root size - separating

Hi guys,

I have my first baby dread now so I'm wondering about separating. The root itself is about a 2.5" long, maybe 1.5", so it seems pretty big. Should I separate hairs?

Overall with regards to separating, besides preventing two dreads from congo'ing, what do you go by for separating- the root size?

some pics of the baby dread I'm talking about- sry! Im bad at taking photos:

right side: http://i.imgur.com/X4LCznD.jpg
top view: http://i.imgur.com/z9QUenM.jpg
left side: http://i.imgur.com/sZKYKyS.jpg
dread itself: http://i.imgur.com/lawyOr7.jpg

updated by @arrows-of-the-rainbow: 02/14/15 06:16:55AM

Whoa baby, that's a big one in the photo. The recommended size for sections are no more than 1 inch or else they will be fat ones. Anything over an inch takes longer to dry, sometimes 24 hours, and when mature will have more weight to them, pulling on the scalp. The section at the scalp determines the mature dread size. You can probably get 4 sections out of the one in the first pic.

Sorry, not sure what you mean "what do you go by for separating-the root size?" If you mean to use the section where it meets the scalp for measurement size, then yes you do. Those sections will shrink and fatten up to the size where the hair meets the scalp. That is what determines the size.

Some people love the fat dreads, but they do take more care ie:drying

Depending on the size you want, that bad boy could be separated into about 4 sections. Just poke a finger thru the root, close to the scalp. Wiggle your finger up a bit to create a bigger hole. Then use two fingers to gently pull it apart. Since it's a brand new section and baby knots it should come apart easily. If it were a section on my head, I'd separate it into 3. But I prefer smaller dreads. It's all personal choice.

Baba Fats has posted a video on how to separate mature dreads, good to watch.

okay perfect, exactly what I was looking for. I'm guessing it'd be easier to do while my hair is wet?

yea seperare over an inch is huge

--
My new book Ban The Taboo Vol 1

that could be 4-6 dreads and be ereasonably thick

--
My new book Ban The Taboo Vol 1

Hair separates better when wet. It makes the strands stronger with the water in them, less damage if you have to get rough with them for those tough ones.

arrows_of_the_rainbow said:

okay perfect, exactly what I was looking for. I'm guessing it'd be easier to do while my hair is wet?

alrighty I'll give it a go tomorrow morning and see how it goes. thanks!

I'm in the same boat as you. I've got a 3 incher in the back of my head. I never brushed my hair before dreading anyway, so it's been growing about 6 months. I can't bring myself to toy with it, seeing as its my first/favorite/largest loc. I'm sure ill deal with the headache (literally) of it in months to come. Good luck, let me know how operation desperation goes :p