Daily I get asked, How do I start my new dreads?
So - here I will answer your question.....
Starting new dreads - I kind of want to say "Come on guys, really? I'm a loctician and I love neat dreads! How do you think I'm going to answer this question??" My short answer is go see a GOOD NATURAL loctician. The days of sitting around with your friends eating pizza and watching movies while they backcomb your hair and apply wax has gone. Really. Its gone. Having dreads is much more serious than that - I mean don't you want your new dreads to be AMAZING and exactly what you're dread-dreaming about?
For that you need a loctician. Full stop.
You can let them form naturally (I've done it myself in the past a couple of times), and if you have really dry curly hair then you may get some good dreads. Or you may get a matted mess that's half-dreaded and half-hair still 12 months later.
Another thing I want to mention here is the amount of people who profess that they can make dreadlocks because they have watched how do to it on YouTube. Do you really want your dreads done by someone who's simply watched a few YouTube videos of a guy in Thailand making dreads? I certainly would not. I personally would want my loctician to be someone who has spent time learning this skill via a reputable teacher, and has had lots of practice and has a genuine LOVE for dreads and knows pretty much everything dreadlock. I know here in Byron Bay every second backpacker seems to "know" how to dreadlock - but what that usually means is interlocking (weaving the ends through the bases), and that is NOT a dreadlock in any way, shape or form!
Can you taste my dislike for irresponsible and unethical so-called 'dreadlockers'....? Yep.
So please, get your dreads done properly. Your dreads you will no doubt have for many many years to come - if not forever, so start them right. A good foundation is everything. They need to be sectioned properly, the lengths created evenly and tightly (so there is no undreaded areas which would become vulnerable to breakage). There are loads of factors and a good loctician will just know their stuff.
When you go and check out a loctician be sure to ask questions and look around. Heres what i mean:
- Do they have dreads, and if so do you like them?
- Ask them to describe their method in detail. If it involves wax, chemicals, excessive length loss, interlocking, thread - walk out.
- Where did they learn their craft? And how long have they been making dreads? Do they have pictures of work they have done? Do you like the dreads in the pictures?
- Do they seem interested in you and your new dreads? (I know myself when someone is coming for dreads I get excited for them - I KNOW what it means to make that decision and I want to share their enthusiasm)
- What will the price be... exactly? I've heard stories of people being quoted $400 and then being told at the end it will be $650. That is very unethical to me. If you are quoted a price THAT will be the price.
Ask ask ask - anything you think of. Even if it feels stupid, ask.
Lastly, please know that I'm not against naturally formed dreads at all - as I said I've had them myself - but I do personally love neater dreads and like them to have a good solid start in life these days. Some of my clients have naturally formed dreads and I LOVE them, they are gorgeous; but they have also been really lucky to have hair that will dread up naturally and well.
What are your thoughts on new dreads? Did you ever use something a bit weird to make your dreads? If you have any stories Id love to hear about them.
Sam x
