Dreadlocks are popular among men and women, but many don’t know that you can get dreadlocks with a sponge. Whether you want to try out dreadlocks or have decided they’re the right style for you, using this unusual method will help you achieve your desired dreadlocks faster than using the traditional approach, without potentially damaging your hair along the way.
Table of Contents
Sponge Dreadlocks
This dreading method is one of those tried-and-true methods that’s been passed around hairdressing circles and has been well-documented online. The sponge technique is an easy way for deadheads, new and old, to get started on their journey into locks.
In about two hours, you can make your dreads using no products. All you need is one or two sponges and rubber bands that match your hair color. The method works great, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work well on all hair types.
Most women tend to have thinner hair than men and often do better with just about any dreading method because their hair tends to be more flexible and can be shaped easier.
If you’re thinking about getting your dreadlocks using a sponge, you should know that not everyone can use it successfully, even though it’s pretty easy.
Your success rate may vary greatly depending on how thick your hair is, how much curl in your hair, and whether or not you have natural waves or curls.
Step By Step Guide
This technique helps you get dreads with hair length less than 4 inches. To achieve this hairstyle, you will need a dread sponge.
- To start, use a water bottle to spray your hair if your hair is not freshly washed; this will make the styling process more straightforward.
- Brush your hair into smaller sections in a circular motion or small balls. The sponge holes and circular movement will help gather strands and create partings.
- Use the sponge consistently until you have achieved your desired look; apply some dread wax or gels to lock them in place.
- You can also hold dreads with Jamaican Mango & Lime locking gel.
- Hold the small sections with elastic bands. Make sure it is not too tight to avoid discomfort.
- Allow the newly formed locks to rest and dry naturally for about 3 hours, or you can blow-dry the locks.
- After sometimes, you will notice short dreads, and your hair will continue to get clumped while growing.
Additional Tips
- When starting, it is vital to have clean and healthy hair. The sponge method is not necessarily an instant dreadlock process but rather a technique that allows your hair to lock gradually.
- When first starting, it’s best to do all of your washing using a shampoo made explicitly for dreadlocks.
- Avoid lifting the dread sponge repeatedly while wrapping, as this will ruin the dread flow and cause frizz.
- Avoid using the dread sponge on dry hair. Dreads are easier to achieve when your hair is damp but not soaking wet or dry.
- Additionally, washing your hair often loosens some sections of new locks and can lead to your dreads looking messy.
- Ensure you use moisturizer. Kinky hair type’s needs all of the moisture possible, as it helps eliminate dull and dry appearance.
- Always use hold spray to ensure your curls hold up throughout the day.
Remember, once you start your dreadlocks journey, to keep them healthy ! Read our article about : How To Keep Dreads Healthy And Growing?
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Works on different natural hair types, but it works best on type 3 and 4 hair types
- Easy to use
- Reduces styling time.
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons :
- A rough sponge can cause breakage.
- Using a sponge on dry hair can lead to breakage, especially if you press down heavily during the process.
- This method doesn’t work well on long hair
Conclusion
Former professional basketball player from the United States.
The sponge technique is excellent for straight or wavy hair. The tight twists created by wrapping a sponge around your hair in sections will help lock in moisture and form dreads faster than most other techniques. And since you’re never actually pinching, pulling, or yanking at your strands, it doesn’t damage your hair as much.
The only downside of using a sponge is that it takes much longer—from six months to two years—for dreads to set in compared to other methods.
But if you prefer not to take too many risks with damaging your natural hair and want something more natural-looking, then it’s worth waiting an extra-long time!
This is how I twisted my locs. I used the sponge 3 times a day for about 30 minutes a day for about four months, and can already see a big change in the size and shape of my hair.
