In preparation to grow locs

Hi, so I have been growing out my hair for a couple of months to get them ready to loc. I am deciding to due backcombing because I have heard it is a good natural way to start, and I want to make this as natural as an experience as I can. I am intending to grow them as a spiritual journey, as I am sure everyone else has their reasons. But I am half Filipino, and half Guatemalan so my hair is fairly straight but has more of a wave to it. so I know it will be a good experience maintaining them and whatnot. My hair is just about 3 inches long, and I was wondering if that will be long enough to backcomb them and then just wait and let them loc up. In washing my hair once a week with BS and ACV is that good in terms of helping my hair get ready to loc up? Also what thoughts are there one starting locs with 3 - 4 inches with the backcombing technique. If there are any specific things to look out for or how to keep them in a more loc position. I am also considering waiting several more months to let them grow to about 6 inches if it would help them stay locked up better. Thank you!

updated by @morey: 01/13/15 09:59:02PM

6 inches is more ideal, it will loc up better. But I know some people who have gone from a bald head to dreads just by not combing... not combing is the most natural method to attaining dreadlocks. (also the best in my opinion) but in the end they all look the same once mature so long as you:

DONT USE WAX

DONT CROTCHET HOOK

DONT TWIST

haha those are the main things!!

It's good you are already washing with bs/acv because that is what you will want to keep washing with once you do loc up. You want to was 2-3 times a week depending on your own hair! Usually i just wash whenever my scalp gets itchy.

I would definitely say to do some research on the most natural method (sometimes called neglect) on here! Its a really awesome journey to see your hair transform without anything helping it along. But if you do in the end just want to back comb you should at least let your hair section itself. To do this: stop combing for about 1-2 weeks and ur hair should form into sections then back comb those individual sections. It's better for you do this vs selecting random bunches of hair because then ur hair can knot up where it likes ot be Hope I could help you!

peace

Thank you so much for such a quick reply. My hair is JUST under 3 inches, and after reading a few discussion I will more than likely just leave my hair alone for several more months till it's around 6 inches or even longer. I was reading on another discussion, that backcombing can mess up your hair, and I was wondering how so? It was saying that is can slow down the process, which I thought it would help with the locing process. I am not concerned as to how long it will take to loc naturally, but considering my hair is more wavy than just straight but not very curly. In neglect method which is more than likely what I'll do, is washing my hair with BS and ACV all I need to do? I am a bit confused when they say to part hair when wet or like separate tangles? (something in that sort) Thanks once again for the help.

what she said but id add if you dont let it dread naturaly tnr might be a better option

if you do tnr or backcomb 4-5 inches has a better chance of staying in

taking biotin a couple months and letting it dread as it gets long enough's the best option

--
My new book Ban The Taboo Vol 1

backcombing damages the cuticles, every hairs covered with scale like cuticles very much like a snakes skin (or fish)

what happens when you scrape metal teeth against a fish against the grain? the scales are pried up amd off

well it does simular on the hair, not off but pries them up and damages them so they cant open and close properly

its not as serius damage as crochet ..but does damage the hair at least moderately if done gent;y ..the more agressive the backcombing the more its going to harm

yea what your washing with is good

what to expect

erlu on..sectioning

then the sections start to tangle and knot and dread

but as this happens 2 sections may try tangling together..

or 1 section may start to dread too thick at the roots (over an inch)

so when they try to combine pull them apart (when wets best..or damp)

that keeps them separted and from forming bigger then you want

Morey said:

Thank you so much for such a quick reply. My hair is JUST under 3 inches, and after reading a few discussion I will more than likely just leave my hair alone for several more months till it's around 6 inches or even longer. I was reading on another discussion, that backcombing can mess up your hair, and I was wondering how so? It was saying that is can slow down the process, which I thought it would help with the locing process. I am not concerned as to how long it will take to loc naturally, but considering my hair is more wavy than just straight but not very curly. In neglect method which is more than likely what I'll do, is washing my hair with BS and ACV all I need to do? I am a bit confused when they say to part hair when wet or like separate tangles? (something in that sort) Thanks once again for the help.

--
My new book Ban The Taboo Vol 1

Thank you for the help. Makes sense with the backcombing. In terms though which is less damaging overall to the hair/head, backcombing or tnr? I don't really know what tnr is but i will research it. I am not worried so much how long it will take but I'm worried with the type of hair i have. In terms of it being I guess "flat?" will it take a longer time? I have not done anything but the BS and ACV once a week for I'd say about 3 weeks and I can't tell any difference whatsoever, except my hair is more messy than usual haha, but I don't mind the messy look, but I'm just more concerned as if there is something I am doing wrong? or is just a very patient time taking method to do the neglect. Also I know they said for neglect not to comb, will it mess up the process if I like comb my fingers through my hair? I accidentally find my self messing with my hair but I am trying to just leave it alone in general.

Also since my hair is flat, I know considering the type of hair it might take long to lock up, but after 3 weeks I haven't seen any difference except that my hair is growing longer. I was reading more discussions and should I twist some sections with my hand? or like anything in general. Also How much should I use BS for my wash. I use a bowl basically to wash it through but I am confused as to how much baking soda I should put, but I will put in sea salt as I hear that starts the dreading faster or help with the process.

finger combing is combing

towel drying will also slow or stop profress

the bs/acv 1 part b3s 10 parts water

acv (after rinsing bs) only a spoonful or 2 in the bowl

if you dont scrub dont disturb the hair it will progress

messy is a start

--
My new book Ban The Taboo Vol 1

How would you recommend me drying my hair? I am a bit lost as to how to dry my hair if not to scrub it with the towel, so I just like press it or let it air dry?

sun/air/drip dry when u can blow gently with warm to cool when u must

shake out the excess 1st

--
My new book Ban The Taboo Vol 1