Dreadlocks, a hairstyle steeped in culture and meaning, are much more than just an aesthetic trend. They represent a lifestyle, a spiritual journey, and a strong sense of individual identity. Growing dreadlocks is an exciting adventure, but to achieve this transformation successfully, choosing the right starting point for your hair type is essential. In this article, we'll explore the different hair types and the best starting point for dreadlocks to consider for optimal results.
How to identify your hair type?
Hair type classification is generally divided into four main categories, each with subcategories:
👉 The closer you are to type 4, the tighter and denser your curls are. This is due to the shape of the hair follicles, which become increasingly oval and asymmetrical. This unique structure promotes the natural formation of dreadlocks, but also hair dryness, hence the importance of proper maintenance.
— Straight/smooth hair
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1A: Very thin and completely smooth
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1B: Slightly thicker with a slight volume
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1C: Stiff, but thicker and sometimes slightly wavy
〰️ Wavy hair
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2A: Slight "S" shaped undulations
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2B: More pronounced waves, with frizz
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2C: Thick waves, close to curls
➰ Curly hair
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3A: Wide and soft loops
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3B: Tighter, well-defined curls
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3C: Very tight, corkscrew curls
➿ Curly hair
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4A: Ultra-tight spiral loops
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4B: Less defined "Z" shaped loops
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4C: Extremely dense and tight loops
How to start growing dreadlocks?
There are several ways to start your dreadlocks. Here are the main methods:
🔹 Vanillas
The hair is separated into sections and twisted (coiled) around itself. This method is ideal for curly to kinky hair (types 3 and 4) because it uses the hair's natural structure to facilitate the formation of locks.
🔹 Braids (cornrows)
The hair is braided, and over time, the strands will become tangled and transform into dreadlocks. This process can take longer, but it provides good hold for thicker textures.
🔹 Backcombing (creping)
This method involves backcombing the hair with a comb to create volume, then rolling it to form the locks. It is primarily used for straight or wavy hair (types 1 and 2), which is more difficult to tangle naturally.
🔹 Sponge/ Towel/ Washcloth
This is a popular technique used primarily on short and kinky hair (types 4A, 4B and 4C). It allows you to create dreadlocks quickly using a special perforated sponge or a towel/glove.
It is a practical, quick and effective method , often preferred by those who want to achieve a textured look with emerging locks without using braids or twists.
🔹 Crochet
A small hook needle is used to pull the hair through the base of the strands, allowing for immediate tightening. This technique is very effective for all hair types.
🔹 Comb coils (comb twists)
Starting with comb coils is one of the most popular techniques for beginning dreadlocks on kinky or curly hair (types 3C, 4A, 4B, and 4C) . It involves wrapping each section of hair using a fine-tailed comb to create well-defined spirals that will develop into dreadlocks over time.
🔹 Freeform
No manipulation required, just washing and patience. The hair will naturally tangle and form dreadlocks. This method works best for type 4 hair.
🔹 Semi-Freeform
Unlike completely freeform dreadlocks, which form without any intervention, semi-freeform dreadlocks allow the hair to tangle naturally while lightly maintaining the roots to prevent the strands from fusing too much or the regrowth from becoming unmanageable. You can start this style with any technique, but you should never redo it.
Conclusion
Starting with a sponge is an excellent method if you want to begin your dreadlocks simply and naturally . It's ideal for short, curly hair and offers a quick and aesthetically pleasing result . However, it requires regular maintenance to properly secure the dreadlocks in the long term.
➡️ Don't hesitate to check out my video on the 7 techniques to start your dreadlocks in 2025 🔥