Hi Jennifer. The best thing to do if you want T&R dreads, or any dreads in fact, is to let your hair section naturally. Just wash them with a dread friendly shampoo or bar 2.3 times a week, stop brushing them or finger combing (no conditioners), and in two weeks time, your hair will have sectioned, beautiful natural sections. This way, they are not being forced to be where they don't want to, they are randomly naturally made. If any area thicker than your want, then just divide it.
I have a posting on twist & rip dreads, as I also went that way. You really can do it on your own once your hair separates into sections. It just take a floor to plunk your butt on, a tv to watch, and a large mirror. Oh yeah, do it over 2 or 3 days, as the arms do get a little sore. But that way you will know they are not done tightly. Also don't twist, rip twist rip twist....or they will look braided when finished. Instead go twist rip rip rip twist rip rip rip rip twist and so on....... http://www.dreadlockssite.com/forum/topics/just-starting-out-what-to-expect The best thing is to keep it all natural, no products need to be added, it only holds back or halts the maturing process.......have fun doing them.....peace