On the right track for dreadlocks?
Dread Maintenance
It's okay for them to unravel. That's how they dread. They look as they should for 2 days. 
Just wash and separate when needed, that's all you should be doing. :D
Forum Activity for @rainbow-fortune
Dread Maintenance
HELP !
Dreading Methods
Just let them lock naturally.
You can glue them together, too, but that doesn't mean you should.
Crochet is, as you probably know, very damaging.
And there's nothing wrong with partial dreading, just be careful when you comb the rest of your hair, and that's it.
short baby dread updos
Dreadlock Styles and Dread Styling
I didn't see your photos until after I posted my reply, but I figured you or someone else might like it anyway, so I left it there.
I love what you did, btw. :D
Thank you. :D They were about a month old, so it was a bit easier to pull it back neatly - it would be much harder now as I have a bunch of loops sticking out near the roots everywhere. :D
Yeah, it could be a bit trickier with layers. I always had layers before, but in February last year I broke up with a guy and cut my hair chin length, no layers, and haven't done anything to it since, so it was layer-free for the show (which was in August last year). :D
And it did take a ton of pins. I have a looot of hair, and I remember it took me about 20 mins to take them all out afterwards. But, I got to keep them all, and they sure do come in handy now, as I'm growing my bangs out, and can't see anything if I don't pin them up. :D
It would probably look even better with completely dreaded hair, tho I can't imagine getting mature dreads pinned up. Guess I'll see if it works once I have them. :D
I love the hairstyles which use only dreads, no pins, no nothing. Yesterday I figured out I can tie two of my dreads from behind my ears to the back of my head, and was soo happy. They have loops near the ends, though, so I will need more length for them to really stay there.
short baby dread updos
Dreadlock Styles and Dread Styling
Well, I'm not sure if this will help you, since I don't have a pic of the back, but I'll try to explain.
Namely, a year ago I was just beginning dreading, and couldn't do anything with my hair. BUT, since I was supposed to do a fashion show, something had to be done.
So this is what they did with my hair.
(I'm the one in the front. xD )
It was done by pulling my hair back as if a ponytail was to be made, but instead of that, the hairdresser twisted my hair (as for a tight bun). Well, like this. (I figured it was easier for me to just take a picture. :D )
The tips (under my fingers) were left loose, evenly spread out on the side, and pinned there. It takes a lot of pins, but it looked neat.
Also, the twisted part was straight, not crooked as in the pic, this is just to show what I mean.
My hair was a shorter than yours, tho, but I believe it can be done, you should just twist more hair.
updated by @rainbow-fortune: 02/05/15 10:12:49AM
Separation anxiety
Dread Maintenance
People usually recommend separating while wet, since it is easier.
I personally do it mostly when dry, wet hair confuses me. But that's just me. :D
I am Gabriel =)
Introduce Yourself
Welcome!
Well, your hair is too short to see any progress, but that is not either good nor bad.
Having long hair does not guarantee faster dreading, so it comes down to the same thing - wash, wait, and separate when needed. You are saved from separating for some time by having short hair, tho.
Just be patient with both your hair growth and dreading, and it will happen.
Is there a way to un-blunt crocheted dreadlock tips?
Help! Save My Dreads
I believe you could use a conditioner, and then gently brush them out with a soft brush. It will take a lot of time. You could use olive oil as a conditioner. And I would use it only on the tips.
Note - I have never done this or anything similar, I'm just telling you what I know in general, combined for the purpose.
wetting my hair
Dread Maintenance
Haha... Yeah, that's what I meant. Answering people's questions before having coffee in the morning, and that's what you get. :D
wetting my hair
Dread Maintenance
Nope. Dreads love getting wet, and you should wash them 2 - 3 times a day. Clean hair dreads. It needs to be clean in order to dread.
Just make sure they have enough time to dry before getting wet again, so they wouldn't develop mildew. It's not an issue in the early stages, but it's better to develop the habit of making sure they're dry early on.