If you have a hard time keeping your sections flat, you can straighten them in place with a flat iron. To make realistic dreads, your hair length should be at least 1 in (2. 5 cm) long. This method also works best with naturally curly or textured hair. [2] X Research source
Hair gel with a strong hold is ideal for shaping secure dreads. Keeping the hair gel out of the roots prevents product buildup on your scalp.
Let the hair gel dry for at least 15-30 seconds before teasing your hair.
When you’re ready to remove the temporary dreads, wash them out in the shower with conditioner.
You can find roving wool at most craft stores. For every 1 lb (0. 45 kg) of wool, you should be able to make 50-60 dreads that are 10–12 in (25–30 cm) long.
The length and width of the segments depends on how large you want your dreads to be. If you want dreads that are 10 inches (25 cm) long and 2 inches (5. 1 cm) wide, cut pieces that are 30 inches (76 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide. Use the first dread you cut as a guideline for the rest of the dreads to keep their size even.
Wear a thick pair of rubber gloves while dunking the dreads to prevent burns.
Keep the gloves on while you’re rolling to protect yourself from burns.
Your dreads will dry faster if exposed to wind or direct sunlight. If drying your dreads in a windy outdoor location, clip them down with clothespins to prevent them from falling off.
If you have short or no hair, make a wig using the wool dreads instead of synthetic hair as an alternative to braiding. [14] X Research source You can leave these in your hair for up to 1-2 days at a time. Remove them by taking out the rubber bands and carefully unbraiding each section.
If you want your dreads to be 12 inches (30 cm), for example, cut 3 feet (0. 91 m) lengths of yarn. Use the first yarn strand you cut as a guideline for additional dreads. Bulky yarn works best for knitting yarn dreads. As for the material, most yarn types (acrylic, wool, cotton, etc) work well.
Your yarn dreads will look most natural if you make each section’s width about the same size as 3 strands of yarn, or around 1⁄4 in (0. 64 cm).
You can leave these dreads in your hair for up to several days at a time. Remove them by removing the knots on the ends and carefully unbraiding each section.
