Dreadlocks wearers like to say their hair is misunderstood. For starters, some people think dreadlocks is just long, uncombed hair twisted into thick braids. In truth, it has to be washed and shaped just like any other hairstyle. To get dreadlocks, or the shorter, tighter "baby locs," the wearer must part the hair into sections and then twist or "backcomb" it into place.
Backcombing
Part the hair in sections of small squares using a comb. The sections can be 1 to 2 inches apart, but should be the size the "dreaded" hair will grow into. Hold the sections in place with a rubber band or a hair clip.
Beginning at the scalp, comb the hair backwards. The hair should gather or come together at the roots.
Back comb to the end of your hair and a dread will form. Hold the hair tightly together to form the dread style.
Repeat the action with the other sections until the hair is completely in the "dread" style.
Twisting
Part the hair in small block sections, then hold one section at a time in the palm of your hand. Roll the hair in a circular motion as if you were rolling dough.
Repeatedly twist the hair to form "baby locs." Apply chemical free "loc butter" or "loc gel" to your fingers and twist the hair starting at the scalp.
Repeat the twisting process in all sections until the full head is in dreads.