Have i got this right?

[absolutebrutal]

Okay so i'm seriously considering starting dreadlocks over the summer. I've looked into it a bit and read every thread on this section of the forum, and as far as I can make out I just need to section my hair and then back comb the sections? then what exactly? do i leave the rubber bands in or take them out as i backcomb?

most of the sites i've seen suggest using hair wax but i know not to bother with that (thanks to the advice from you girls here), and many of them aren't clear on what to do once i've actually backcombed my dreads etc...

any help would be fab.

[kyandii]

dont leave the rubber bands in, it damages the dreads

[absolutebrutal]

i backcombed, i've done two as an experiement, if they turn out okay i'll keep adding more. i didn't use wax or rubber bands.

question; as my hair grows will the dreads grow out with it? or shall i keep backcombing as it grows to maintain the dreads?

[princessOfpOi]

Your hair will dread naturally as it grows, and also try to eat a fair bit of the surrounding loose hair, keep an eye on that.. As long as you've backcombed thoroughly, they should lock up fine, just try to keep conditioner off them when washing the rest of your hair. You can palm roll them too if you like, or leave them to their own devices, but be sure to take some pictures and show them off.

[absolutebrutal]

ah awesome, thanks for the help so far. i backcombed as much as i could. theres a fair bit of frizzy, flyaway bits, is there anything i can do with them? will they stop once a 'proper' dreadlock grows/forms?

i've mooched all over the LJ community and found some useful info, yay!

[princessOfpOi]

Heh, frizz is a given at the beginning I'm afraid, you could always try and crochet in the strays in a couple of months when they've matured a little, just try and leave them alone for now, watching them develop and change is part of the fun.

[absolutebrutal]

right. i've gone for the full monty. i spent hours backcombing my hair tonight, have got a head full of natural newbie dreads in all thicknesses. YAY! pics when i'm with my camera next.

[Icky-nay]

You can also convince those new growth hairs and frizzies to dread in by palm rolling (basically, put the dread between your index and middle finger on both hands or using your head as the second 'hand'. Leave an inch slack and roll it almost like you're making a clay ball). You can also wear a wool hat and rub them around and against each other under the hat to help stimulate matting.

[Suki_Stardust]

My friend has had dreads for 4 years now and they are in great condition imo bands serve a purpose and don't do too much damage to the dread.
I don't get why lots of people (not specifically here, just in general) are so militant about bands, wax and actually helping dreads mature. If it's not hurting where's the harm?

[Aphrodite]

http://www.dreadlocktruth.com/ That is a good forum for real dreads. And everybody there will give you all advice you need (including me). Don't use wax or any other stuff, you don't need it.

[Phoenix]

Felting needles work wonders for poking in stray hairs and solidifying the dread but can leave them feeling a little coarse.

[Suki_Stardust]

http://www.dreadlocktruth.com/ That is a good forum for real dreads. And everybody there will give you all advice you need (including me). Don't use wax or any other stuff, you don't need it.

Tbh I've been doing dreads for a while now and I think that proper wax use is a good thing and should be advocated. I read a lot of the threads on that forum and their attitude to anything other than the neglect or patience method was slightly alarmist in my opinion.

Here's what I know from personal experience and that of the girls who taught me (in total around 10 years or more) on bands and wax
- Bands don't weaken or damage the hair if used properly. I do dreads with bands and with thread and neither appear to be better or worse off for either technique. I do offer my clients the choice however. Sure elastic bands harm hair if they are not specifically for braiding or dreadlock use but buying from hair specialists you should be safe.
- Band can help people with minimal dread experience keep their hair looking tidy and stop roots growing together when they don't know what they are doing maintenance wise. My friends dreads are strong and healthy and she uses bands still 4 years on when the frizz gets too much.
- wax when used properly is good for dreads. why else would people have started putting it in dreads in the first place? A tiny bit wax every 6 months properly melted through will help moisturise and strengthen the dread. Don't use it as some sort of dread glue and you'll be okay
Also wax is a nice easy way to get your dreads looking presentable for things like weddings and job interviews. I'm not saying wax all the time. I'm not saying to use wax if you really don't want it in your hair.

Bands are a good idea if you don't know too much about dread maintenance in my opinion, just steer clear of low quality ones which can melt in your hair. I find the ones from sally quite good or orthodontic bands cause they are clear.

[earthymamawitch]

you'll find alot of information on dreads here: http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memori ... p_dread_up

One of the *best* resources out there. Good luck!

Jenn