I have a 7 year old daughter who has been asking for dreads and I've finally decided to let her do it. I don't have them, but her friends mom does so she knows that she's asking for (I almost did it a few times over the years but with super thin hair I've always been afraid they'd look bad on me). She is a brilliant child with a free spirit and likes what she likes regardless of what anyone else thinks. I think they'll suit her personality and help control (probably the wrong word) her wild hair. About her hair, it is very unmanagable fine, frizzy hair with a loose curl down to the waistband of her jeans that knots up so much I keep it braided almost 24/7... even then it manages to get tangled.
I have done a lot of research and plan to start them doing twist and rip using no wax or anything and washing with Trader Joe's tea tree tingle shampoo (on the list that ragingrootstudio has online). I have a few questions though.
1.With her length about how long would you guess it will take to start them (keep in mind I've never done it before)?
2.If she can't sit still for that long, is it possible to spread it out over a few days? If I spread it out, I was planning to start at the bottom of her head and work my way up is that fine?
3. Because she is in public school, I need them to look at least somewhat like dreadlocks and not just a mass of unbrushed hair, is there anything I can do that can help with this without damaging her hair (or will it be just fine only doing t&r).
4. I've read about white people with dreads being harassed over cultural appropriation, does this really happen often? In town, I know it won't be a problem (we are a teeny tiny pop 500 rural town and those with dreads are accepted) but once a month we go to the city, will it be an issue there?
5. Is there anything you think I may not have considered?