What does a crochet hook do for dreads?

Crochet Hooks are a go-to tool for creating and maintaining dreadlocks using the crochet method, a natural dreadlock process. The crochet hook helps to pull the hair in tight so that it knots well. When used correctly, crocheting dreadlocks should not tear the hair but create tight, well knotted dreadlocks.

How to use a crochet hook on dreads

What size crochet hook is best for dreads?

The most popular size hook to use are the very small hook sizes 0.6mm or 0.75mm.

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Step by Step: The Crochet Method

1. Push the crochet hook through the centre of the dread where maintenance is required.

2. Once pushed through the dread, angle the hook so that when it is pulled back into the dread, it will catch different hair and not simply travel back through the same hole.

3. Pull the hook back gently, but not all the way back out. This action should grab some of the desired hair and pull it towards the centre of the dread.

4. Push the hook back out again and repeat from step 2.

How to maintain dreadlock roots?

New growth happens, that's part of the journey. Maintaining your roots keeps your dreads looking fresh and well separated. Depending on personal preference and how fast your hair grows, root maintenance can be anywhere from 2-12 months.

A few points for regrowth maintenance:

• When using the crochet hook for regrowth, be aware that this is the most sensitive area and can be quite sore, even a few days after maintenance.
• There will always be a couple of centimetres of hair right near the scalp that will not be able to be dreaded.
• If it's been a while, in order to get back as close the scalp as possible, either tear the dreads apart (this can be quite painful!) or if neeed, gently use scissors to seperate them. 

How often do dreads need maintenance?

As mentioned above, the frequency of maintenance is up to the desired look that one is going for. If you are going for a totally natural look, you might only do maintenance once a year or less. However, as a general rule of thumb, both regrowth and loose hairs/bumps can be maintained every 2-6 months. Though bear in mind, this is also dependent on the type of hair you have. People with thick curly hair that dreads easily will probably do less maintenance than someone with thin straight hair.

Trust the Process

Maintaining Dreadlocks using the crochet method is a skill that takes time to learn so be patient. It might not feel very natural at first, but keep at it, it does get easier with time. 

Tip for practicing - Put on a movie and work on your dreads, or someone else's. Once you've got the hang of it, you'll be able to create tight, neat dreads and fix up those bumps / loose hairs that are all part of the dreadlock journey.

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