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Dreadlocks with Wispy Ends
Whether you're creating dreadlocks, or trimming exisiting dreadlocks one thing to decide is if you prefer the ends to be blunt or wispy.
I've personally had dreadlocks for over 10 years, and in that time I've needed to trim the ends of my dreads a few times to deal with the length and weight of all that hair. They were originally made with the ends long and wipsy to help give some length to my new dreadlocks and to create a softer look that wispy ends can give. In this blog post I'll explain the process I went through of trimming my dreadlocks and combing out the ends again to create the natural flowy look of wispy ends.
Trimming my dreadlocks the first time was a huge thing for me to do. I really love the look of the wispy ends and I didn't really want to cut them off but I was starting to get headaches when I wore my hair up and so felt I didn't really have a choice. So I looked into ways to make the ends of my dreadlocks wispy again.
How to trim dreadlocks and comb out the ends.
Step 1: Cut the dreadlock you want to trim on an angle, not straight across. This will help the ends from looking so blunt. Keep in mind how much you want to brush out.
Step 2: Using a strong metal comb start to brush out the ends. You will loose some hair in this process but that is not a bad thing, as you are thinning out the ends. Slowly work up the dreadlock as far as you wish to comb out. Personally I comb out around 10cm (4 inches). You can always start and comb out more at a later date if you wish.
Step 3: You may want to wet the ends after brushing them out, as they will become quite frizzy. This will help them start to settle. You may also wish use a Hydrating Oil to soften the ends and nourish the hair after intense brushing.
Helpful Hints
Finding a dreadlock from each side in a similar position on the scalp can help to create an even look. Brushing out the ends can take some time, so cutting a few dreadlocks at a time and brushing out the ends as you go can be helpful if you plan to do it over a few days.
Trimming dreadlocks, particularly for achieving wispy ends, is a process that requires time and patience. I've found that the ends can take a few months to settle back into a naturally wispy look. Here are 3 examples of the type of haircut you can give your dreadlocks.
1. Straight Across - Cutting the length of your dreadlocks fairly straight across to achieve an overall even look in length.
2. Layering - Cutting some dreadlocks shorter, while still retaining some of the length.
3. V Shape - Cutting some dreadlocks shorter at the sides and longer in the middle of the back creating a V shape.
If you're not sure how to go about this and don't feel confident to start trimming, you may wish to consult a loctician, hairdresser or even a friend who may be able to help out.
From my personal experience of over 10 years, managing the length and weight of my dreadlocks has been a journey of discovery and adaptation. But the transformative process of creating wispy ends after trimming has been a rewarding part of my dreadlock journey.
Trimming dreadlocks and crafting wispy ends might seem daunting initially. But with careful steps and a patient approach, you can lessen the weight of your hair and give your dreadlocks a softer, more natural look that continues to evolve over time. So, get your metal comb ready, prepare for a little frizz, and embark on the journey towards lighter, wispy-ended dreadlocks.
