Crochet Coils: Locs Revolution

Crocheting is a common way to start dreadlocks, maintain existing dreadlocks, and blunt the ends. It is a technique that involves using a crochet hook to manually interlock and interweave hair follicles so that they will fuse and lock together tighter. The crochet method is suitable for all hair types but is typically used with curly/kinky hair. It is a good way to start dreadlocks with straight and textured hair.

The process of crocheting hair involves dividing hair into sections, backcombing the hair, inserting a crochet hook through the hair near the root, pulling individual hairs into and through the section of hair, and repeating this process by working down the section of hair towards the ends.

Crocheting creates instant locs and speeds up the locking process. It also changes the maturation process, as maturing for crochet locs involves the locs getting softer over time.

Pros and cons of crochet dreadlocks

The crochet method of creating dreadlocks involves using a small crochet hook to pull hair strands into each other to form a single lock of hair, known as a dreadlock. This method can be used for dreadlock installation, maintenance, and repair. While it has been around for over a decade, it is not widely recognised by the hair industry and can be difficult to find a professional who can perform the technique properly.

Pros

• Works for almost all hair types
• Can attach extensions without a string
• Can wash or swim immediately afterward
• Dreadlocks appear mature instantly and will not break apart
• Less painful than twisting or interlocking
• No products are necessary

Cons

• Can be difficult to find an experienced professional who can perform the technique without damaging hair
• Can damage hair if done incorrectly
• Requires practice to learn and master the technique
• Not as tight as the interlocking or re-twist method

How to crochet dreadlocks

Crocheting is a common way to start new dreadlocks, maintain existing dreadlocks, and blunt the ends. It is an easy technique that anyone can learn and can help ensure that your dreadlocks are smooth and attractive.

Choosing the Right Crochet Hook

First, you need to choose the right crochet hook. Select a US size 000 (1.5 mm) crochet hook, which is the smallest size available. If you are unable to find this, then go up to the next available size, such as a US size 00 (1.75 mm) or 0 (2.0 mm). Do not use a size bigger than a US size 1 (2.25 mm) crochet hook.

Preparing Your Hair

Divide your hair into four or more sections, depending on its thickness. Use a comb to divide your hair down the center of your head from front to back. Take out a one-inch section from the back of your head and brush or comb through it if it is tangled.

Back-Combing

Back-combing creates texture in a section of hair, so you will need to back-comb each section before you crochet it into a dreadlock. Hold the section near the ends and comb backward by about one inch from the ends to the roots. Then, lift the comb out of the hair, move it about half an inch up the hair shaft, and back-comb again. Repeat this process until you reach the scalp. The section of hair should look fluffy when you finish back-combing it.

Crocheting the Dreadlocks

Insert the hook through the hair near the root and pick up a few hairs. Make sure that there are only a few strands of hair on your crochet hook, as this is all it will take to start locking the dread. Pull the hook with the hairs on it back through the section of hair, being careful that the hairs don't slip off. Repeat this process by working down the section of hair towards the ends. As you work, you will notice the dreadlock taking shape.

Tightening the Dreadlocks

After you finish locking the dread, go back over it at least once with the crochet hook to tighten it up. Push the crochet hook into the dread about halfway and pull it back quickly a few times while keeping the hook inside the dread. Move down the section about a quarter of an inch and repeat. Go all the way down the dread to tighten and sculpt it.

Maintaining Your Dreadlocks

Washing your hair will not ruin the dreads. In fact, wetting your hair can help encourage it to tangle at the roots, making it easier to form dreads. You can also crochet the finished locks to tighten them against the scalp. After you have secured the locks, you may still notice some of them are looser at the roots than you would like. If so, you can tighten them by pulling a whole dreadlock through itself at the root.

Blunting the Ends

Blunting the ends of your dreadlocks is optional but can help them last longer and look neater. Hold the crochet hook parallel to the end of your dreadlock and push the hook into the dreadlock, bringing it out at the end so that you can grasp a few hairs. Pull the hook with the hairs on it back up into the dreadlock to bring a few stray hairs into the dreadlock. Repeat this process until the end looks smooth.

How to avoid damage with the crochet method

Crocheting is a common method to start dreadlocks and maintain existing ones. Here are some tips on how to avoid damage when using the crochet method:

• Practice crocheting on an extension first to ensure that you do not damage your hair.
• Use the right size crochet hook. The smallest size available is a US size 000 (1.5 mm) crochet hook, which is the best choice for crocheting hair. If you are unable to find this size, you can go up to a US size 00 (1.75 mm) or 0 (2.0 mm). Do not use a size bigger than a US size 1 (2.25 mm).
• Divide your hair into sections before you start crocheting. The number of sections will depend on the thickness and texture of your hair. For fine hair, four sections should be enough, while for thick or coarse hair, you may need to divide it into eight sections.
• Back comb each section before you crochet it into a dreadlock. This will create texture in the hair and make it easier to form dreadlocks.
• Be careful not to crochet too tightly. This can make it difficult to work in the stitches in the next row. Aim for loose and even tension.
• Wash your dreadlocks regularly to maintain them. Washing your hair will not ruin the dreadlocks and can actually help encourage it to tangle at the roots, making it easier to form dreadlocks.
• Avoid using high heat or placing your hair in direct sunlight when drying it after crocheting. This can cause damage to the hair. Instead, air dry your hair or use a fan or hairdryer on a cool setting.
• Be gentle when removing any pins or clips from your hair after crocheting. Rough handling can cause breakage and damage to your hair.
• Do not trust the manufacturer's knots in the yarn. It is likely that you will encounter at least one knot per ball of yarn. Cut the knot out and rejoin the yarn using a Russian join.
• Weave in the ends of your crocheted hair thoroughly. This is important to secure your dreadlocks and prevent them from falling apart.

How to choose the right size crochet hook

Choosing the right size crochet hook is critical to achieving the perfect drape in your crochet fabric. If you use a crochet hook that is too small, your fabric will be stiff with no drape; if you use a hook that is too large, the fabric will be loose with large holes.

• Check the yarn band for the correct crochet hook size for that specific yarn. Most yarn bands will give you suggestions for the right hook size.
• Understand yarn categories. The yarn band will also tell you the yarn's category, e.g. worsted-weight, lace-weight, or sport-weight. These categories refer to the number of wraps per inch, which will help you choose the right hook size.
• If you are working from a crochet pattern but substituting the yarn, make sure your substitute yarn is in the same category of size as the yarn called for in the pattern. This will help you achieve the right size finished piece and narrow down your hook choices.
• Pay attention to your crochet style and tension. If you tend to crochet tightly, you may need to size up your hook. If your finished pieces are usually too loose and large, you may need to size down.
• Consider the look of your project. If you want smaller spaces between stitches, use a smaller hook with thicker yarn. For loose and flowy drapes like scarves or rugs, combine a larger hook with thinner yarn to create more space between stitches.

The best crochet hooks will only help you craft the best projects when you understand the right sizes.

How to care for small crochet locs

Small crochet locs are a versatile and lightweight style that is easy to manage. Here are some tips on how to care for them:

Washing

It is important to wash your small crochet locs regularly to keep them clean and free of buildup. Focus on cleansing your scalp and the roots of your locs, using a shampoo that is both cleansing and conditioning. You can also use a conditioner to soften the hair and add moisture. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any product buildup on the locs, which can make them feel stiff and dry.

Moisturising

Moisturising your locs regularly is key to maintaining their health. Use water-based creams to prevent dryness and massage them into the loc shafts. This will keep your locs hydrated and supple, reducing the risk of frizz and roughness.

Retwisting

Small locs will need to be retwisted every 4-6 weeks as the roots loosen. You can use a locking gel to help with this process, which will also neaten any frizz. When retwisting, be sure to only trim a tiny amount from the ends if they are thinning, to keep your locs looking neat and uniform.

Sleeping

To maintain the moisture in your locs and minimise frizz, it is recommended to sleep with a satin cap or loc sock. This will also help to preserve your style for longer, reducing the need for frequent retouching.

Styling

When styling your small crochet locs, be gentle to avoid putting too much stress on the hair, which can lead to thinning. Small locs offer a lot of versatility and can be worn in a variety of styles, including braids, updos, and loose. Accessories such as beads and jewellery can also be added to enhance your look.

Frequently asked questions