How To Start Dreadlocks With Braids: Step-by-Step Guide
Intrigued by the allure of dreadlocks and the versatility of braids? Combining these two iconic hairstyles opens up a world of creative possibilities, offering unique looks for both men and women.
Embarking on the journey of creating dreadlocks, particularly those initiated with braids, demands a careful understanding of the process. One method involves starting dreadlocks with braids, a technique that, while popular, presents its own set of considerations. It's essential to recognize that the final appearance of these "braid locs" may require more patience and maintenance than other dreadlock creation methods. This is because the pattern of the braid can often remain visible within the dread, especially during the initial stages of locking, as it's only the hair on the surface that truly undergoes the process of matting and locking. It's worth mentioning that to start locs with braids, a minimum of 5 to 6 inches of hair length is generally recommended to provide sufficient grip and braiding material.
Once you've embarked on this journey, the art of maintaining these braid locs is crucial, with options like palm rolling and interlocking becoming your trusted allies in the quest for well-formed dreadlocks. It is vital to keep sections square to help dreads grow round, and not flat. The size of the sections you create will directly influence the thickness of each dreadlock. Therefore, the larger the section, the thicker the dread. Securing each section with a clip or hair tie ensures the hair stays in place as you work. Remember, in addition to the basic plaiting methods, there are endless variations to create unique and stylish looks. However, while braid locs offer an appealing style, they are not without their challenges. There are pros and cons to consider.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of creating dreadlocks using braids. The process starts with carefully sectioning your hair. The goal is to create even spacing throughout, which helps in achieving a uniform look. Begin by dividing the hair into neat sections. To ensure the dreads and the spacing end up even, you can section all of the hair before you begin plating. The larger the section, the thicker the dreads. It's recommended to keep the sections square. This ensures that the dreads grow round and not flat. Use a clip or a hair tie to secure each section as you proceed. This prevents the hair from unraveling and keeps your sections organized.
When choosing to initiate your dreadlocks with braids, it's essential to recognize that the style demands patience and a commitment to ongoing care. A primary aspect of the process involves braiding the hair, which serves as a foundation for the eventual formation of the dreadlocks. The braiding method you choose, whether it's cornrows or box braids, significantly influences the appearance of the final dreadlocks. Once the hair is braided, it undergoes a process where the hair begins to matt and lock together. It's crucial to start with a clean slate to avoid complications. Moreover, if the goal is to establish permanent dreadlocks, the hair should be thoroughly prepped to create the appropriate conditions for natural locking to take place.
The beauty of dreadlocks extends beyond the individual strands; it's also about the versatility of styling. Plaited locs, which are essentially dreadlocks put into braids, open a gateway to a multitude of creative hairstyles. Think of incorporating French braids, fishtail braids, or even experimenting with a thickly braided bob hairstyle. The aesthetic potential is vast, ranging from the classic appeal of cornrows to the more intricate designs achievable with extension hair.
Another way to style dreadlocks involves using braids. Plaited dreadlocks offer a diverse range of styling options. You can incorporate the french braid, a gorgeous style that many find appealing. The braid size can range from large beaver tails to small plaits. It's important to gently back brush the braid to add volume.
As you delve deeper into styling, consider techniques like the fishtail braid for an alternative look. Incorporating braids into dreadlocks also allows you to experiment with different looks, such as the thickly braided bob. Braids offer a beautiful way to style dreadlocks; the style just touches the shoulder for which it is named. The hair is braided directly against the head. Plaits are flat on the head while braids are usually braided away from the head, causing them to hang down. Also, plaits are made using only three strands of hair while braids are made up of multiple strands.
When considering the application of braids, remember that the texture is an important aspect of the final style. Rather than using standard braiding hair, consider wavy hair extensions. Grab some wavy extension hair to increase the length of the braids. You may braid till the end or stop half way it doesnt matter. Repeat wrapping until you reach the end of the strand.
The time required to braid dreadlocks depends on several factors, including the length and thickness of your dreadlocks, and the complexity of the braiding pattern. It is important to consider that while many love braid locs, they are not perfect.
Here's a table summarizing key aspects of starting and styling dreadlocks with braids:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Method | Braiding (e.g., box braids, cornrows) |
| Hair Length Requirement | At least 5 to 6 inches |
| Sectioning | Section hair evenly to ensure consistent dread sizes. Sections should be square for round dreads. |
| Styling Options | Plaited locs, French braids, fishtail braids, bob haircuts. |
| Maintenance | Palm rolling, interlocking. |
| Materials | Clips or rubber bands/hair elastics, optional: extension hair (water wave hair) |
| Appearance | May initially show braid patterns, surface hair locks. |
Ultimately, the best approach to starting dreadlocks with braids involves a combination of meticulous preparation, creative styling, and consistent maintenance. Whether you're a seasoned stylist or just starting, the possibilities are endless. If you are going for a more elaborate style, you can use extension hair temporarily to increase the length of the braids. With the right techniques and attention to detail, you can confidently create and maintain beautiful, stylish dreadlocks that reflect your individual style.
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