Having survived for more than 2,000 years, dreadlock is a trademark of the black. It fits all genders and ages, from men to women, from kids, adults, to the elderly. This post will help you to know more about black female dreads – a popular hairdo worldwide.

Even though dreadlocks have long been popular worldwide, not many people well acknowledge what it is, how to form dreadlocks, as well as the ways to take good care of it. Therefore, by publishing this post, Layla Hair would get you covered with the essentials of dreaded hair so that you could be well prepared for a new hair look.

What are dreadlocks?

Black female dreads are not simply a contemporary hair trend that blows up after one night and then fade away through times. It is also a thing that goes along with the world’s history.

The origin of black female dreadlocks and its cultural importance

Dreadlocks are also known as dreads or locks. Simply speaking, they are ropelike strands of hair that people form by matting or braiding. According to Blencowe (2013), the earliest depictions of this hairstyle dates back to over two centuries ago.

Most people, even the black people, might think this hairstyle is originated from Africa. However, in fact, its earliest trace belongs to Greek culture – one of the earliest European civilization. Depicts that describe individuals with long braided hair were found in Santorini, Greece. People also found other traces of dreadlocks in the arts of different cultures such as ancient Egypt, North Africa, East Mediterranean, etc.

Not only appearing in many cultures, but locs are also associated with religions like Buddhism and Hinduism.

Dreadlocks are a popular hairstyle worldwide nowadays

Nowadays, dreadlocks are the familiar hairstyles of people with African blood. People from different ethnic groups in Africa might have different styles and its significance would vary, also. It is a symbol of deep religious or spiritual convictions and ethnic pride. Black female dreadlocks also represent a free, alternative or natural spirit.

Since Reggae music started to rock the world in the 70s decade thanks to Bob Marley’s music and cultural influence, dreads, or locks, have become a fashionable style globally. It has been loved by famous celebrities, athletes, rappers, and even politicians.

It’s also thanks to the variety of hairstyles and hairdos that locks can be this popular. There exists a wide range of hair braids and dreadlocks styles for both women and men to try. Additional to the traditional black female dreads, you could also enrich your hairdo by trying flat-twist or braids. Some popular trends are a braided bun, flat-twist mohawk, yarn braids, etc.

Dread itself look great, and combining with Jamaican-style clothes would make you look even more appealing. Don’t think it as outdated and “cheap”, cos even luxury brands like Christian Dior have published several collections and shows with models wearing braids and locks.

Read more: These 12 Hair Braids Styles Are Trending Right Now!

Black female singers with dreads hairstyles to copy

The appeal of locs is so irresistible that even A-star celebs would love to put it on. A quick Google search would entail in tens to hundreds of results about singers and celebrities in dreadlocks.

Ava DuVernay, Lauryn Hill, India Irie, Lisa Bonet, etc. are some outstanding names that wear dreadlocks in their daily lives. Even white-skin stars such as Angelina Jolie and Shakira rock it also!  

How to make dreadlocks?

It is not too difficult a task to form dreads. You can go to the hair salon to have your hair matted or just simply make dreadlocks at home.

There are several ways to make locks, such as backcombing, twisting, braiding, etc.

How to backcomb your hair?

You need to prepare:

• Residue-free shampoo
• Rubber bands
• Fine-toothed comb
• Dread Wax

Backcombing seems to be the easiest way to make dreads. Just follow the steps below:

• First, use a reliable residue-free shampoo to wash your hair carefully and let it air dry. You can use a blow dryer if necessary.
• Divide your hair into sections that are 1-1 inch. Have rubber bands hold the sections while you deal with the rest of the hair.
• Begin teasing hair towards the scalp, starting with strands in the back first. Only backcomb around 0.5 inch of hair at a time to prevent dreads from creating loops.
• Once finished, put a rubber band on the tip and one on the root. Apply a small amount of wax to the locks and palm roll it.
• Do the same thing with all sections of hair.

Read more: Top 08 Residue Free Shampoo Dread Heads Should Never Ignore

How to braid hair into dreads?

Prepare the same things as backcombing and do the followings:

• Wash your hair carefully with residue-free shampoo and dry it. This will prevent hair shedding and scalp suffering when you braid it.

• Divide your hair into small sections. Use a rubber band if in need.
• Braid each section one by one. Add a little wax after finishing and then palm roll it. Do the same with all sections to create excellent hair braids.

Make black female dreads by Twist and Rip Method

Whether you are going to make black female dreads by backcombing or twist and rip, the preparation remains the same.

With this method, you will start by sectioning your hair into small parts before washing it. Remember to rub your head in a clockwise motion when shampooing. Once your hair is dry, use force to pull your hair apart and use rubber bands to keep it. After pulling, add a small amount of wax (M&M size) to each dread and palm roll it.

Jump to: How To Twist Dreads Yourself? The Simplest Ways To Follow

How to start dreads with extensions?

In case your hair is too short or fine to make good-looking dreadlocks, you can consider using hair extensions. This item will bring you a thicker and longer hair look, thus enabling you to form any styles you want. For example, you are having a short hair but want to put on shoulder-length dreads, then hair extensions will absolutely a must-have.

Even though there appear to be several kinds of extensions on the market, pick a good one. It is better to use virgin human hair rather than synthetic fibers. It’s easy to style, and won’t affect your real hair. Especially, if you clip it in carefully, it would be hard for others to recognize you are using tricks!

Take a look at our best virgin hair extensions for dreads!

How to take care of black female dreads?

“how to maintain hair dreads?” and “how to maintain hair braid?” are some questions that are often asked. It’s easy to understand as this task seems to be tough even to black women who have worn dreadlocks ever since their young days.

“Can I wash my dreadlocks?”

Of course, you COULD, and you NEED to wash it, or it would become a mess. But it’s important to pay attention to the following when washing it to maintain a good-looking hair finish.

• For the very first week of wearing dreadlocks, leave them unwashed since it is extraordinarily delicate. You might unconsciously loosen and even unravel them by letting them touch the water. Hence, stick your dreads into the shower cap when showering. For God’s sake, do not forgo showering your body as it ain’t good LOL.

• A residue-free shampoo is indispensable. You can wash the locks two to three times per week. Use this kind of shampoo because it could really build up in your hair and form mold in dreadlocks. Never try the normal shampoo as it might loosen your locs in just a few minutes.
• Make them completely dry, whether you let it dry naturally or use a hairdryer. Leave the hair wet might make it stink.
• Regular wax and palm roll. Whenever your dreadlocks seem to be loosening, apply the dread wax and pall roll the hair to tighten it up. It’s better to do this task every week to have a good effect.

How to maintain dreadlocks?

Once you have been familiar with the regular washing, check out our small tips to give your dreadlocks tender loving care as they deserve.

Conditioning spray

Don’t hesitate to invest a good bottle of dread conditioning spray. It will help to add moisture and relieve the irritation when wearing locs.

Dread balling to maintain black female dreads

If you find any strands loosening out, roll them into a ball and then insert it into the nearest locks. After that, palm roll it to make the locks tight.

Wear headscarf when sleeping

It is to avoid them from picking up any lint or fuzz from your pillow when you are sleeping. A leather headscarf is advisable.

How to keep dreads tight at the root?

It is unavoidable that the hair will be loosened when it keeps growing. To tighten up the new hair at roots, apply dread wax and roll the hair with a clockwise motion.

Use natural hair products

Of course, no matter what kinds of hair you are having, natural hair care products are always of better use. It will prevent your head and hair from suffering.

Head massage

Whenever you feel itchy or irritated with your dreads, give it a gentle massage. Just a 5-10-minute massage would help significantly.

Now you have been familiar with the definition of black female dreads, ways to make dreadlocks at home and essential tips to take care of dreadlocks, what you are waiting for? Go ahead and dance your day away with a new dreadlock hairstyle! You only live once, so why to hesitate?

Take a look at the large collection of human hair, hair weave, and hair extensions at Laylahair to see if anything could help you form your beautiful dreadlocks. All our products are sold at factory-based prices, so it would be a great deal.

You can also reach us via our hotline: (+84) 98 96 33 424 (Mobile/WhatsApp) to get support!