3.1.4 – Split Ends, Tangled and Bleached Hair

WHAT THIS LESSON CONTAINS:

• Split ends should be avoided
If the client’s hair is long enough it’s usually a good idea if they get any split ends trimmed before backcombing. Split ends are typically damaged and end up being more dry and brittle. It’s ideal to have the healthiest hair to work with before installing dreadlocks.

• To make very smooth looking dreadlocks
You want to aim for consistency if you want smooth dreadlocks, therefore tangled hair is NOT conducive because it reduces the amount of control you have over the knots you’re creating. It often creates bigger loops and knots instead of many tiny and controlled loops and knots. The smaller the knots and loops, the smother your dreadlocks will be.

• If you want loopy “natural” looking dreadlocks
Tangled hair is fine if you want some natural loops and zig-zags. Feel free to allow some big loops to form. etc. You can basically do a very bad backcombing job and it’ll give you a loopier result.

• Processed and Bleached situations should be avoided
Best case scenario is always healthy hair with any split ends or processed hair trimmed out first. This is especially important for attaching extensions if that’s what you’re seeking to do. For extensions – any damage may lead to hair breakage reducing the lifespan of your extension attachment. This doesn’t mean you can’t work with processed or damaged hair, you certainly can, I just prefer healthy hair. In situations where the client wants you to work with processed or bleached hair I just give the client a disclaimer that it’s not ideal, especially for extensions.

• These aren’t hard rules, but will give best results
Everything mentioned here is simply a guideline for a best case scenario. Like I said, I always strive to work with healthy hair, but that’s not always the case.