Achieve the Perfect Crinkle Dreads: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crinkle dreads, also known as wavy dreads or mermaid locs, offer a unique and stylish alternative to traditional dreadlocks. They provide texture, volume, and a touch of bohemian flair. Whether you already have established dreadlocks or are looking to create temporary crinkles, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, offering detailed steps and helpful tips to achieve your desired look.
## Understanding Crinkle Dreads
Before diving into the how-to, let’s define what crinkle dreads are and explore the various methods available.
Crinkle dreads are essentially dreadlocks that have been styled to have a wavy or crimped texture. This is achieved by manipulating the dreads through braiding, twisting, or using heat-styling tools. The result is a more relaxed and textured look compared to the straight, uniform appearance of traditional dreadlocks.
There are two primary ways to achieve crinkle dreads:
* **Temporary Crinkles:** These are created on existing dreadlocks and last until washed. Methods include braiding, twisting, and using flexi-rods.
* **Permanent Crinkles:** These involve using heat or chemical treatments to permanently alter the texture of the dreadlocks. This method is generally not recommended due to potential damage and should only be considered with extreme caution and professional guidance.
This guide will primarily focus on the temporary crinkle methods, as they are safer and allow for greater versatility.
## Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Regardless of the specific method you choose, having the right tools and materials will make the process smoother and more effective. Here’s a comprehensive list:
* **Spray Bottle with Water:** For dampening the dreads, which is essential for setting the crinkles.
* **Leave-in Conditioner (Optional):** To add moisture and protect the dreads, especially if they are dry or brittle. Choose a residue-free formula to avoid buildup.
* **Dreadlock-Friendly Oil (Optional):** Such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil, to add shine and further moisturize the dreads. Use sparingly to prevent greasiness.
* **Small Hair Elastics (Rubber Bands):** For securing the braids or twists.
* **Flexi-Rods or Curlformers (Optional):** For creating more defined and uniform crinkles.
* **Wide-Tooth Comb (Optional):** To detangle the dreads before styling.
* **Microfiber Towel:** For gently drying the dreads.
* **Satin Bonnet or Scarf:** To protect the crinkles while sleeping.
* **Hair Clips (Optional):** For sectioning the hair.
## Method 1: Braiding for Crinkle Dreads
Braiding is a simple and effective way to create crinkle dreads. It’s suitable for all dreadlock lengths and textures, and the intensity of the crinkles can be adjusted by varying the size and number of braids.
**Step 1: Prepare Your Dreadlocks**
* Start with clean, dry, or slightly damp dreadlocks. Washing your hair before braiding is recommended to remove any buildup.
* If your dreadlocks are dry, lightly mist them with water. Avoid soaking them, as this will make them difficult to braid and prolong the drying time.
* Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or oil to your dreadlocks, focusing on the ends, to provide moisture and protection. Be careful not to over-apply, as this can make your hair greasy.
* Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle any knots or snags in your dreadlocks. Be patient and avoid pulling or breaking the hair.
**Step 2: Section Your Dreadlocks (Optional)**
* Sectioning your dreadlocks can make the braiding process easier and more organized, especially if you have a lot of hair.
* Use hair clips to divide your dreadlocks into four sections: front left, front right, back left, and back right.
**Step 3: Begin Braiding**
* Take one dreadlock and divide it into three equal strands.
* Begin braiding the dreadlock as you would a regular braid, crossing the right strand over the middle strand, then the left strand over the new middle strand.
* Continue braiding down the entire length of the dreadlock, keeping the braid tight and even.
* Secure the end of the braid with a small hair elastic. Avoid using elastics that are too tight, as this can damage the hair.
**Step 4: Repeat the Braiding Process**
* Repeat Step 3 for all of your dreadlocks, ensuring that each dreadlock is braided completely from root to tip.
* The number of braids you create will determine the intensity of the crinkles. For tighter crinkles, create more braids. For looser crinkles, create fewer braids.
* You can also vary the size of the braids to create a more textured and natural look.
**Step 5: Allow the Braids to Set**
* Once all of your dreadlocks are braided, allow the braids to set for several hours or overnight. The longer you leave the braids in, the more defined the crinkles will be.
* For best results, sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf to protect the braids and prevent frizz.
**Step 6: Remove the Braids**
* Carefully remove the hair elastics from the ends of the braids.
* Gently unravel the braids, starting from the bottom and working your way up to the root.
* Avoid pulling or tugging on the hair, as this can cause breakage.
**Step 7: Separate and Style**
* Once all of the braids are removed, separate the dreadlocks with your fingers to create volume and definition.
* Style your crinkle dreads as desired. You can wear them down, tie them up in a bun or ponytail, or create other creative hairstyles.
* To maintain the crinkles, avoid washing your hair too frequently. When you do wash your hair, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
## Method 2: Twisting for Crinkle Dreads
Twisting is another excellent method for creating crinkle dreads. It’s similar to braiding, but it involves twisting the dreadlocks instead of braiding them. This method is particularly effective for creating a more textured and voluminous look.
**Step 1: Prepare Your Dreadlocks**
* Follow the same preparation steps as in Method 1: Braiding.
* Ensure your dreadlocks are clean, dry, or slightly damp, and moisturized with a leave-in conditioner or oil.
**Step 2: Section Your Dreadlocks (Optional)**
* Sectioning your dreadlocks can help to organize the twisting process.
* Divide your dreadlocks into sections using hair clips.
**Step 3: Begin Twisting**
* Take one dreadlock and divide it into two equal strands.
* Twist the two strands together tightly, in the same direction. For example, twist both strands to the right.
* As you twist, the strands will naturally wrap around each other, forming a coil.
* Continue twisting down the entire length of the dreadlock, keeping the twist tight and even.
* Secure the end of the twist with a small hair elastic.
**Step 4: Repeat the Twisting Process**
* Repeat Step 3 for all of your dreadlocks.
* The tightness of the twists will determine the intensity of the crinkles. Tighter twists will create more defined crinkles, while looser twists will create softer crinkles.
**Step 5: Allow the Twists to Set**
* Allow the twists to set for several hours or overnight. The longer you leave the twists in, the more defined the crinkles will be.
* Protect the twists while sleeping with a satin bonnet or scarf.
**Step 6: Remove the Twists**
* Carefully remove the hair elastics from the ends of the twists.
* Gently unravel the twists, starting from the bottom and working your way up to the root.
* Avoid pulling or tugging on the hair.
**Step 7: Separate and Style**
* Separate the dreadlocks with your fingers to create volume and definition.
* Style your crinkle dreads as desired.
## Method 3: Using Flexi-Rods or Curlformers for Crinkle Dreads
Flexi-rods and Curlformers are flexible styling tools that can be used to create more defined and uniform crinkles. This method is ideal for those who want a more polished and consistent look.
**Step 1: Prepare Your Dreadlocks**
* Follow the same preparation steps as in Method 1 and Method 2.
* Ensure your dreadlocks are clean, dry, or slightly damp, and moisturized.
**Step 2: Section Your Dreadlocks (Optional)**
* Sectioning your dreadlocks can help to ensure that each dreadlock is evenly curled.
**Step 3: Wrap Your Dreadlocks Around the Flexi-Rods or Curlformers**
* Take one dreadlock and wrap it around a flexi-rod or Curlformer, starting from the root and working your way down to the tip.
* Ensure that the dreadlock is wrapped tightly and evenly around the rod or former.
* Bend the flexi-rod to secure the dreadlock in place, or use the clasp on the Curlformer.
**Step 4: Repeat the Wrapping Process**
* Repeat Step 3 for all of your dreadlocks.
* The size of the flexi-rods or Curlformers will determine the size of the crinkles. Smaller rods and formers will create tighter crinkles, while larger rods and formers will create looser crinkles.
**Step 5: Allow the Dreadlocks to Set**
* Allow the dreadlocks to set for several hours or overnight. For best results, use a hooded dryer to speed up the drying process.
* Ensure that the dreadlocks are completely dry before removing the flexi-rods or Curlformers.
**Step 6: Remove the Flexi-Rods or Curlformers**
* Carefully remove the flexi-rods or Curlformers from the dreadlocks.
* Avoid pulling or tugging on the hair.
**Step 7: Separate and Style**
* Separate the dreadlocks with your fingers to create volume and definition.
* Style your crinkle dreads as desired.
## Tips for Maintaining Crinkle Dreads
* **Moisturize Regularly:** Crinkle dreads can be prone to dryness, so it’s important to moisturize them regularly with a leave-in conditioner or oil. Focus on the ends of the dreadlocks, as they tend to be the driest.
* **Avoid Over-Washing:** Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils and cause it to become dry and brittle. Aim to wash your hair once or twice a week, using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
* **Protect Your Hair While Sleeping:** Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase can cause friction and lead to frizz and breakage. Protect your crinkle dreads by sleeping with a satin bonnet or scarf.
* **Avoid Heat Styling:** Heat styling can damage the hair and cause the crinkles to lose their shape. Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. If you must use heat, use a heat protectant spray.
* **Deep Condition Regularly:** Deep conditioning can help to replenish moisture and strengthen the hair. Deep condition your crinkle dreads once or twice a month.
* **Trim Split Ends:** Split ends can make your hair look dull and unhealthy. Trim split ends regularly to keep your hair looking its best.
* **Use Dreadlock-Friendly Products:** Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or sulfates, as these can damage the hair and cause buildup. Use products that are specifically designed for dreadlocks.
* **Be Gentle:** Handle your crinkle dreads with care. Avoid pulling or tugging on the hair, as this can cause breakage.
* **Patience is Key:** Creating and maintaining crinkle dreads takes time and effort. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Frizz:** Frizz is a common issue with crinkle dreads. To minimize frizz, use a leave-in conditioner or oil regularly, and avoid over-washing your hair. You can also use a frizz-control serum.
* **Dryness:** Dryness can make your crinkle dreads look dull and brittle. To combat dryness, moisturize your hair regularly and deep condition once or twice a month.
* **Build-up:** Product build-up can weigh down your dreadlocks and make them look dull. To prevent build-up, use residue-free products and clarify your hair regularly with a clarifying shampoo.
* **Loosening Crinkles:** The crinkles may loosen over time. To refresh the crinkles, you can re-braid, re-twist, or re-curl your dreadlocks using flexi-rods or Curlformers.
## Conclusion
Crinkle dreads are a versatile and stylish way to express your individuality. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can achieve the perfect crinkle dreads and maintain them for a long-lasting, beautiful look. Remember to be patient, use quality products, and protect your hair to keep it healthy and vibrant. Experiment with different techniques and styles to find what works best for you and enjoy your unique crinkle dread journey!
