How to Make Dreadlocks - Full Courses - Learn at Home! (2024)

All Natural Sectioning

Some people strive for an all natural approach. If you’re one of those people you can simply use your fingers to randomly create your sections to make your dreadlocks. No need for perfect sections here. Just be sure to make the sections similar in size and avoid sharp points and you’re good to go! That’s it!

Brick Pattern Dreadlock Sectioning

The Brick Pattern is by far our most commonly used pattern. Most people are more than happy with this pattern, it allows for symmetry, and each dreadlock overlays the part underneath it. As a result, it’s clean and organized while also not looking too “boxy”. We most often use the Brick Pattern when making dreadlocks for new clients.

Fan / Fish Scale Pattern

The Fish Scale Pattern is interesting because it is exactly the same as the Brick Pattern with a slight variation. When making sections for the Fish Scale Pattern you simply “swoop” the top two corners and all of your squares will turn into a fish scale shape. It’s a variation that is easy to implement if you already understand the Brick Pattern.

Hexagon Dreadlock Sectioning

Similar to the Fish Scale Pattern, the Hexagon Pattern is also created with a slight modification to the Brick Pattern. With the Hexagon pattern, you’ll be using the Brick Pattern, and then angling the top to form a shape like the roof of a house. This allows all sections to turn into hexagons.

Diamond Pattern For Dreads

The Diamond Pattern is probably the most straight forward pattern. With this pattern you’ll want to make a large grid on the top of the head at a 45 degree angle. Think of a chess board turned at 45 degrees. The drawback of this pattern is that the edges get a bit tricky. The only time we really consider using this pattern is for Undercuts.

Triangle Sectioning for Dreadlocks

Triangle Sectioning is probably the most visually striking pattern for dreadlocks. There are two ways to start this pattern. Either start with horizontal rows or vertical columns as depicted in the photo above. Then you’ll make lines that cross diagonally across the head which will result in a pattern of triangles. The downside to this pattern is that it can be difficult to learn to do well while also being an easy way to result in pointy angles in your sections, which should be avoided.

Sectioning for Partial Dreads

There are a variety of ways to section dreadlocks for a partial installation. In most cases people just want to make a few dreadlocks underneath. If that’s the case you’ll want to start the Brick, Fish Scale, or Hexagon pattern, but only do the first two or three rows at the base of the head. You can then consider adding additional rows if more dreadlocks are desired. However, dreadlocks can be placed at any point in the head, but we would recommend keeping partial installations to the back of the head in most cases.

Sectioning for Braiding Patterns

Dreadlock Parting & Sectioning Course

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Backcombing to Make Dreadlocks is a crucial part of the process to get dreads with straight hair. The backcombing method encourages the hair to create many tiny loops which help the hair to change in texture to better resemble Afro Hair. This textures starts the process of creating knots which is necessary to dread straight hair.

Twist and Rip method as an Alternative to Backcombing

We use the Backcombing method, however the Twist and Rip method achieves a very similar result. This is an alternative method to Backcombing and either method will get the job done just fine. I’ve always prefered the Backcombing method because it seems to work faster, however the Twist and Rip method will give a very cylindrical result. A downside of the Twist and Rip method is that you can’t control thickness as easily as Backcombing.

Backcombing flaws which are address with the Instant Locs Crochet Method

The best case scenario is to do perfect backcombing to Make Dreadlocks with the most consistent knots and form a very cylindrical dreadlock. However, in the real world, that doesn’t happen very often. Any flaws that are formed in the backcombing process will be addressed by Crocheting those imperfection to smoothen out the dreadlock which we will be discussing later in this post.

Embracing imperfections and working with some loops and bumps

Perfectly stick straight dreadlocks just don’t look natural. Even most of the really clean, neat, and professional dreadlocks you see online have small imperfections that allow for a natural look. When Making Dreads, it’s perfectly fine to have some minor imperfections which will contribute to adding a bit of character to your dreadlocks.

Backcombing Dreadlocks for Straight Hair Course

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The next step in making dreads with straight hair

Palm Rolling is quite simple. You take a dreadlock and press it between your palms and roll. However, I see a lot of people not applying enough pressure or worse, sliding along the dreadlock on an angle instead of actually rolling the dreadlock. These are simple corrections of habit that we discus in our free course for Palm Rolling.

Palm Rolling helps to shape and form the dreadlock

The benefits of Palm Rolling Dreadlocks is that it helps make dreadlocks into a cylindrical shape, it helps manage fuzz in some situations, and most importantly it helps to compress the knots and reduce crazy loops and bumps. However, some hair textures are far too stubborn for Palm Rolling to be effective, which is why we always resort to the Instant Locs Crochet Method for optimal control and shaping.

Palm Rolling Dreads Course

We cover all the basics about palm rolling dreads in our course for free! Take advantage of our free content.

Learning about Attachment Styles

You don’t need to add dreadlock extensions in order to make dreadlocks, but it may be ideal for some people with short hair. There are a few different dreadlock extension attachment styles that you should be aware of before trying to attach extensions. The biggest difference is permanent (or semi-permanent) and temporary dreadlock extension attachments.

Permanent Dreadlock Extensions

Our main focus when working with dreadlock extensions is attaching extensions permanently and “semi-permanently”. The reason we talk about extensions being “semi-permanent” is because synthetic extensions and various straight hair extensions tend to last for a handful of years, but likely won’t be fully permanent. Once again, we use the Instant Locs Crochet Method to make dreadlock extensions and to attach those extensions to the dreadlock on the client’s head as well.

Temporary Dreadlock Extensions

Temporary dreadlock extensions can be attached in existing dreadlocks or normal hair. Just keep in mind that most temporary dreadlock extension attachments are done at the base of the dreadlock near the scalp, and not extended at the end of the dreadlock. Temporary extensions are great for experimenting with crazy colors or for a trial run before committing to dreadlocks permanently. We have a free video on how to attach temporary extensions in our extension course here.

Permanent Straight Hair Extensions

Making Dreadlocks with Extensions in Straight Hair textures can be done semi-permanently to last 2-5 years giving you enough time for your dreadlocks to grow much longer before eventually removing the extensions. Each attachment is mostly seamless and natural, eliminating the ability to even notice that you have extensions in the first place.

Permanent Afro Loc Extensions

Making Locs with Extensions in Afro Hair textures are fully permanent with the method we teach as long as you follow all of our recommendations and guidelines. These attachments are fully permanent and seamless in a way no other method can achieve. We have clients that tell people they’ve had their dreadlocks for 10 years and they easily get away with it!

How to Attach Dreadlock Extensions Seamlessly and Permanently

By taking our courses you will also have the skills to make dreadlock extensions from scratch.

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