Curious about palm rolling locs? If you have dreadlocks, you understand there’s the maintenance side of them. You always have to think about how you’ll keep your locks firm, intact, and healthy.
One of the methods of maintenance is palm rolling. I’m sure you’ve heard about it, but you’re probably unaware of the nitty gritties surrounding it.
It’s important to figure out the details to know what you’re getting your hair into. And even acknowledge how useful the palm rolling technique is in your locs growth.
This post will walk you through everything about the process. Hop onto this ride for better loc days ahead.
What is Palm Rolling?
Starting with the basics, palm rolling is a hand motion whereby you place the locs between the palms of your hand. That’s followed by gently rubbing the loc strands in opposite directions. One palm moves forward while the other moves backward, both palms sliding against each other.
Since there’s the rubbing, friction is averted by using dread wax, tightening gel, or cream applied prior. This smoothens the palm surface, helping the locs move and roll. Besides, these products make the hair flexible and shape-able to compress and intertwine without undoing itself.
You’ll notice that the dreads become softer, rounder, and tighter when you repeat the process over time. The more the palm rolls, the more the hair is pressured into a loc matrix. Whenever your hands are free, palm roll often, and your locs become well-maintained.
A serious change in your locs may not be seen soon, but after days or weeks, the effect will be highly visible. Just ensure the technique is part of your loc maintenance routine and you strictly adhere to it.
The Benefits of Palm Rolling
Let’s now look into how palm rolling is advantageous to your dreadlocks. Opting for the process will mean you’re after the benefits that come with it. Probably a good idea for those who want the best for their locs.
Maintains the Shape of Locs
Every item on earth wears out as it ages, and dreadlocks are not exempted. You see, as days pass, locs loosen, deform, and hair starts sticking out, especially in the starter phase. The hair at the roots looks like a thick mane with the scalp out of sight.
For locs to thrive, certain considerations have to be made. Palm rolling, as one of the maintenance techniques, preserves the cylindrical shape of the locs. The round effect prevents flat dreads from showing on your head.
Additionally, it gets rid of bumps and humps on the locs. So, palm rolling is the way to go if you want beautiful round locs. The shape plays a huge part in the loc aesthetics; you’ll want to look pleasing before people.
Prevents Frizz
Frizz derails the development of your dreadlocks. It’s a hindrance that’s best tamed by palm rolling. The flyaways and hair annoyingly standing out become a thing of the past.
The palms sliding along the loc strand smoothens the hair along the surface. It trains the hair strands to knot and align with the loc formation. The dreadlocks become neat and sleek for a more attractive demeanor.
Faster Locking
Palm rolling speeds up locking amongst the hair strands in the internal loc structure. As you palm roll the dreadlocks, you press out the air within the locs and eliminate the hollowness inside.
By doing so, you bring the hair together for them to interlock and be more compact and tighter. This is a great strategy if you want your locs to form and stiffen up faster. It could also work as your way to refresh your locs rather than frequent retwists.
Saves Time and Money
Locticians take at most an hour to finish palm rolling all the loc strands. On the other hand, interlocking will consume 3-4 hours of your time.
Time and money correlate in the world of dreadlocks. Since palm rolling takes a short time, it’s a cheaper process than interlocking for your loc maintenance. Most locticians base their charges on how long the job took.
And it’s not only about saving money because you saved time. The saved time could be used to do other activities before the day ends. Plus, palm rolling is simple to do.
It would help if you don’t involve an expert stylist when you can do it yourself anytime and anywhere. It gives you the flexibility you desire to handle your hair as you please. That, in its own capacity, saves you completely from salon expenditures.
How to Palm Roll Dreadlocks (Step by Step)
Now we can divert to learning how to palm roll your dreadlocks. We’ll guide starters or people new to the process with simple step-by-step procedures. But first, these are the tools you will need for palm rolling, listed below.
Palm Rolling Tools Needed
- Spray bottle with water
- Retightening/retwisting gel or cream
- Rat tail Comb
- Small hair brush
- Hair tie/band
- Clips
Steps to Follow
Step 1: Brush the edges and hold your locs in a high ponytail. Starting from the back, recreate the partings with a rat tail comb. Then take out the locs individually and dampen each, especially at the roots.
Step 2: Apply the retwisting gel or cream at the roots and twist the roots gently. Then switch to palm rolling the entire loc strand for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Before withdrawing your hands, clip the loc close to the root, and place another clip midshaft. Repeat the procedure on the rest of the locs. Lastly, remove the clips once the hair is completely dry.
FAQs about Palm Rolling
How often should you palm roll your locs?
Palm rolls are necessary at every stage of your loc journey. In the first 3 months, daily palm rolling is best for your young dreadlocks. After the 3 months, do the needful at least twice a week to keep the locs in shape.
When the locs are mature and compact enough, palm rolling will not be essential to perform.
What product to use when palm rolling locs?
Retwisting cream, wax, or gel are the products needed when palm rolling locs. Choose one of the three for the palm rolling work. These products enrich the hair with nutrients that enhance the intertwining and retightening of the locs.
Should you palm roll dreads wet or dry?
Remember that your locs should be damp before you palm roll for the best palm-rolling effect. They shouldn’t be dripping wet or dry. After washing your dreadlocks, suck out all the dripping water, then start palm rolling.
Moisture makes the hair malleable and helps retwisting products to easily penetrate the hair cuticle. If the hair is dry but clean, you spray little water along the loc surface and rub in the moisture.
Is interlocking or palm rolling better?
The choice is in your hands after carefully weighing out the differences. Interlocking is a better choice if you have small locs and you want longer-lasting maintenance. Palm rolling, on the other hand, fits people looking for a simple time-saving way to refresh their locs.
How do you maintain palm roll locs?
The best way to maintain plam rolled locs is by thorough hydration and moisturization. Look for natural hair oils designed for locs and infused with nourishing plant extracts. Also, stick to your palm rolling routine to minimize the chances of unraveling.
Final Remarks
Palm rolling is the epitome of your loc longevity and smooth growth. When you do it, you’re breathing life into your locs. But before you use this as your retwisting technique, compare it with interlocking to determine which is more suitable.
The palm rolling method suffices only if it’s perfect for your loc needs.
