the truth about crocheting dreadlocks
Dread Maintenance
I haven't been crocheting my locks for about 2 and a half months now and I would say the new matted growth does feel stronger than the crocheted stuff.You have to put it in perspective though...some people like the crochet look and they like to have control over their hair. If you want super neat locks and have the time and skill, then the crochet method is actually a good way of going.What is NOT good however, is if you use a hook over .7mm and don't know what you're doing. Many people don't realise how to properly curve the hook when they're pulling out and how to correctly pull the hair in without damage. If you listen carefully, you can hear the snapping when hair is damaged by the crochet process. Now that I'm experienced at the technique, there is no snapping when I do it. I also know HOW many hairs to pull in rather than just attacking the lock and making it a thin rock. Crochet hooks are there to ENCOURAGE the maturing process, not replace it. People that tighten their locks using the hook are daft.As for damage...I don't care. I initially crocheted a whole lot to the extent where I could see little bits of hair falling out (I'm the initial poster of that thread that soaringeagle showed). If I have to deal with that later its ok, its all part of the learning process. I'd rather make the mistakes early and know how to use the technique properly in future. It's my hair, and I'm having fun seeing what natural growth does and what crochet hooking does :p