How to Retwist Dreadlocks

As you reach for the mirror and catch a glimpse of your reflection, you can't help but notice how your once tightly twisted dreadlocks have started to lose their shape. It's time to retwist those locks and bring back that clean and polished look you love.

But where do you begin? How do you achieve that perfect retwist? In this article, we'll uncover the secrets of retwisting dreadlocks, from the supplies you'll need to the techniques that will ensure your locs stay neat and maintained.

So, get ready to take your dreadlocks to the next level and discover the art of retwisting.

Gather Necessary Supplies

To begin the process of retwisting your dreadlocks, gather all the necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and efficient retwisting session. You'll need a rat tail comb, alcohol-free twisting gel, hair clips, a blow-dryer, and a silk or satin bonnet.

Before starting the retwisting process, it's important to properly wash your dreadlocks. Use a shampoo specifically designed for dreadlocks to cleanse your hair thoroughly. Once your hair is clean, apply the twisting gel to the new growth and twist the hair clockwise at the root. This will help to tighten the locs and keep them in place. Use hair clips to secure the dreadlocks and prevent them from unraveling.

Next, dry your dreadlocks completely using a blow-dryer on a low heat setting. Finally, remove the hair clips and spritz your locs with hair oil for added moisture. The twisting gel is beneficial for retwisting dreadlocks as it provides hold and helps to maintain the shape of the locs.

Thoroughly Wash Your Dreadlocks

Start by thoroughly washing your dreadlocks to remove any buildup and keep them clean and healthy. Follow these steps to properly wash your dreadlocks:

1. Wet your dreadlocks with warm water. Make sure the water reaches the roots and penetrates through to the tips.
2. Apply a clarifying shampoo specifically designed for dreadlocks. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp, focusing on the roots.
3. Use your fingers or a dreadlock brush to work the shampoo through your dreadlocks, ensuring that every strand is cleansed.
4. Rinse your dreadlocks thoroughly with warm water, making sure to remove all traces of shampoo.

To maintain the health of your dreadlocks, it's recommended to wash them every 1-2 weeks. However, the frequency may vary depending on your hair type and lifestyle. Properly washing your dreadlocks will help remove dirt, oil, and product buildup, allowing your hair to breathe and thrive.

Apply Twisting Gel and Twist at the Root

To apply twisting gel and twist at the root of your dreadlocks, you'll need to ensure that your hair is clean and damp. This will help the twisting gel to spread evenly and provide a good hold.

Start by sectioning your hair and applying a small amount of twisting gel to the new growth at the root of each section. Use your fingers to distribute the gel from the root to the tip of the hair.

Then, using a twisting technique, twist the hair in a clockwise direction. Twisting at the root helps to create a neat and uniform look for your dreadlocks.

The twisting gel not only provides hold, but also adds moisture and promotes hair growth. It helps to reduce frizz and keeps your dreadlocks looking fresh and well-maintained.

Secure Dreadlocks With Hair Clips

After applying twisting gel and twisting your dreadlocks at the root, the next step is to secure them with hair clips to prevent any unraveling or loosening. Here's how to properly use hair clips to secure your dreadlocks and prevent them from coming undone:

1. Start by selecting sturdy hair clips that can hold your dreadlocks in place without slipping or causing damage.
2. Take a small section of your twisted dreadlock and use the hair clip to secure it tightly at the root. Make sure the clip is gripping the hair firmly to prevent any slippage.
3. Continue this process for each twisted dreadlock, working your way through your entire head of hair.
4. Once all the dreadlocks are secured with hair clips, you can leave them in place for a few hours or overnight to allow the twists to set and hold their shape.

Dry Dreadlocks Completely With a Blow-Dryer

To ensure that your dreadlocks are thoroughly dried, use a blow-dryer to eliminate any moisture and prevent potential mold or mildew growth. Follow these steps to dry your dreadlocks completely without causing damage:

1. Start by setting your blow-dryer to the lowest heat setting to avoid overheating your hair. High heat can lead to dryness and breakage.
2. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow-dryer to distribute the airflow evenly and minimize frizz. This will help maintain the shape and texture of your dreadlocks.
3. Hold the blow-dryer about six inches away from your scalp and move it in a circular motion. This will ensure that all sections of your dreadlocks are thoroughly dried.
4. Avoid focusing the heat on one area for too long, as this can cause damage and weaken your hair.
5. As you blow-dry, periodically check the progress by gently squeezing your dreadlocks. They should feel dry and not damp or cool to the touch.

To maintain moisture in your dry dreadlocks, consider the following tips:

1. Use a moisturizing spray or oil to lightly mist your dreadlocks after blow-drying. This will help to keep them hydrated and prevent them from becoming brittle.
2. Sleep with a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to help retain moisture and minimize friction, which can lead to breakage.
3. Avoid overwashing your dreadlocks, as this can strip away natural oils and cause dryness. Instead, opt for a dry shampoo or simply rinse your scalp with water between washes.

Remove Hair Clips and Add Moisture With Hair Oil

After thoroughly drying your dreadlocks with a blow-dryer, it's time to remove the hair clips and add some much-needed moisture with the help of hair oil.

Here's how to remove hair clips and add moisture with hair oil:

1. Gently remove the hair clips from your dreadlocks, one by one, being careful not to pull or tug on the hair.
2. Once all the clips are removed, take a small amount of hair oil in your hands and rub them together to warm up the oil.
3. Starting from the roots, work the hair oil through your dreadlocks, making sure to distribute it evenly.
4. Massage the hair oil into your scalp to promote blood circulation and nourish the hair follicles.

Benefits of using a silk or satin bonnet for dreadlocks:

• Helps to retain moisture in the hair, preventing dryness and breakage.
• Reduces friction between the hair and pillow, minimizing frizz and tangles.
• Protects the dreadlocks from lint, dust, and other external elements.
• Maintains the shape and neatness of the dreadlocks while you sleep.

How to effectively remove buildup from dreadlocks:

• Use a clarifying shampoo specifically formulated for dreadlocks to remove product buildup.
• Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and dreadlocks, focusing on the areas with the most buildup.
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water to ensure all the shampoo and buildup is washed away.
• Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to restore moisture and soften the hair.

Frequency of Retwisting for Starter Locs

To maintain neat and well-maintained starter locs, it's important to establish a regular schedule for retwisting. How often you retwist your starter locs will depend on the rate of hair growth and the desired tightness of your locs.

As a general guideline, it's recommended to retwist starter locs every three months. This allows enough time for your hair to grow and for the locs to mature. However, if you prefer a tighter and neater look, you can retwist your starter locs every two weeks.

Remember to be gentle when retwisting to prevent damage or breakage. Additionally, it's essential to maintain healthy dreadlocks by regularly washing, moisturizing, and protecting your locs while sleeping.

Frequency of Retwisting for Mature Locs

For maintaining mature locs, the frequency of retwisting will depend on personal preference and desired style. Retwisting mature locs has several benefits and is an essential step in maintaining healthy dreadlocks. Here's how to maintain healthy dreadlocks by retwisting mature locs:

1. Retwist regularly: Retwist mature locs as often as desired for your preferred style. This can be done every two weeks for tight and neat locs or wait several months between twists for a different style.
2. Consult a professional loctician: If you're unsure about the frequency or technique of retwisting, it's recommended to seek guidance from a professional loctician.
3. Prevent damage and breakage: Retwist while hair is wet to avoid damage or breakage. Wet hair is easier to work with and less prone to breakage.
4. Use proper products: Apply twisting gel to new growth and twist clockwise at the root to maintain the structure of your mature locs.

Time and Technique for Retwisting

When it comes to retwisting your dreadlocks, understanding the time and technique involved is crucial for achieving the desired results. Retwisting can take between two to five hours, depending on factors like skill level and hair characteristics.

Retwisting wet hair is generally easier and prevents damage or breakage.

There are two common techniques for retwisting dreadlocks: interlock and crochet.

Interlock involves splitting and flipping the hair, while crochet uses a crochet needle to help the hair loc up.

Both techniques have their pros and cons. Interlock is more secure but can cause more tension, while crochet is quicker but may not be as tight.

Ultimately, the choice between the two techniques depends on personal preference and hair type.

It's important to note that skipping steps four and six is possible when using a crochet needle.

Is Retwisting Dreadlocks a Necessary Step for Dreadlock Maintenance?

Retwisting dreadlocks is an essential step in dreadlock maintenance. This process helps to keep the dreadlocks tidy and promotes the locking process. To learn how to properly retwist dreadlocks, you can find a comprehensive how to get dreadlocks tutorial online. Proper maintenance will help keep your dreadlocks looking neat and healthy.

Alternatives and Additional Tips

Consider seeking professional assistance if you feel uncomfortable retwisting your dreadlocks at home. A professional loctician can provide expert guidance and ensure that your dreadlocks are retwisted correctly. Additionally, they can offer suggestions and recommendations for different dreadlock styles that may suit you.

Here are a few alternatives and additional tips to keep in mind when retwisting your dreadlocks:

1. Regularly care for your dreadlocks to keep them clean and healthy.
2. Use a satin or silk bonnet while sleeping to protect your dreadlocks from friction and breakage.
3. Get rid of buildup in your dreadlocks by using a residue-free shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse.
4. Explore different types of dreadlocks, such as sisterlocks or freeform locs, to find the style that suits you best.