INSTANT DREADLOCKS

Want dreadlocks but don’t have the patience to wait months or even years? The founder of Indalo Nubian Naturals Smangele Sibisi shares how to get ’em right now.

What ARE they?

instant loc means creating fully locked locs immediately by using a variety of techniques. while it can take years to grow some starter loc styles into mature locs, the instant ones help you achieve the look right away.

HOW ARE they Different from TRADITIONAL DREADLOCKS?

with traditional locs, the client’s hair locks in its own time (which can take up to eight months, and at least 24 months for the hair to mature into a loc). But with instant locs, you can start and lock it at the same time, giving you matured or locked hair in an instant.

HOW DO you MAKE them?

interlocking starter: a method of starting locs that’s an alternative to the traditional palm-rolling method achieved by interlocking the hair.

crotchet: instantly start and lock the hair using a crotchet technique and tool.

HOW DO you KEEP them LOCKED, AND HOW Long DO they LAST?

these techniques permanently lock your hair – you can undo the dreadlocks, but you’ll lose some of your hair. Visit your hairdresser monthly for washes and touch-ups, and decide how long you want to keep your locs.

AND maintenance?

Visit your hairdresser to maintain the hair as you would with traditional locs.

use an oil-based moisturising spray, essential oils and don’t forget to use water for hydration.

a stylist will advise how frequently you should visit and other things you can do at home to keep your hair healthy.

ARE they BAD FOR your hair?

definitely not. But have both techniques administered by a professional. hair damage can only be caused by using incorrect tools – too large crochet hooks can cause more breakage than anticipated, as an example. avoid crocheting bleached or aged hair that hasn’t been moisturised as it’ll probably be prone to damage, whereas young, healthy hair is stronger and less prone to breakage. new growth at the roots is almost always the best hair to crochet since it’s healthy.

CAN you ADD Extensions?

again, consult an experienced stylist, and choose extensions made from human hair.

What ARE the ADVANTAGES?

it works for almost all hair types and problems, and the process is often less painful than twisting or interlocking. instant locs are easier to maintain and ideal for sporty people who tend to sweat a lot.

“Matured

or locked hair in an instant”