Dear Nairalanders,

Which is the best and fastest way of keeping dreads? There are various types which are:

Backcombing

Advantages: Hair looks like dreads the same day and reaches maturity faster than other methods. You can control the size and shape of the dreads, anywhere from thick and smooth to thin and sexy. It is an all natural method. Backcombing will work on all hair lengths 3" and longer.

Disadvantages: The initial dreading takes a few hours and is pretty labor intensive, nothing a good friend or two can't handle. The best way to back comb is to take your time and make the dreads as smooth and tight as possible.


Wool Sweater or Wool Hat rubbing

Advantages: [/b]The main advantage to the rubbing method is that if you happen to own something wool you can get started right away. It is an all natural method. You can do it yourself.
[b]
Disadvantages: It hurts like hell and the dreads that it makes vary greatly in size and do not look very good. Hair will usually need to be cut after trying this method so you will have to grow out your hair again before trying another method.

Neglect

Advantages: [/b]You can do it without assistance. It is the easiest method. No special tools or products are needed, just time.
[b]
Disadvantages: It takes at least 3 years to start looking like dreads in most hair types. You need to have about 10" of hair for the knots to start forming. The dreads form unevenly, some dreads will be huge and flat, others skinny. People usually get sick of having nasty hair and cut it off long before they get dreads.

Dread perming

Dread perming

Advantages: It's like instant dreads.

Disadvantages: It is a chemical process. Dreads formed by perming often require professional maintenance. Cost, $200-$400! It's like instant dreads.

Twisting

Advantages: It is all natural. You have control over the size of the dreads and how they form. Many salons are familiar with this method and the cost is usually much lower than a dread perm.

Disadvantages: It only works in African textured hair but that doesn't mean salons won't try it on Caucasian hair!

Crocheting Dreadlocks

It's no secret that locking hair with a crochet hook is thorough, instant and chemical-free.

Am currently doing the crocheting type, I don't know if it's faster!

I would try making that.

Please guys, which is the fastest way to make long dreads.

I know this method and have done it before, It doesn't make your dreads grow longer. Take a look at the below.

Oh OK. That's nice to hear