I NEED HELP starting my natty dreads!
Dreading Methods
Ok, the idea that white peoples hair locks up slower is only partly a myth. African American hair is kinky, so it tends to tangle easier, but your hair will knot up just fine. Eagle, the moderator, had his start forming in a matter of days, just camping out in the woods. While mine took over a year. Anywhere in between is completely normal. It's a fun journey.
Ok. Definitely check out that link that Rainbow so wonderfully provided. But as for what you may be interested in, being that you expressed your Rasta beliefs, the neglect method is probably for you. It does not take as long as you may think. And you will only see forward progress. If you used a starter method, you will have nice locks for a day or so, and then when you wash them, they will fall apart, then come back together, then fall apart, and so on until they finally start staying put.
As for washing.... Sorry, I didn't check to see where you're from yet. If you're in the US, dreadlockshampoo.com offers amazing soaps that work well in whatever water type you have. There is also Dr. Bronners. But that only works well in soft water. It leaves a residue in hard water because it does not rinse out well. There is also the Baking soda/Apple Cider Vinegar wash. I love this wash. It, too, does not work well in hard water. But I find that it makes my hair feel the cleanest.
You want to wash every 2-3 days. When they are young, liquid soaps are better. The BS wash is best, because you don't have to touch your scalp at all.
No matter how old your locks are, do not wash your hair directly. All you have to do is scrub your scalp and let the water rinse the soap through your hair. Don't lather your hair.
You do not want to wear anything on your head if you don't HAVE to. Tams are great for keeping your locks out of your face, but they tend to create a general knottyness that needs to be separated more often. But it doesn't help them lock any faster. You don't need wool anything. Don't use rubber bands to hold your locks in place. Don't touch a crochet needle, and NEVER use wax.
It's a bit old, but check out the post "Top Secret". There's a search bar at the top of the page. Just type it in, and it should be at the top, or close to it.