5.1.5 – Dreadlock Stiffness Expectations

WHAT THIS LESSON CONTAINS:

• Why are they so stiff!!??
Unlike most other methods, the Instant Locs Crochet Method creates dreadlocks instantly. Literally. Twisting or comb coils take months if not years to lock up. Interlocking is more of braid than a dreadlock in our opinion. And backcombing and twist and rip methods only get you about 10% of the way to having legitimate and mature dreadlocks. If you understand these factors, it makes sense why this method creates stiff dreadlocks. Because they’re actually 80-90% fully locked and mature from day one!

• The shorter and thicker, the stiffer
The shorter the dreadlocks are the more they’ll stick straight up. This usually plays out for thicker dreadlocks as well. Thinner dreadlocks are a bit more malleable. And the longer your dreadlocks are the less stiff they’ll feel from day one.

• Wearing a beanie or durag
We recommend that our clients have a beanie or durag or even just a hat on hand for the day of installation or maintenance on very short dreadlocks. Wearing something on your head really helps them to lay down and it also just doesn’t look so crazy if the client has to be in public right after their appointment.

• Relaxing with washes over time
As the client washes new dreadlocks they will relax more and more as time progresses. It just takes time for the most stubborn and stiff dreadlocks to eventually start taking a more natural shape.

• Consider a braid from day one for new installations
Some clients may benefit from a braid on day one. This is the most ideal situation for a lot of people. It prevents the dreadlocks from sticking up and allows the client to be in public or in a workplace while still showing off their fresh new dreadlocks.