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Short Hair
How to Start Dreads with Short Hair Download Article Co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang
Last Updated: July 14, 2025 Fact Checked
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Using the Brushing Method
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Twisting Dreadlocks
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Expert Interview
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Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 619,086 times.
Dreadlocks are a fashionable and meaningful hairstyle that has been worn by different cultures all around the world. If you start to dread your hair while it's short, it makes growing out full locs much easier later on. You can either create your dreads with a brush or you can twist dreads with a comb. By following the proper techniques and using the right materials, you can start your dreads before your hair is even an inch long.
How to Start Dreadlocks on Short Hair
Separate your hair into 1 in (2 cm) sections. Apply loc cream to one section and detangle it with a rattail comb. Insert the comb at the base of the section, then twist and pull it up through your hair until you reach the tip.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Using the Brushing Method
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1 Make small circular motions with a soft bristled brush. Brush small, inch sized circles in a clockwise motion until the hair starts to form into balls. This should only take about a minute or two. Once a ball of hair forms, move onto another section of the hair to continue making dreadlocks throughout the hair.[1]XResearch source
The brushing method works best for coarse hair that's 3/4" to 2.5" (1.905 cm - 6.35 cm) long.
You can also use a sponge brush, which is made specifically to create dreads and curls in someone's hair.
Using a sponge brush often works better on short hair than using a bristle brush.
2 Apply cream or wax to each of the balls. Once all the hair is spun into small balls, you should apply a dread wax or cream to moisturize them and hold them in place.[2]X Expert Source Ndeye Anta NiangHair Stylist & Master BraiderExpert Interview Put a dab of cream into your hand and rub it into each of the dreads.[3]XResearch source
Popular brands of dread wax include Jamaican Mango & Lime, Doo Gro, and Africa's Best.
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3 Secure the dreads with a hair clip or elastic band. You can help hold down the dreads with elastic bands or small hair clips. Apply the elastic band under the ball, near the root of the hair. Make sure not to apply the bands too tightly or it can cause discomfort to the person getting the dreads.[4]X Expert Source Ndeye Anta NiangHair Stylist & Master BraiderExpert Interview [5]XResearch source
If the texture of your hair is medium to coarse, you can skip this step. Tightly coiled hair will not unravel.
4 Dry the locks and let them sit for at least three hours. Use a hair dryer to dry your locks completely. Touch them and make sure that they are no longer wet, but remain moisturized by your wax. Once they've been allowed to dry and set, you can remove your hair clips or elastic bands.[6]XResearch source
If you have access to a hooded dryer, use it instead of a hair dryer, as it will work more effectively.
Don't sleep or play with your hair for three hours or the dreads may come loose.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Twisting Dreadlocks
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1 Separate the hair into inch-sized (2.54 cm) squares. Grab a small portion of hair and comb the knots out of it. Continue to do this all over the head, making 1x1 inch (2.54 cm x 2.54 cm) squares. Each section of hair will be a different dreadlock.[7]X Expert Source Ndeye Anta NiangHair Stylist & Master BraiderExpert Interview [8]XResearch source
If you wish, you can secure the end of the hair with a rubber band or a small hair clip. However, this is usually not necessary.
Twisting dreadlocks is ideal for coarse hair as short as 2 inches (5.08 cm).[9]X Expert Source Ndeye Anta NiangHair Stylist & Master BraiderExpert Interview [10]XResearch source
You may have to wet the hair to help get the knots out.
2 Comb through a portion of the hair and apply a loc cream. Rub a moisturizing loc cream into each portion that you separated with your hand. Make sure that the cream is rubbed in thoroughly before moving onto the next separated section of hair.[11]XResearch source
3 Insert the comb at the root and twist it. Use a rat tail comb and insert it at the root of the hair. Twist the comb while pulling, until you work your way to the end of the hair. Keep the hair in the teeth as you twist. When you're finished the portion of hair should be twisted into a small dread.[12]XResearch source
This method is ideal for short hair because you don't need much length to twist portions of the hair into dreads.
If you applied enough loc cream, you won't need to secure the dreads with rubber bands.
4 Continue to make dreads in neat and organized rows. Continue creating dreads across the head horizontally, spacing them out an inch (2.54 cm) apart from one another. Once you are done with a row, move onto another portion of the hair until the entire hair is dreaded.[13]XResearch source
5 Let the dreads dry. Let your dreads for at least three hours before touching them or going to sleep. You can use a hand held hair dryer to remove any leftover moisture from dreading.
If you can, sit under a hooded dryer rather than using a hair dryer. This works more effectively because it provides an even air flow.
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Expert Q&A
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Question How many inches of hair do you need for dreadlocks? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Six inches is ideal. You may be able to dread hair with as little as three inches, but it will take longer for them to settle. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 41 Helpful 62
Question How long does it take for your hair to lock up? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer It usually takes three months for locks to feel secure. It takes closer to six months for them to feel smooth and settled. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 33 Helpful 62
Question How can I do a fake dread style on my hair? Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider Expert Answer For a simple approach, you can start by pulling the bottom of your hair and then connecting the tip of the dread to another one. Alternatively, you could opt for braiding, incorporating Afro bulk hair that resembles the dread, and integrating the two. This method involves a braiding technique. Additionally, you could directly attach your own hair to the dread for a more natural look. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 14
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Things You'll Need
Soft bristled brush
Rat tail comb
Dread wax or cream
Hair clips or elastic bands (Optional)
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about hair care, check out our in-depth interview with Ndeye Anta Niang.
Co-authored by: Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. This article has been viewed 619,086 times. 234 votes - 84% Co-authors: 16Updated: July 14, 2025 Views: 619,086 Categories: Dreadlocks | Short HairArticle SummaryX
If you have short, coarse hair and you want to start dreads, make small circular motions in your hair with a soft-bristled brush or a sponge brush until the hair starts to form into balls. Once a ball of hair forms, move on to another section of hair and repeat. Apply cream or wax to each of the balls to moisturize them and hold their shape, then use small hair clips or elastic bands to hold the dreads in place. Allow the wax to set for 3 hours before removing the hair clips. Keep reading to learn how to create dreadlocks by twisting your hair!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Jan 2, 2019
"I thought I could not do dreads because of my short hair, but your article helped me get started."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider Co-authors: 16Updated: July 14, 2025 Views: 619,08684% of readers found this article helpful. 234 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote
Anonymous
Jan 2, 2019
"I thought I could not do dreads because of my short hair, but your article helped me get started."
Anonymous
Jan 8, 2018
"I thought it was gonna be hard to do but it was awesome!"
Alexdern Mary
Nov 7, 2021
"Your article helped me to made good dreadlocks."
Anonymous
Feb 13, 2018
"The twist method to dreads, thanks so much."
Anonymous
Nov 22, 2023
"This made me fall in love with locs." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. This article has been viewed 619,086 times. 234 votes - 84% Co-authors: 16 Updated: July 14, 2025 Views: 619,086 Categories: Dreadlocks | Short Hair Article SummaryX
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1 Make small circular motions with a soft bristled brush. Brush small, inch sized circles in a clockwise motion until the hair starts to form into balls. This should only take about a minute or two. Once a ball of hair forms, move onto another section of the hair to continue making dreadlocks throughout the hair.[1] 
2 Apply cream or wax to each of the balls. Once all the hair is spun into small balls, you should apply a dread wax or cream to moisturize them and hold them in place.[2] Put a dab of cream into your hand and rub it into each of the dreads.[3] 
3 Secure the dreads with a hair clip or elastic band. You can help hold down the dreads with elastic bands or small hair clips. Apply the elastic band under the ball, near the root of the hair. Make sure not to apply the bands too tightly or it can cause discomfort to the person getting the dreads.[4] [5] 
4 Dry the locks and let them sit for at least three hours. Use a hair dryer to dry your locks completely. Touch them and make sure that they are no longer wet, but remain moisturized by your wax. Once they've been allowed to dry and set, you can remove your hair clips or elastic bands.[6] 
1 Separate the hair into inch-sized (2.54 cm) squares. Grab a small portion of hair and comb the knots out of it. Continue to do this all over the head, making 1x1 inch (2.54 cm x 2.54 cm) squares. Each section of hair will be a different dreadlock.[7] [8] 
2 Comb through a portion of the hair and apply a loc cream. Rub a moisturizing loc cream into each portion that you separated with your hand. Make sure that the cream is rubbed in thoroughly before moving onto the next separated section of hair.[11] 
3 Insert the comb at the root and twist it. Use a rat tail comb and insert it at the root of the hair. Twist the comb while pulling, until you work your way to the end of the hair. Keep the hair in the teeth as you twist. When you're finished the portion of hair should be twisted into a small dread.[12] 
4 Continue to make dreads in neat and organized rows. Continue creating dreads across the head horizontally, spacing them out an inch (2.54 cm) apart from one another. Once you are done with a row, move onto another portion of the hair until the entire hair is dreaded.[13] 
5 Let the dreads dry. Let your dreads for at least three hours before touching them or going to sleep. You can use a hand held hair dryer to remove any leftover moisture from dreading. 
Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. 
Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.