How to Crochet Dreads

Co-authored by Shona Williams

Last Updated: May 30, 2024 References

Crocheting is a common way to start new dreadlocks, maintain existing dreadlocks, and blunt the ends. It’s an easy technique that anyone can learn, and it can help to ensure that your dreadlocks are smooth and attractive. When you are ready to work on your dreadlocks, get a crochet hook in the smallest size you can find and get started!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Starting Dreadlocks with a Crochet Hook

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1
Choose a US size 000 (1.5 mm) crochet hook to use on your hair. This is the smallest size crochet hook available, so it is your best choice for crocheting hair.^{[1]
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Research source} 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).^{[2]
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- Don’t use a size any bigger than a US size 1 (2.25 mm) crochet hook, which is the largest size that you can use for delicate crochet work, such as lace-making and crocheting dreads.
Tip: If you have never crocheted dreads before, practice on an extension first. This will help to ensure that you don’t damage your hair.^{[3]
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2
Divide your hair into 4 or more sections depending on its thickness. Use a comb to divide your hair down the center of your head going from front to back. Press 1 end of the comb against your scalp at the center of your forehead where your hairline starts. Then, run 1 end of the comb across these sections going from ear to ear. Clip each section up 1 at a time to keep the hair out of your way.
- The number of sections you will need to divide your hair into will depend on the thickness and texture of your hair. If you have fine hair, then 4 sections will be plenty. If your hair is thick or coarse, then you may need to divide it into 8 sections.
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Unclip one of the sections near the back of your head, and brush or comb through it if it is tangled. Then, use your comb to take out a 1 in (2.5 cm) section of hair from this section, and clip the rest of the hair back up.^{[4]
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Back comb the section of hair from ends to roots. Hold the section near the ends and comb backwards by about 1 in (2.5 cm) from the ends to the roots. Then, lift the comb out of the hair, move it about ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) up the hair shaft and back comb again. Repeat this until you get to the scalp.^{[5]
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- 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.
- The section of hair should look fluffy when you finish back combing it.
Adette Wellington, Hairdresser

Crocheting synthetic or human hair extensions into your own locks is a popular way to achieve the textured, bohemian look of dreadlocks temporarily or long-term. Ensure hair is prepped, detangled and slightly damp beforehand. Divide strands uniformly and slide the appropriate sized crochet hook from end to root smoothly, one section at a time. Practice patience — mastering the technique takes time.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Forming and Sculpting Dreadlocks

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1
Insert the hook through the hair near the root and pick up a few hairs. Insert the crochet hook through the section of hair about ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) from where the section meets the scalp. Get a few strands of hair on the hook on the other side of the section.^{[6]
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- Make sure that there are only a few strands of hair on your crochet hook! This is all it will take to start locking the dread.
2
Pull individual hairs into and through the section of hair. Next, carefully pull the hook with the hairs on it back through the section of hair. Make sure that the hairs don’t slip off as you do this. If they do, you will need to repeat the step to get a few hairs on the hook again.^{[7]
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- If you have a latch-style hook, this part will be easier since the latch will prevent the hook from snagging on the hairs in the section. If not, you will just need to work more carefully to avoid catching additional hairs on the hook.
3
Repeat this by working down the section of hair towards the ends. After you have pulled the first few hairs through your section, do the same thing over again. Insert the hook into the dread about ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) down from where you started, hook a few strands of hair, and pull them through the section again. Keep going until you reach the bottom of the section.^{[8]
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- As you work, you will notice the dreadlock taking shape. Ideally, your dreads will have smooth edges with no bits of hair poking out of the sides, but they should still feel spongy when you squeeze them.
- If you notice hairs poking out of a section of the dread once you reach the bottom, simply go back to that section and use the crochet hook to grasp them and pull them through.
4
Push the crochet hook in and out of the dread quickly to tighten it. After you finish locking the dread, go back over it at least 1 time 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 of the dread. Then, move down the section about ¹⁄₄ in (0.64 cm) and repeat.^{[9]
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- Go all the way down the dread to tighten and sculpt it.
Tip: Wash your dreads regularly to maintain them. Washing your hair will not ruin the dreads. In fact, wetting your hair can help to encourage it to tangle at the roots and this makes it easier to form dreads.^{[10]
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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 them to be. If they are, you can tighten them by pulling a whole dreadlock through itself at the root. Insert the crochet hook into the base of the dreadlock at the root to create an opening. Then, grasp the strand about halfway down, and pull it through the opening you made with the crochet hook at the scalp.
- This is optional, but it may help to make your dreadlocks lay flatter against your head and look tighter.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Blunting the Ends of Dreadlocks

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1
Hold the crochet hook parallel to the end of your dreadlock. Grasp a dreadlock about 2 in (5.1 cm) from the end and hold your crochet hook next to it. Position the crochet hook so that it is parallel to your dreadlock and the hook is beside the end of the dreadlock.^{[11]
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- If desired, you may also fold over the ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) of hair end of your dreadlock before you start blunting it. This may help to speed up the process.
Insert the hook into the dreadlock about 1 in (2.5 cm) from the end. Push the hook into your dreadlock going down towards the end of the dreadlock. Bring it out at the end of your dreadlock so that you can grasp a few hairs with the hook when you pull it back through.^{[12]
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After you push the hook out the bottom of the dreadlock, pull it back up into the dreadlock to bring a few stray hairs into the dreadlock. Do this quickly and don’t pull the hairs all the way out of the dreadlock where you inserted the hook. Bring them into the dreadlock so that they will be hidden.^{[13]
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Tip: You can apply a dreadlock finishing product to the ends of your hair as well. This may help to make the blunted ends last longer and look better.
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Repeat the process until the ends are blunted. Continue to quickly push the hook in and out of the dreadlock, going past the end, and pulling hairs back up and into the dreadlock. After a few minutes of this, the end will look smooth.^{[14]
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- Repeat this for each of the ends of your dreadlocks.
5
Blunt the ends as needed to maintain a neat look. While blunting the ends of your dreadlocks is optional, it may help them to last longer and look neater. Blunt the ends of your dreadlocks whenever the ends start to get wispy.
- Blunting your ends is something you can do any time you’re relaxing, such as while you’re watching a movie, chatting with friends, or listening to music.

Community Q&A

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Question

Is it important to wash your hair before using this method?

Cj the girl

Community Answer

Yes, it is very important. You want your hair to be clean and healthy when you do this so it can continue growing properly.

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Question

Can you wash your hair after you crochet hook it?

Becca

Community Answer

It is normally recommended to wait a few days before washing your dreads. This is to prevent frizz and the dreads becoming loose.

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Question

How do I get rid of frizzy dreadlocks?

Community Answer

Make your own herbal hair oil with a few grains of distilled tea powder and 1/2 teaspoon of coconut water. Mix it, then apply it.

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