, natural and neat. To begin with, hair should be washed with soap or shampoo, which does not contain various artificial additives. The prepared strands should be smooth, dry, obedient. All curls should be divided into small zones - about 2X2 cm, securing the bundles with elastic bands.
Combing
The procedure should start from the occipital region.
- It is necessary to remove the fixing device from each ponytail, and then comb it, moving the comb from the end towards the hair roots.
- While combing the strands, rotational movements should be made.
- It is necessary to work until the hair gets tangled in a tangled bun that will no longer give in to combing.
- Next, the mats should be rolled between the palms like plasticine.
- Then leave an end of about 10 mm.It needs to be treated with wax, and then heated with a hairdryer until the substance is absorbed.
Rubbing with wool
Dreadlocks rubbed with wool is another technology for creating exotic Afrokos with your own hands.
- All hair should be rubbed thoroughly in a circle using woolen gloves or a scarf.
- The strands should turn into one voluminous, fluffy mat.
- Further, this knocked down lump should be divided into equal parts.
- Then you need to add wax, and each strand should be rolled with your palms for at least 15 minutes.
- After the tourniquets are fixed in turn with rubber bands.
- The knocked out ends must be inserted into the tangles using a hook.
Rolling
This method is very suitable for naturally curly curls.
- Hair should be divided into square sections. Their approximate size is 1 - 2 cm. The collected tails should be fixed with small elastic bands.
- Next, you need to take a curl, smear with wax. Then it should be twisted clockwise, while pressing the ends with a comb.
- This procedure should be repeated every day for 2 to 3 weeks. The result should be natural dreadlocks.
- At the end of the process, a shiny wax must be spread over the tourniquets to give them shine.
Weaving
Of all the methods, the weaving method is considered the most painful.
It must be done in stages:
- First, the strands should be divided into small equal sections, securing the bundles with elastic bands. You can use a knitting needle.
- It is best to start the work from the bangs. You need to take one strand, twist it into a bundle.
- Next, the mats should be divided into 2 parts with a sharp movement (while the hair may crack).
- Then each tail taken from these two curls must be divided in half again. After that, one binding should be done like a braid.
- This procedure is repeated until the entire curl is braided.
- Loose hair must be cut off immediately or crocheted back into the bundle.
- Finished locks should be waxed.
Pigtails
Making dreadlocks like braids at home is very simple.
- First of all, you need to form ponytails. Their number is determined at will.
- Next, each strand is braided into a tight braid until the very end.
- Then the spikelets are smeared with wax and rolled for a long time with palms until their formation is complete.
Industrial option
To create such dreadlocks, you will need wire and wax.
- As usual, the strands should be divided into squares and then waxed.
- Next, a piece of wire must be attached to the middle of the curl and wrap the finished harness with it.
Dreadlocks like Margenstern
The famous rapper's hairstyle is created using special crochet hooks. Such devices confuse curls, placing them in a certain order. His bundles are formed entirely from his own hair. But if natural strands are not enough, you can build them up, for example, with synthetic kanekalons.
Hairstyle scheme:
- First of all, the curls should be divided into zones like squares. The thickness of the dreadlocks depends on the amount of hair in the bun.
- It is also necessary to shave the temporal zones.
- Next, each strand should be rolled up by hand. Then, at the end of the mat, it is necessary to make a fleece and move it to the base of the harness. This procedure is done until it becomes dense.
- Next, an elastic band is tied at the end of the tail so that the lock does not disintegrate. This design is not very beautiful.
- Therefore, you can use a crochet hook to help thread the strands.
- At the end of the procedure, wax should be applied to the afrokos.
Dreadlocks Gone Fludd
Gon Fludd's hairstyle is created on the minimum hair length. Their height is about 6 - 7 cm. These are extended harnesses using kanekolon using the same technology as artificial dreadlocks. They are selected to match their strands. Additional devices add volume to the mats, lengthen them.
Hair, divided into squares, resembles a honeycomb, placed in a chaotic manner. The rapper's hairstyle has about 28 - 30 Afrokos, which he collects in 2 tails on both sides of his head. To add brightness to his image, the singer paints the harnesses in red shades.
All Gon Fladd dreadlocks have the same average height and are quite thick. At the base, they are held by silicone clips, then they expand. Hair is cut short enough at the back of the head, temples and grows freely.
Like Kizaru
Dreadlocks like Kizaru are a safe type of lock. It is quite possible to unravel them, keeping the length of the strands.
The hairstyle is done with the addition of kanekolon, which will require several packages.
You also need to prepare nail scissors, a damp sponge, and an iron. And, of course, rubber bands.
- The hair should be divided into separate tails by pulling them together with an elastic band.
- Further, along the entire length of each strand, it is necessary to form a koltun, helping yourself with a comb.
- Then it is pressed with fingers or a damp sponge.
- When the locks are formed, they are ironed with an iron. Naturally, the harnesses are taken in turn.
- Next, kanekalon blanks are attached to the finished mats.
- They are fixed with an iron or varnish.
- Finally, the cords should be wiped with a damp sponge to securely hold.
Hair care
Dreadlocks look incredibly stylish, but require careful maintenance:
- "Dangerous" locks should not be washed during the first month. They need to be rolled at the roots every day to form dense, tight bundles.
- Masters recommend cleaning afrokos with tar soap, because shampoos are not as effective.
- The head must be washed no more than once a month.
- On sale there are special cosmetics for the care of dreadlocks. They relieve irritation from the scalp, are easily washed off, and prevent unpleasant odors.
- To wash the mats, you can only use warm water at room temperature.
- It is useful to rinse dreadlocks with sea water. It heals braids, also removes irritation. For the same purposes, you can use a decoction of chamomile, calendula, linden.
- Olive, almond, jojoba oils will relieve itching irritation from the scalp, provided that there are no synthetic additives in their formulations.
- It is strictly forbidden to use various balms, conditioners, masks to care for dreadlocks. And also heat protective sprays.
- It is imperative to massage the scalp to restore blood flow. Thus, hair loss is prevented, migraines are prevented.
- Artificial dreadlocks should be washed once every 7 days using shampoo diluted with water. However, conditioner and masks cannot be used.
- Any types of locks should not be dried with a hairdryer, wound on a curling iron. They can be washed in the morning or during the day so that the tourniquets can dry well. After the cleaning procedure, the mats must be blotted with a towel.
Unweaving methods
The easiest way is to undo the “safe” dreadlocks. The whole procedure can take from 5 - 6 hours to 2 - 3 days.
- First of all, it is necessary to remove the synthetic kanekolon blank or cut it off.
- Then you should carefully undo each braid from your hair. You can use a crocheted hook or fork.
- Next, the curls must be rinsed well.
- In the future, your hair will need careful care. It will be useful to do restoring masks.
- Loki can be washed, dried and used again.
"Dangerous" types of dreadlocks are best unweaved by a master in order to maximize the quality and length of the strands. But this is still quite difficult to do, so many people simply cut their curls to allow new hair to grow.
But you can try to do this procedure yourself at home if you follow these instructions:
- The ends of the mats should be cut by 1 - 2 cm.
- The tourniquets must be soaked in hot water for 10 minutes. so that they soften well.
- Hair should be washed with a good professional shampoo designed for deep cleansing.
- The head and strands must be soaped several times, and then rinsed thoroughly until the water becomes clear.
- Next, the conditioner should be distributed over the entire length of the curls. The product must be well rubbed into each tourniquet with your hands.
- Then from the end of the braid it is necessary to step back 1 cm and begin to unravel it. You can use a metal skeletal comb that has a thin handle, crochet hook, or needle.
- Further, as the strands are untangled, it is necessary to comb the free curls.
- During the procedure, locks should be periodically moistened with water. You can use cosmetic oil to make the process easier.
- After all the bundles have been detangled, the hair should be rinsed again using conditioner. And then you need to make a regenerating mask.
Dreadlocks no doubt look very original, shocking and stylish. They can be made both by a master and at home. But before you decide on such a hairstyle, you should weigh the pros and cons well, so that later there will be no disappointments. After all, locks need systematic care.
Dreadlocks Videos
Preparation for braiding dreadlocks: