Dreadlocks can be divided into three categories. Simply put, micro, medium and large. Within these 3 you have choices where the technique determines the difference.
Dreadlocks can be divided into three categories. Simply put, micro, medium and large. Within these 3 you have choices where the technique determines the difference.
Micro locs
Towel rub
There are actually countless ways to start thin locs. The easiest for short hair is what is called the “Towel rub” method. This is nothing more than rubbing your hair with a towel in one direction so that your hair starts to twist around its own axis and forms a curl. Not only beautiful to look at, but also super easy to start and maintain. This method costs you nothing except time. Unfortunately, you cannot do this if your hair is a bit longer.
Sisterlocks
One of the most popular types of micro locs are Sisterlocks. Joan Cornwell has traded this name so you can only do this type of thin locs with a certified Sisterlocks consultant. The advantage of this method is that your hair does not have to be frizzy. If your hair is still partly relaxed you can just start with sisterlocks. The disadvantages of this are that it is expensive, time consuming and that there is not always a consultant nearby.
In the Netherlands Chantel and Kora are the Sisterlocks specialists. See the list of Hair Salons for contact information.
Photo by Jessyca Marshall, Loctitian and owner of
Naturally Beautiful Hair Care.
Inter locks or Tucks
This method of locing is not much different from Sisterlocks. Just like Sisterlocks, locs are created in your hair using a tool similar to a knitting or crochet hook. Both methods are equally time-consuming, the only difference will be that you have more freedom in choosing a hairdresser.
In the Netherlands there are Raoul, Anouschka and Levi who can do this and in Suriname there is the Hair Box. Click on the list of Hair Salons for contact information.
Braiding
Braiding is perhaps the easiest method to start locs after the Towel rub method. Almost everyone can braid so you can ask your sister, neighbor or friend to help you. It is important that your partings are done well because it is really essential if you want to put your hair up or make other hairstyles later.
The disadvantage of this is that it will take time to maintain because the best way to maintain micro locks is by tucking or even the Sisterlocks methods. Manually twisting thin dreadlocks is not recommended because the hair can break.
Medium dreadlocks
Medium dreadlocks are dreadlocks that start with about pencil thickness. Just like with Micro locs you can also start these with the Sisterlocks method, Interlocks and even braids. In addition, there are the extra methods twists, coils and Senegalese twists.
Of the last 3, starting with Senegalese twists is the most comfortable. Twists and especially coils tend to get loose or tangled in no time and therefore require more maintenance than any other method. With every wash you will have to re-twist the hair.
Senegalese twists hold a little better in the hair and can last longer. The goal is to get the individual strands to curl and then pull the two strands apart.
Large thick dreadlocks can simply be grown organically. This means that you do take care of the hair but do not manipulate it to grow in micro or medium strands. If you simply stop combing your hair, your hair will grow and cluster and the locs will form by themselves. Sometimes, if it really threatens to become a too thick loc, it can be separated, but that is all. There is no twisting or maintaining with any tool.
Now, which method would you choose and why?