Dreadlocks originated in East Africa and consist of coils of hair that have been matted. Hair that has not been brushed or combed will eventually tangle and twist, resulting in dreadlocks. Typically, dreadlocks are about the width of your finger, but even dreadlocks that start out skinny will eventually thicken up.

Instructions:
Combine a few thinner dreadlocks to create one thick dreadlock. Gather the thin dreadlocks together at the root and secure with a rubber band. You'll have to leave your hair like this for a few months, until new hair grows and merges all of the hair in the dreadlock together. Massage your scalp. This will help your scalp to product natural oils and will maintain the health of your hair. Massage for a few minutes, a few times a week.

Use hair care supplies intended for dreadlocks. Purchase specialty shampoo, conditioner and wax that's meant specifically for people with dreadlocks (all dreadlock products available @ dreadz.co.uk). Avoid using chemical products on your hair. Some people use wires or rolling at the base to try to force the hair into a particular shape, but this won't work either. The dread has to collect all of the hair on your head in order to form and thicken.

Wait! Eventually, your dreadlocks will thicken as your hair grows and continues to twist around your current dreads. Growing and thickening your dreadlocks takes time, so the most important thing to have is patience.

Dreadlocks are a fashionable way to style your hair, but having dreadlocks does take commitment. To have beautiful, shiny dreadlocks they need to be properly maintained and cared for. Healthy dreadlocks are easy with a few tips that can add lustre to your twisted locks. Add shine to dreadlocks and bring this ancient hairstyle up to date and glossy.

Instructions:
Shampoo with a low-residue shampoo (Knotty Boy Liquid Dread Shampoo or Knotty Boy Shampoo Bar @ dreadz.co.uk). Using a shampoo that lathers up too much soap can leave shampoo in your hair and cause build-up, making your dreadlocks appear dull and lifeless. Use lukewarm water and wash dreads gently.

Massage your head often. This will stimulate the scalp, which releases natural oils into the dreadlocks, creating shine. Just make sure your hands are free of dirt or dust before you rub your scalp.

Use dreadlock wax (Knotty Boy Dread Wax with hemp seed oil @ dreadz.co.uk) to polish up your dreads. A small amount is all that is needed to add some neatness and shine to your dreadlocks. Special dreadlock wax can be purchased at dreadz.co.uk.

Sleep with a scarf over your head every night. This will encourage more natural oil production to add lustre to your hair, as well as keep the shape of your dreadlocks intact.

Dreadlocks require maintenance and over time problems can arise. One problem includes thinning of the hair where the dreadlocks meet the scalp. After ruling out the cause as natural thinning due to pattern baldness, take steps to re-strengthen the weakened bases of dreadlocks.

Instructions:
Lighten dreadlocks that are too heavy and that are causing undue stress on or pulling out the hair roots. Lighten a heavy dreadlock by cutting it shorter or by splitting it down the middle with scissors to turn it into two thinner dreadlocks. Over time, the split dreadlocks will round out.

Strengthen dreadlock roots that are thinning due to unhealthy, brittle hair that is breaking. Use only high-quality, moisturizing hair products (see Knotty Boy Dreadlock hair products @ dreadz.co.uk). Avoid chemical-based treatments and exposure of hair to high temperatures, using only low-temperature hair dryers. Consume more foods that are high in essential fatty acids, such as salmon, eggs, olive oil, walnuts and dark green leafy vegetables.

Thicken and re-tighten dreadlock roots once hair health is restored (we recommend Knotty Boy Locksteady Tightening Gel @ dreadz.co.uk). Hold the base of the dreadlock between the middle and pointer fingers and bring in any extra hairs from around the dreadlock. Wind the the base of the dreadlock repeatedly in a clockwise direction, until the hairs become knotted.