How To Crochet
The technique used to perform crochet maintenance is similar to the technique used to create dreads. Push the hook in, grab a few loose hairs and then release them inside the dread. The hook can also be pushed into the centre of the dread and rigorously pushed back and forth (without coming outside of the dreadlock) to encouraging locking in the middle of the dread.
Dread Balling
Loose hairs are a common problem and one which is easy to fix! Start by working out which hairs belong to which dreads. Gather a few hairs together which belong to the one dread and start rolling the hairs between your finger tips. Now this is a great time to use Dread Dust. You only need a little on your finger tips and it is incredible how easy it makes knotting and balling the loose hairs.
If you are having problems getting the little ball to form then make sure your hair is oil free as squeaky clean hair is easier to work with when performing maintenance. Use a residue free shampoo - all our Dread Empire shampoo's are perfect for preparing your hair for maintenance. If your hair is being particularly stubborn you could also spray the hair with Dreadlock Accelerator and allow the hair to dry thoroughly before starting.
Now once you've formed a little dread ball, use a crochet hook to pull it inside the dreadlock.
Palm Rolling
Palm Rolling is one of the easiest and most commonly practiced maintenance technique. It's a great way to separate and shape each dread. Depending on your hair type, it can also help to encourage locking and tightening also. Palm roll as often as you like - the more you do it the better shaped your dreads become and the quicker they mature. For best results do it after you've given them a good shampoo and spraryed Dreadlock Accelerator through your dreads. Make sure you allow them to dry thoroughly before starting.
So, all you need to do is place the dread between your palms and roll it back and forth applying a little pressure at the same time... it's just like rolling playdoh.
Palm rolling is also the technique used to apply wax, dread balm and tightening gel.
Clockwise Rubbing
This technique is often used to help encourage the new undreaded growth to knot and lock up. Grab a dread at the roots about 1cm from the scalp. Squeeze it lightly between your scalp and the tips of your fingers rub it in clockwise circles, switch hands if you need to but remember to stay with the same clockwise direction. Why clockwise? Because nearly everyone's hair grows in a clockwise whirl pattern on their scalp. Rubbing the hair around in this direction works with it's natural "grain" rather than against it.
After a couple minutes the dread should have a little "poof" or wad of knotty hair at the root. This is what you want and these poof's will quickly tighten over the next week or so. Help them along by finger rubbing them and or palm rolling them.
Clockwise Rubbing is a way of making knots. When you are trying to make knots you want clean hair with as much friction as possible. Locking Accelerator is great for improving friction, especially in clean hair. If you don't have Accelerator, freshly washed and dried hair is much better than dirty hair.