Hello everyone!

I, like many, have lurked around this site for a few months now as I've been researching the different methods and processes for creating dreadlocks, andI've now decided to say hello. As of yet my hair is around 6-7" and not locking up much, but I am sure I'll find the right recipe eventually.Well, earlier this year I began experimenting with not washing my hair, or my body, as an interest in minimalism. I've been going barefoot and running barefoot and looking for ways to need as little as possible and still be healthy and happy. I was totally soap free for about 4 months until I left the US in August and began to travel, and it was then that I decided to try letting my hair dread as a continuation of the low-maintenance ethos.So I began researching how dreads form and what one can do to attain them, and of course I found my way to dreadhq. However it didn't take me long to find this site after and I quickly decided agains any sort of "dreading kit" as I wanted dreads to be about less instead of more anything. I had begun using dr. Bronner's (when I was using soap) about 2 years ago so I was pleased to learn here that it is one of the preferred soaps used for natural dreads. But my hair has been reluctant to start locking up and I suspect it may be a result of my tendancy to use my hands to push it in a direction to keep it out of my face. I have worked as a hair stylist for 7 years and I have a habit of playing with my hair, but I am getting over it.I've been in SE Asia for a few months now and have just finished a TESOL certification course which will allow me to begin working as an English teacher in Vietnam in the next few weeks hopefully. I also intend to live near the ocean so I can gain the benefits of sea water on my hair as it begins to lock. But this far after 2 months of "neglect" there appears to be no baby dreads forming as of yet. However, I recently switched to bs and herbs when washing and the lack of scrubbing is producing a promising hair texture already. Also, I just read a thread here about using beads or string to create a little "sleeve" that will help my hair section and knot so I'm going to try that too.Anyway, thanks for reading and by all means let me know if you have any advice. I will try and post a more recent pic soon for reference, but my main Internet access is my phone so it as easy to upload.Peace!
updated by @winston-mcclain: 01/13/15 09:13:47PM

maybe your hair is a bit too short, and yueah shudnt play with your hair as well, shudnt run your finger thru etc.

dont worry though, just let it grow, it will definetey happen :D

i learned that the hard way,

Hi & welcome'] SOOO cool you are going to Vietnam, what a blessing! Hair needs to be clean to dread, if you aren't into soap, try the baking soda wash..it's super! Your hair is plenty long enough-I started 3-4 inches and now the majority has formed dreads. I just love it! God Bless your journey...Nancy

Thanks for the kind words. I am keeping my hair clean these days so hopefully I will find the right combination of clean and rough textured to allow it to knot up.Perhaps I will have to live with hair in my face for a while before my fringe area dreads...

ExaltHimx7 said:

Hi & welcome'] SOOO cool you are going to Vietnam, what a blessing! Hair needs to be clean to dread, if you aren't into soap, try the baking soda wash..it's super! Your hair is plenty long enough-I started 3-4 inches and now the majority has formed dreads. I just love it! God Bless your journey...Nancy

Oh yes, that's usually the last, lol. Mine aren't even knotted at all after (almost) 7 months']) It's all good, tho...Happy day!