Questions about dreadlocks! Methods and maintenance?

I would ignore the suggestions to use rubber bands, wax, twisting, backcombing, creams, etc. and f knottyboy, he's just after your money. I think the best way is the all natural free forming method, which consists of not combing or conditioning, but *keeping the hair clean* with natural/residue free cleansers. I took a long time to research before I got my locks ( 1 year in two weeks! ) and the website that I found most helpful is www.dreadlockssite.com its full of people who actually have locks and they give you real life advice instead of ignorant ideas which continue to be perpetrated... They just lock up, no twisting backcombing or nthing required. thats how hair just grows when left alone. I think people put bands in because they're sold with the kit and it makes them think they need em, they dont. its more likely they're gonna get stuck in your hair, or they're being used to separate out pieces which causes discomfort because you are separating the hair how you want it, not how it would naturally go, so you create pulling on your scalp. i know someone who had to recently cut all her man made locks off because of the pulling. sad stuff. as far as shrinkage it kinds depends. mine has prolly only lost about 3 inches over the past year but that may be because I make sure the ends are more free, rather than bunching up.

I hope you do much research before you begin your journey (don't be fooled, real natural locks take time and yes it is a journey)

good luck!

Dreadlocks Methods

Backcombing is a good way of getting started... Some people get mini braids around their head and let it go from there on.

The new growth will just grow like regular hair, you can keep twisting them every time or you could just let it grow natural, and later form into dreads the neglect method.

To start most people keep the rubber bands to keep them tight when starting out, so they wont get loose or unravel at the beginning.. Later on when they mature and become more tight, you wouldn't need them.

They will shrink, i don't know by how much, but not too dramatically.

Check out the knotty boy web site it has all the answers your looking for plus before and after pictures of people with dreadlocks. Oh good decision I'll be getting them in a couple of months:) Just remember a lot of people are close minded about them, and think they are dirty, but they aren't!

just dont shower or brush your hair...yuummmmy....happy dreadlocking