Crocheting is a prominent way of starting new locs and maintaining existing dreads.
The crochet dreads technique has been a growing topic in recent years. Many people who have locs or are yet to begin their dreadlocks journey often wonder if this is the best choice.
I have been using this method on my clients for years. It is very effective for the short and long term. In this post, you will learn more about crochet dreadlocks.
If you need more information about crochet dreadlocks, then continue reading this post.
Let’s get to it!
What Do Crochet Dreadlocks Mean?
Crochet dreadlocks is a technique where you use a small crochet hook to install or maintain locs. You should not confuse this method with interlocking dreads.
To start crocheting locs, you need a crochet hook of about 1 mm or smaller. Most people prefer using very small hook sizes like 0.6 mm or 0.75 mm.
The crochet hook pulls the loose hair from the root and adds it inside the dreadlock during the process. This makes the locs tight and firm, making it knot well.
How to Crochet Dreadlocks (Step by Step)
Once you are ready to crochet your locs, follow the below steps on how to crochet dreads.
You will need the following:
- Dreadlocks crochet tool (1 mm or smaller)
- Comb
- Elastic band/Hair clips
- Dread wax or Dread cream (only if necessary)
- Residue-free shampoo
The step-by-step procedure, here is a video if you prefer one.
Step 1: Wash Your Hair
Make sure your hair is clean before crocheting. You can use a residue-free shampoo for deep cleaning. After washing, dry your hair; otherwise, the crochet method will not work.
Step 2: Part the Hair
Part the hair into smaller sections of four or more depending on the volume. And then secure the parts using hairbands.
Step 3: Backcomb or Twist
Comb the hair backward towards the root for each section. Backcombing creates texture on hair to make it create knots easily.
Or, you can give it a gentle twist to make sure the hair keeps together.
Step 4: Start Crocheting
Consider starting by using a crochet hook of 1 mm or smaller. Begin crocheting by pushing the crochet hook halfway in the locs that need maintenance. Angle the hook such that when you pull it back into the locs, it will hold the loose hair.
Continue to stroke your hair in and out until the loc is compact. Do hold your hair as you crochet, then release the grip at some point to avoid creating very tight knots.
Step 5: Repeat
Continue pushing the hook in and out as you repeat step 4.
Note: It is best to stop crocheting once you feel the loc grouping between your fingers and becoming firm. Also, you can leave the locs a little loose at the roots to allow for re-twisting.
More Tips To Crochet Dreadlocks
The process of crocheting dreads requires a lot more than patience. Here are specific additional points that could help.
Right Crochet Needle
Holding loose hair using a crochet hook that is too small can be frustrating. However, it can cause breakage and damage your hair if too large.
An ideal crochet needle size would be 0.5 mm to 1 mm. If you are a beginner, a 0.6 mm hook would be your best option. Look for a soft-touch crochet hook to give you more control over your grip.
Avoid Fragile Hair
Do not crochet hair that is not well moisturized, such as bleached and old hair. Such hair is fragile and prone to damage.
Note: The new growth at the roots is usually healthy and strong; thus, the best hair to crochet.
Professional Help
Several salons have no experience with the crochet dreads method. You should seek a certified loctician to help you with the technique.
More Practice
If you have never crocheted dreadlocks, consider practising on fake hair first. This will help avoid potential damage to your hair.
You can also wash the fake hair extension vigorously to let you know whether you have sharpened your skills or not. Achieving the tightness that lasts longer is another challenging part.
Difference Between Micro Loops and Crochet Wrapping
Micro loops and crochet wrapping are the two methods for crocheting dreadlocks.
Micro loops is a crochet variation for creating several repeated tiny loops in dreadlocks. The result gives a solid uniform knot with a cylindrical shape.
Most people prefer using these small, consistent knots as instant dreads. The micro loops approach is flexible and works on all hair types.
While crochet wrapping involves pulling loose hair through locs using a crochet hook.
And like the knitting process, you will wrap the hair around each dread down the length of the dreadlocks. This technique works very well for backcombed or twisted straight hair. But, it might not do so well with a kinky textured hair.
Pros of Crochet Dreadlocks
You can get perfect results with crochet dreadlocks. Here are some advantages to expect.
Less Painful
The method is often less painful than interlocking or twisting. It only involves pulling loose hair from the root and adding it to the dreadlock using a crochet needle.
It would be best to knit until the hair feels firm; after that, you should move to the next loc.
All Hair Types
Crocheting can manipulate hair strands and knot 99% of any hair type. However, varying hair textures will knot differently. It is typically used with curly or kinky hair. [1]
Fixing Tips
You can use crochet dreads to fix the tips of damaged locs. Also, if you want blunt tips, it is easy to achieve them using a crochet needle.
Tight and Uniform
You can wash or wet your hair right after crocheting. The roots of the locs are firm, so you do not have to worry about unravelling.
The locs also appear smooth and end up growing consistently without any lumps.
Quick Installation
Crocheting dreads make it easy to attach extensions without using a string. Once you place the loc extension at the base of your loose natural hair, you can begin to crochet right away.
Appear Mature
The crochet method gives you the appearance of dreads instantly. Your locs will look more mature than they are. This way, you don’t have to wait for several months for them to mature.
Low Maintenance
The method requires little maintenance. Maintaining crochet dreadlocks does not need any hair products, only the crochet hook.
Cons of Crochet Dreadlocks
Crocheting locs can bear some disadvantages due to one reason or another. These include:
Time Consuming
The process of crocheting your hair takes a long time. Installation of locs using this method can take about 8 hours to 12 hours.
On the other hand, for crochet dreads maintenance, you can take up to 5 hours or more.
Potential Risk
Excessively crocheting your hair can end up ripping off the knots.
Make sure that you crochet until the locs feel firm between your fingers. In other words, avoid making them rock hard.
Professionalism
Your loctician should crochet your dreads with care to avoid damaging the hair.
But, it will take some time for you to find an experienced professional who does quality work.
Difficult to Learn
The technique needs more practice for learning and mastering the skills.
For instance, if done incorrectly, the locs will look lumpy. Also, if you crochet only on one side of the locs, one side will be frizzy and loopy while the other will be smooth.
Make sure you get enough practice before crocheting dreadlocks.
FAQs about Crochet Dreadlocks
How Do You Remove Crochet Dreads?
To take down your crochet dreads, you will need detanglers to help remove the knots. It would help if you also had conditioners and oils such as olive oil to moisturize the hair.
Use a pick or needle instead of a comb. Combs grab too many knots at once, resulting in a lot of damage.
Start at the tip by slowly picking a few strands of hair at a time and working your way towards the scalp. Pick and comb the dreads until they are all combed out.
How Much Does Crochet Locs Cost?
The cost of crochet dreadlocks varies depending on your location and the client’s hair volume. The prices range from $200 to $500 but can go high up to $800.
Is the Crochet Method Good for Dreads?
The crochet hook dreads tool helps in installing and maintaining dreads. It uses a natural dreadlocks process known as the crochet method. It does not cause breakage but forms tight and firm dreads when done well.
How To Look After Crochet Dreads?
Moisturize your locs and use a deep conditioner every month. Do not forget to wash your hair at least every two weeks and condition it after every wash.
Work the product along the length of the locs towards the scalp. By doing so, your hair will be stronger and free from breakage.
Is Interlocking the Same as Crochet Dreads?
Interlocking (aka latch hooking) is NOT the same as crochet dreads!
You should know that many salons confuse interlocking with crocheting dreadlocks.
The reason is that the latch hook is a crochet hook, but the techniques are entirely different. Make sure you show the salon exactly what you want to keep your doubts clear.
