Dreadlocks Stages

People in the early stages of the locking process tend to be very impatient. Why? Because growing dreadlocks is an individual process and although I can give you a set guidelines, no two dreadlocks are the same...even if they're on the same head!

As a result, new dreadlocks wearers have numerous questions with regard to how to take care of their hair. The difficult part in answering these questions without having the dreadlocks in front of me is that "What works for one, may not work for another."

Whereas Dwayne who's a freeform dreadlocker might choose to wash his hair daily because he says that doing so helps it dreadlock, Syreeta (a comb-coiler) may prefer to wash hers every three weeks because too much washing causes her dreadlocks to unravel.

So the simplest and most accurate answer when it comes to most questions regarding dreadlocks is "Be patient and do what's best for you and your hair." You won't know what's "best" right off the bat because it takes years to understand your dreadlocks.  Through trial and error you'll learn not to make the same boo-boo twice.

Growing dreadlocks is all about time and patience, but for the most part you can expect to be somewhat dreadlocked by the end of your first year and people with looser African or black hair can expect to be fully dreadlocked at the end of year two.

If it doesn't happen within the given time frame, don't send me emails attesting to the contrary. Maybe your hair is being overly temperamental during its teenage stage and needs some more growing time but don't fret, no matter what your hair type, anyone who has truly stuck with the process should have dreadlocks within 16-18 months...if not sooner.

Either way, calm down, breathe, take everything in stride and listen to your hair. Believe it or not, as you come to learn more and more about each individual dread, you'll find that each has its own story to tell.

There are three relatively distinct stages in the dreadlocking process; baby, teenage and mature. Like human beings, our dreadlocks grow and develop with time, patience and lessons learned. In this section you'll learn more about each individual phase and what you can expect to encounter along the way.

As always, consult a licensed professional before attempting any style.