Understanding the Challenges:
* Damage: Permed hair is already chemically processed and likely weakened. Dreadlocking puts additional stress on the hair, increasing the risk of breakage and thinning, especially at the roots.
* Hold: The perm alters the hair's natural texture. It may be more difficult for the hair to naturally knot and hold the dreadlock structure.
* Maintenance: Maintaining dreadlocks on permed hair requires extra care to prevent further damage and breakage.
Steps to Start Dreadlocks on Permed Hair:
1. Grow Out the Perm (Recommended): Ideally, the best course of action is to grow out as much of the permed hair as possible before starting the dreadlocking process. This allows you to work with your natural texture, which will lock and hold better. The longer your natural hair is, the more secure the base of your dreads will be.
2. Assess Hair Health: Before starting, assess the condition of your hair. Is it dry, brittle, or breaking easily? If so, focus on strengthening and moisturizing it for several weeks before proceeding. Deep conditioning treatments, protein treatments (used sparingly and correctly), and gentle handling are crucial.
3. Cut Off Heavily Permed Ends (Optional but Recommended): If a significant portion of your hair is very straight and damaged from the perm, consider cutting off the most processed ends. This reduces the risk of breakage and helps the dreadlocks form more easily.
4. Choose a Method (with modifications): Here are some popular methods, adapted for permed hair. Backcombing is often the most recommended for permed hair, but always consult a loctician before making your final decision:
* Backcombing: This is a common method for most hair types.
* Divide your hair into sections (smaller sections create smaller dreads).
* Starting close to the scalp, use a fine-toothed comb to backcomb each section towards the roots. This creates knots and tangles.
* Roll or palm-roll the backcombed section to tighten it.
* Secure with a rubber band (optional, but can help in the initial stages, especially with permed hair).
* Important Modification: Be extremely gentle. Permed hair is more prone to breakage. Avoid excessive force.
* Twist and Rip (or Comb Coiling/Palm Rolling): Less common with permed hair, but possible if the perm has mostly grown out.
* Divide your hair into sections.
* Twist each section tightly.
* Gently rip the twist apart in sections from the bottom, working your way up to the root. This creates knots.
* Roll or palm-roll to tighten.
* Important Modification: Again, be gentle. Monitor for breakage.
5. Maintenance is Key:
* Palm Rolling: Regularly palm roll your dreads to help them tighten and maintain their shape.
* Washing: Wash your dreads infrequently (once or twice a week) with a residue-free dreadlock shampoo. Too much washing can dry out and damage permed hair.
* Moisturizing: Keep your dreads moisturized with a lightweight oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) or a dreadlock-specific moisturizer.
* Avoid Excessive Tension: Avoid tight hairstyles or excessive pulling, as this can lead to breakage at the roots.
* Protect Your Hair: Wear a silk or satin scarf or bonnet at night to reduce friction and breakage.
* Crochet Hook (sparingly): A crochet hook can be used to tighten loose hairs and maintain the shape of the dreads. However, overuse can weaken the hair. Use it sparingly and carefully.
* Retwisting/Interlocking: These are the two most popular methods of maintaining dreadlocks. If you have permed hair, interlocking is often the best option as it does not put as much strain on the hair.
Important Considerations and Precautions:
* Consult a Loctician: This is highly recommended. A professional loctician experienced with dreadlocking chemically treated hair can assess your hair's condition and advise you on the best method and maintenance routine. They can also help you avoid common mistakes that can lead to damage.
* Patience: Dreadlocking takes time. Be prepared for a slow process, especially with permed hair.
* Breakage: Monitor your hair closely for breakage. If you notice excessive breakage, adjust your routine or consult a loctician. You might need to consider a different method or take a break from the process.
* Experiment: Be prepared to experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for your hair.
* Consider the Long-Term: Are you prepared to maintain dreadlocks for an extended period? The upkeep can be time-consuming and require specialized products.
In summary, starting dreadlocks with permed hair is possible, but it requires careful planning, gentle handling, and a consistent maintenance routine. Consulting with a professional loctician is crucial to ensure the health and longevity of your dreads.