Palm Roll Technique
- When you plan to roll your hair into dreadlocks, called "locs," you may want to have it done by a professional. These specially trained cosmetologists are called loctitians. If you prefer to do it yourself, or if you simply want to maintain locs you already have, plan to have clips or rubber bands, a rat-tail comb and dread wax on hand. The wax gives your hair extra texture so you can maintain the tight rolls you achieve, according to HowToDread.com.
- Begin by dividing your clean, dry hair into one-inch sections. Separate these with a clip or rubber band so you can work on one at a time. If this is your first time to make locs, you will need to do some backcombing. Working on one section, comb the strand back toward your scalp, concentrating on just a half-inch at a time all the way to the end. Apply a small amount of wax, and begin the roll. Holding the hair section between your palms, roll the hair in one direction repeatedly. DreadHeadHQ.com compares this action to rolling modeling clay into a rope, but you only roll one way. It may take some time, but keep rolling the section, always in the same direction, until it "locs" or holds its shape. The amount of time needed will depend on the texture of your hair. The rougher the cuticle, the faster your hair will loc. Repeat this procedure for each separated section.
- For maintenance, wash your hair with a shampoo that will not leave a residue once weekly. After about four weeks, you will probably need to roll your locs again, but the procedure should be shorter. First of all, you will not comb out the completed locs. Your efforts will be concentrated on the grown-out part next to your scalp. Hold a dreadlock out away from your head and backcomb the new growth to add texture. Apply a small amount of wax and begin palm rolling. Roll the entire loc to make sure any stray hair is incorporated, and to maintain the tidiness and uniformity.
