I just have a question about how to keep dreads forming at the roots. i heard about a method called "latch hooking". this youtube video has the same idea with a tool, but i just do it with my fingers: .
Is this a good way to keep your dreads growing tightly? I've heard good and bad things about this method...
I'd also love to hear how other people keep their dreads tight at the roots, thanks!
no matter which method they will tighten on their own im sure doing that would be a bad idea
do not do that! they tighten themselves at the roots exactly as tight as they should be in the 1st year that should be very loose 2nd year and on they will tughten to 1/2 an inch
they never should be ny tighter then where thy stop tightening on thier own
u force them to be too tight and u will end up bald
All of thee above is true :D ALSO ...Keep a big ol' cup in your tub, after you shower turn it so just your tub faucet is going, put it as cold as it will go, fill your cup and bend over, as you pour move your locs around. I do this every time im done showering [I use a cup because my hair is long and will go down the drain, but if yours is short just stick it under.] I like to start at the back of my head; back middle, both sides, and then i do the front, not that the order matters, but then no cold water goes down my back >_> It makes my dreadies feel good an tight with out doin any harm :D Hope this helps ya!
awesome! thanks so much everyone!
thanks so much for this advice! i'll have to try this out 
CoriElaine said:
All of thee above is true :D ALSO ...Keep a big ol' cup in your tub, after you shower turn it so just your tub faucet is going, put it as cold as it will go, fill your cup and bend over, as you pour move your locs around. I do this every time im done showering [I use a cup because my hair is long and will go down the drain, but if yours is short just stick it under.] I like to start at the back of my head; back middle, both sides, and then i do the front, not that the order matters, but then no cold water goes down my back >_> It makes my dreadies feel good an tight with out doin any harm :D Hope this helps ya!
also, have any of you ever used salt water on your dreads to help them tighten up? i heard that sea water specifically is good for them
Tara, i have experienced itching as a result of this. do you know of any products that help itching?
Tara C said
Forcing tightness will cause itching and possible headaches depending on how tight, where about on your head, etc. Forcing it doesn't work, they'll tighten up on their own as they get mature.
Hello, you would rather leave the roots alone... Give them time and they will tighten up on their own. If your locks are tight all the way to the scalp its not a very good thing becos it might put strain on your scalp and may hurt you. 1-1/2 inch loose roots is actually a good thing.
Stop doing what you are, that could be the first step to avoid the itching. It might ease out automatically in a few days. If it continues try massaging your scalp. Blood circulation and nourishment can keep the scalp happy. I had a very sore scalp a few days back... I massaged my head with essential oils mixed in jojoba and i feel nothing any more. Good luck
