4 Essential Tips on How to Start Dreadlocks With Short Hair

Embark on a captivating journey into the realm of dreadlocks, a hairstyle that exudes individuality and a touch of bohemian flair. Whether you’re a seasoned dreadhead enthusiast or a curious newcomer, preparing your short locks for this transformative experience requires a unique approach. With meticulous care and a touch of patience, you can lay the foundation for stunning dreads that will turn heads and ignite a passion within you.

The art of creating dreadlocks on short hair demands a different set of techniques compared to longer tresses. However, the process is equally rewarding and allows you to embrace your dreadlocks from the very beginning. By employing specific methods tailored to shorter lengths, you can guide the formation of your dreads and shape their character as they evolve. Whether you prefer the freeform approach, where your dreads develop organically over time, or you opt for a more controlled method like twisting or crocheting, there’s a path that aligns with your vision.

As you embark on this journey, remember that patience and consistency are your unwavering companions. The transformation from short hair to dreadlocks is a gradual one, but with each wash and each twist, you’ll witness the beginnings of your dreads taking shape. Embrace the unique charm of your evolving dreads, and enjoy the process of nurturing them into a magnificent expression of your individuality.

Short Hair Suitable for Dreads

Hair Length and Texture

The ideal hair length for starting dreads is at least 3 inches (7.5 cm). Shorter hair can be more difficult to work with and may not form dreads as easily. However, there are some methods, such as the sponge method, that can be effective on shorter hair.

Hair texture also plays a role in dreadlock formation. Coarse, curly hair is more likely to form dreads naturally than fine, straight hair. However, with the right techniques and maintenance, dreadlocks can be achieved on any hair type.

Hair Health

Before starting dreads, it’s important to make sure your hair is healthy and strong. This means avoiding excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and bleach. Damaged hair is more likely to break and may not form dreads as well.

Table: Short Hair Texture Suitability for Dreads

Hair Texture	Suitability for Dreads
Coarse, curly	Excellent
Fine, straight	Moderate
Damaged	Poor

Crochet Method for Short Hair

The crochet method is a popular technique for budding dreadlocks on short hair. It involves using a crochet hook to pull strands of hair into existing dreadlocks or to create new ones. This method provides greater control over the dreadlock’s size and shape, making it ideal for shorter hair lengths.

Materials required:

Item
Crochet hook (size 0.6mm–0.8mm)
Dreadlock residue-free shampoo
Conditioner
Towel
Styling gel (optional)

Steps:

Wash and condition your hair: Thoroughly cleanse your hair with a residue-free shampoo to remove any product buildup. Apply conditioner and leave it in for a few minutes to soften and detangle your hair. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry.
Section your hair: Divide your hair into small sections, approximately 1 inch wide. Using a crochet hook, gently grab a small section of hair close to the root and pull it through the hook.
Pull hair into existing dreadlock or create a new one: If you have existing dreadlocks, pull the hair section through the nearest dreadlock. If you’re creating a new one, focus on a specific area and repeatedly pull hair sections through the hook and roll them together until a dreadlock forms.
Maintain dreads: Periodically wash and condition your dreadlocks using residue-free products. Avoid using styling products that contain heavy oils, as these can buildup and create an unpleasant residue. If desired, apply a small amount of styling gel to your fingertips and lightly rub it onto the dreadlocks to enhance their definition.

Natural Method for Short Hair

Starting dreadlocks with short hair using the natural method is a simple yet effective technique that allows you to gradually create locs without the use of products or chemicals. This method requires patience and consistency, as it involves separating small sections of hair and allowing them to knot together over time.

Sectioning and Separation

To begin, start by separating your hair into small sections of approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter. Use a rat-tail comb or a needle and thread to divide your hair into the desired number of locs. Make sure that the sections are evenly distributed and that you have enough hair in each section to form a sturdy loc.

Encouraging Knotting

Once you have separated your hair into sections, it’s time to encourage the knots to form. This can be done by rubbing the sections together, backcombing with a comb, or palm rolling. If your hair is particularly slippery, you can apply a small amount of beeswax or dreadlock wax to help the sections grip each other better.

Maintaining and Nurturing

As your dreadlocks start to form, it’s important to maintain them by avoiding washing your hair too frequently. Excessive washing can disrupt the knotting process and make your locs loose. Instead, wash your dreadlocks every 2-3 weeks using a residue-free shampoo that won’t build up on your hair. Additionally, use a dreadlock conditioner or spray to keep your locs hydrated and prevent breakage.

Sectioning and Separation:	Small sections of 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter
Encouraging Knotting:	Rubbing, backcombing, palm rolling, beeswax or dreadlock wax
Maintenance and Nurturing:	Wash every 2-3 weeks with residue-free shampoo, use dreadlock conditioner or spray

Patience and Maintenance for Short Hair

Starting dreadlocks with short hair requires patience and consistent maintenance. Follow these tips to nurture your developing dreadlocks:

Maintenance Routine:

– Daily: Use a spray bottle filled with water to mist your dreadlocks. This keeps them hydrated and prevents breakage.

– Weekly: Wash your dreadlocks with a residue-free residue-free shampoo. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently remove any loose hairs.

– Monthly: Palm roll or crochet your dreadlocks to tighten them and encourage them to lock together.

Nutrient-Rich Diet:

Consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals to support healthy hair growth. Incorporate leafy greens, fruits, and lean protein into your diet.

Consider using supplements such as biotin, zinc, and vitamin D to promote hair health and reduce breakage.

Protective Styling:

Use soft bonnets or satin pillowcases when sleeping to prevent friction and tangles.

Cover your dreadlocks with a beanie or scarf when spending extended periods outdoors to protect them from sun damage and wind.

Patience and Consistency:

It’s crucial to be patient and consistent with your maintenance routine. Dreadlocks on short hair typically take longer to form and require more frequent maintenance.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or heat styling tools, as these can damage your developing dreadlocks.

Maintenance Routine	Frequency
Mist with water	Daily
Wash	Weekly
Palm roll / crochet	Monthly

Backcombing Technique for Short Hair

For individuals with short hair, backcombing can effectively initiate dread formation. This method involves brushing the hair against its natural growth direction, creating tangles and knots that will eventually fuse into locs.

Follow these steps to backcomb short hair for dreadlocks:

Dampen the hair: Slightly dampen the hair to increase its flexibility and reduce breakage during the backcombing process.
Section the hair: Divide the hair into small sections, approximately 1-2 inches in width, to facilitate easier backcombing.
Combing technique: Hold a teasing comb at a 45-degree angle to the hair section and move it against the direction of hair growth, creating a rough and tangled texture.
Repeat the process: Continue backcombing each section multiple times, moving the comb from root to tip to create friction and encourage knots.
Finalize the sections: Once a section is thoroughly backcombed, twist it around itself and secure it with a hair tie or elastic band to prevent unraveling.

Additional Tips

To enhance the dreadlocking process:

Tip	Description
Use a specialized teasing comb	Combs with fine, metal teeth specifically designed for backcombing minimize hair breakage.
Avoid over-backcombing	Excessive backcombing can weaken the hair and make it prone to breakage.
Keep the hair moisturized	Regularly apply natural oils or conditioners to prevent hair dehydration and breakage.
Resist combing	Combing or brushing dreadlocks after they are formed can damage them and disrupt their natural maturation process.

Two-Strand Twists for Short Hair

This method is suitable for hair that is at least 2 inches long. Start by sectioning your hair into small squares, no larger than 1 inch in width. Apply a moisturizing cream to each section to help with the twisting process. Divide each section into two equal strands and cross the right strand over the left strand. Continue twisting the two strands together until you reach the end of the hair. Secure the twist with a rubber band or hair clip.

Repeat this process for all of the sections of hair. Be sure to keep the twists tight, as this will help to prevent unraveling. Once all of the twists are in place, cover your hair with a scarf or bonnet and leave it in for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The longer the twists stay in, the tighter the dreadlocks will be.

After the twists have been in for the desired amount of time, begin to separate them into individual dreadlocks. Use your fingers to gently pull apart the twists, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this could damage the dreadlocks. Once the dreadlocks are separated, you can use a crochet hook to tighten them up and give them a more uniform appearance.

Pros	Cons
Easy to do at home	Can be time-consuming
Versatile style	Can be difficult to maintain
Can be used on any hair type	Not suitable for all hair lengths

Palm Rolling for Short Hair

Begin by sectioning off a small portion of your hair. Rub your palms together to create friction and warmth, then roll the hair between your palms. Start at the root and work your way down, moving your palms in a circular motion. Repeat this process until the hair starts to dread.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Palm Rolling:

1. Dampen your hair with a water bottle or a spray bottle.
2. Section off a portion of hair about the size of a finger.
3. Rub your palms together to create friction and warmth.
4. Start at the root of the hair and roll it between your palms.
5. Move your palms in a circular motion, rolling the hair down the shaft.
6. Continue rolling until the hair starts to dread.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 until the entire section of hair is dreaded.
8. Allow the hair to dry completely before moving on to the next section.
9. Continue palm rolling until all of your hair is dreaded.
10. Once the hair is fully dried, you can separate the dreads and style them as desired.

Interlocking for Short Hair

Interlocking is a technique that can be used to create dreadlocks on short hair. It involves using a crochet hook or latch hook to pull hair through the base of an existing dreadlock, creating a new loop. This process can be repeated until the desired number of dreadlocks is achieved.

Interlocking is a relatively easy technique to learn, but it is important to be careful not to damage the hair. It is also important to note that interlocking can be time-consuming, especially on short hair.

Here are the steps on how to interlock dreadlocks on short hair:

Prepare your hair by washing and drying it thoroughly.
Divide your hair into small sections and secure each section with an elastic band or hair clip.
Take a section of hair and use a crochet hook or latch hook to pull a small amount of hair through the base of an existing dreadlock.
Create a loop with the hair and pull it through the base of the dreadlock again.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the desired number of dreadlocks is achieved.
Secure the ends of the dreadlocks with a rubber band or hair clip.
Allow the dreadlocks to dry completely before removing the rubber bands or hair clips.
Maintain the dreadlocks by washing and conditioning them regularly.

Tips for interlocking dreadlocks on short hair:

Tip	Description
Use a small crochet hook or latch hook.	This will help to prevent damage to the hair.
Be patient.	Interlocking can be a time-consuming process, especially on short hair.
Don’t over-tighten the dreadlocks.	This can cause the hair to break.
Secure the ends of the dreadlocks.	This will help to prevent them from unraveling.
Maintain the dreadlocks.	Washing and conditioning the dreadlocks regularly will help to keep them healthy and looking their best.

Crochet Installation for Short Hair

The crochet method is an excellent option for creating dreadlocks on short hair as it allows for precise placement and control over the size and shape of the dreads.

Materials Required:

Item	Quantity
Crochet hook (size 0.5-0.75 mm)	1-2
Dreadlock wax	Small amount
Hair extensions (optional)	As needed

Steps:

1. Section off small sections of hair, approximately 1-2 centimeters in diameter.
2. Backcomb the hair at the root to create a knotty base.
3. Insert the crochet hook into the backcombed hair and pull a small section of hair through the loop.
4. Use the hook to tighten the loop and create a secure knot.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 until the entire section of hair has been knotted.
6. Palm roll the dreadlock to consolidate the hair and shape it.
7. Apply a small amount of dreadlock wax to the base of the dreadlock to help it hold.
8. Continue crocheting and palm rolling all sections of hair.
9. If needed, use hair extensions to add length or volume to the dreadlocks. To do this, braid the extensions into the hair near the scalp and then crochet the braided hair into the dreadlock. Divide the hair into 3 sections and create a simple 3-strand braid. Loop the braid around the base of the dreadlock, near the scalp. Insert the crochet hook under the braid and pull a small section of hair through the loop. Tighten the loop and continue crocheting the extension hair into the dreadlock, following steps 3-8.

Temporary Dreadlock Options for Short Hair

For those with short hair who are not ready to commit to permanent dreadlocks, several temporary options are available to achieve the desired look without compromising the length of their hair.

Crochet Dreads

Crochet dreads are a popular temporary option that involves using a crochet hook to thread synthetic hair extensions into the natural hair. This method creates realistic-looking dreadlocks that can last for several weeks with proper care.

Knot Dreadlocks

Knot dreadlocks are created by tying knots in the natural hair. Starting with damp hair, small sections are isolated and twisted into knots. This method is easy to do at home and can be maintained for a few weeks with regular touch-ups.

Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can be used to create temporary dreadlocks by attaching synthetic or human hair dreads to the natural hair. This method offers the most versatility in terms of length and style and can last for up to a few months with proper care.

Dread Wax

Dread wax is a sticky substance that can be applied to the hair to create temporary dreadlocks. It works by clumping the hair together, giving it a dreadlock-like appearance. This method is not as long-lasting as other options but is ideal for a quick, temporary solution.

Perm Rods

Perm rods can be used to create temporary dreadlocks on short hair. By wrapping damp hair around perm rods and allowing it to dry, you can achieve a crimped effect that resembles dreadlocks. However, this method does not create actual dreadlocks and will wash out with shampoo.

Dreadlock Spray

Dreadlock spray is a product that can be applied to the hair to create temporary dreadlocks. It contains ingredients that clump the hair together, giving it a dreadlock-like appearance. This method is not as long-lasting as other options but is convenient for a quick temporary solution.

Twist and Rip

The twist and rip method involves twisting small sections of damp hair and then pulling them apart at the ends. This creates a tangled, dreadlock-like effect that can last for several days with regular maintenance.

Backcomb and Wax

Backcombing the hair and then applying dread wax can create temporary dreadlocks on short hair. Backcombing creates texture, which helps the wax to grip the hair and clump it together.

Wrap and Wax

Similar to the backcomb and wax method, the wrap and wax method involves wrapping small sections of hair around a stick or pencil and then applying wax to secure them in place. This creates dreadlock-like knots that can last for a few weeks.

Palm Rolling

Palm rolling is a technique used to create temporary dreadlocks on short hair. It involves rolling small sections of damp hair between the palms until they clump together. This method is gentle on the hair and can create a natural-looking dreadlock effect.

How To Start Dreadlocks With Short Hair

If you’re looking to start dreadlocks with short hair, there are a few things you need to know. First, it’s important to be patient, as it can take several months for your dreadlocks to fully form. Second, you’ll need to be prepared to do some maintenance, such as washing and conditioning your dreadlocks regularly. And finally, you should be aware that dreadlocks can be permanent, so you should be sure that you’re ready for the commitment before you start.

With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to start dreadlocks with short hair:

Wash your hair. The first step is to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any dirt or oil from your hair, which will help the dreadlocks to form more easily.
Section your hair. Once your hair is clean, you need to section it into small sections. The size of the sections will depend on how thick you want your dreadlocks to be.
Start twisting. Once you have your hair sectioned, you can start twisting the sections into dreadlocks. You can do this by hand or with a crochet hook.
Secure the dreadlocks. Once you have twisted the sections, you need to secure them with a rubber band or hair tie. This will help to keep the dreadlocks from unraveling.
Repeat steps 2-4. Continue twisting and securing the sections of your hair until you have created all of the dreadlocks that you want.
Wash and condition your dreadlocks. Once you have created your dreadlocks, you will need to wash and condition them regularly. This will help to keep them healthy and looking their best.