* Interlocking: The hairs are tightly knotted and tangled together, creating a dense, rope-like structure.
* Matting: Natural oils, shed hair, and friction contribute to the matting process, helping the dreadlock hold its shape.
* Compression: Over time, the inner core of a dreadlock becomes compressed and compact, making it difficult to unravel.
* Individual Strands: While the overall structure is matted, individual hair strands are still present within the dreadlock. They are simply interwoven and tangled with other strands.
* Variations: The internal structure can vary depending on the dreadlock's age, maintenance, and hair type. Younger dreadlocks may be looser and less compressed, while mature dreadlocks are typically more solid.