5 Simple Ways You Can Start Dreadlocks On Short Hair
written by kaila Daley
So you’re thinking about starting your loc journey. I get it.
Dreadlocks are a great way to wear your hair and express yourself. However, there are several methods that you should consider before you commit to this pretty permanent hairstyle.
Each method may not only look different after the hair has fully locked but may also require a different level of maintenance and cost.
This is why it is extremely important to know which method is right not only for your
aesthetic but also for your lifestyle.
#1 Comb Coils
Current client photo
Pros: Comb coils are generally a very easy starter loc method for most curly hair types. All you need is a fine-tooth rat tail comb and a product of choice to create the coils. This can be done by the individual person or a loctician for more accurate parting and size.
Also the shorter your hair the faster it will take for your coils to lock up. Comb coils are known for their uniform look compared to other methods like two-strand twists and are a great style just on their own when they are first installed.
Lastly, this method is one that can be done faster than others like interlocking and two-strand twists.
Cons: Comb coils are notorious for unraveling especially with looser textured hair types. That is why this method is recommended for men and women who have tighter curls like type 3-4 hair.
Comb coils can become very frizzy after they have been washed compared to other methods like braid locs.
Maintenance: Comb coils can be maintained by comb coiling the new growth the same way the coils were installed, they can also be twisted or palm rolled after the locs have matured a bit.
This starter loc method could cost anywhere from £100 ($140 US dollars) and up depending on the length of the hair.
#2 Two Strand Twists
Pros: Two strand twists are another great way of starting your loc journey. They can be pretty much done by anyone who knows how to do twists however I would still recommend going to a loctician for accurate sizing and parting.
If you are someone who likes a thicker more voluminous look to your locs then two strand twists could be the right method for you. This method is very easy to install and is a lot faster than other methods such as braids or interlocking.
Cons: One thing to keep in mind with twists is that the pattern can take several months up to a year to completely disappear and fully lock up. Another thing to expect with two strand twists is that they can swell a lot in size compared to the initial installation.
While this is a great style for someone looking for a fuller look you still have to take into account that two strands twists also shrink up to half the length or more especially with tighter coiled hair types.
Maintenance: So the up keep for twists are fairly easy in terms of retwists. They are usually palm rolled or twisted as a whole in one particular direction. They are also known for unravelling as well so you may have to get them retwisted more often than other methods depending on the look you’re going for and your loctician’s recommendations.
This starter loc method could cost anywhere from £100 ($140 US dollars) and up depending on the length of the hair.
#3 Braids
Pros: Braids have become a more popular way to start locs. They are fairly easy to do and look good as a style in and of itself. Braid locs hardly unravel because of the way they are installed as opposed to two strand twists or comb coils.
Braids look a lot neater than some of the other methods. There tends to be a lot less frizz and more length so if that is something you like then you should take this into consideration. This style can be done by anyone and is recommended for curly to coily hair types. Straight hair will not hold braids as effectively.
Cons: Because the braids are so compact it takes an extremely long time for the braids to fully lock up, 3-4 years in and the braid pattern could still be very visible. Braid locks do not offer as much volume as two strand twists or comb coils.They will also take a longer time to install than other methods
Maintenance: Braid locks can be done at any size but the smaller your braid locks are the more it will cost to maintain because interlocking is usually done at the root.
The bigger the braid locks then the retie can be done via interlocking or retwisting. This starter loc method could cost anywhere from £100 ($140 US dollars) and up depending on the length of the hair and size of the locs.
#4 Sisterlocks
Pros: Sisterlocks are very small uniform dreadlocks that rely on a specific grid pattern and are great for women who want a lot of flexibility with their hair. Sisterlocks are very versatile.
You can do almost anything with sisterlocks that you can do with your loose natural hair and that is why a lot of women love it. Sisterlocks are very easy to manage and do not get as frizzy as other methods.
This is a great option for women who have short hair because they can be done with 1.5 to 3 inches of hair to start with. Women with all textures can get sisterlocks because of the interlocking method which allows for very little to no unravelling.
Cons: Sisterlocks can only be done by a certified sisterloctician or trainee which you can find on their website. Sisterlocks is the method that takes the longest to do for the simple fact that you have to follow a specific 3 to 4 point rotation from ends to roots depending on the state of your hair.
Sisterlocks can easily break or fall out if the parting size is too small and the locs are too big for the base.
Maintenance: Sisterlocks can be retied every 4-6 weeks. They should be braided and banded when being washed to prevent any slippage.
A Sisterlock installation can run you anywhere from £400 to £1200 ($600-$1300) depending on the length and density of the hair and the upkeep can also be costly.
#5 Backcombing
Pros: Backcombing can be done on most hair types however it is usually recommend for people with straighter or wavy textures like type 1-2.
Backcombing gives the hair a kind of instantly locked look using a specific type of comb of a regular comb and then is usually finished off with a crochet tool and palm rolling.
Cons: This method can require a lot of manipulation to the hair and may leave the scalp very tender. Backcombing can take several hours to fully complete depending on the length of the hair and the desired size of the dreadlocks.
Maintenance: Backcombing can be maintained via interlocking for a neater more uniformed look. Interlocking does take a while to complete especially with a large amount of new growth. This can vary in price significantly.
So I’ve covered 5 simple methods you can do to start your dreadlock journey depending on what you’re looking for and what best suits your lifestyle.
If you are in the Wolverhampton or West Midland area you can book a consult with me or give me a call for more information.