At Liz Kidder Studio, we create new dreadlocks using the crochet hook method.  This technique must be done on clean, dry hair. We section the hair first. Sections may be square or triangular, and size of the sections will depend on the hair density, texture and desired dreadlock thickness. Sectioning is typically done "brick-lay" style, to allow the dreadlocks to fall in between each other, but is totally customizable depending on your desired end result.

To begin, we take the section of hair and backcomb it to create a really loose-looking dreadlock. Then, we take a small crochet hook and weave individual strands of hair back and forth through and around the dreadlock, starting at the root area, in order to lock it in tighter. The crocheting is the time-consuming part, but will make the dreadlocks much tighter and neater from the start.

The service time will depend on your hair density, length, texture and the thickness you’d like your dreadlocks to be. To complete a full head of new dreadlocks, it is not uncommon for it to take a few hours to a full day in the studio.

Disclaimer: The crocheting at the scalp area can be on a scale of uncomfortable to painful, depending on your scalp sensitivity, since individual strands of hair are being pulled/manipulated. If you are worried about your scalp sensitivity, we encourage you to start with partial dreadlocks (see below) for the first appointment. This allows you to see how the service feels, and to see how your hair reacts to dreadlocks in the early stages, after washing, etc. From there, you can set up appointments to continue adding more or to finish your entire head.