What is interlocking dreads and is it safe for your hair? -

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I’ve been seriously considering getting locs and have started growing an afro to start the dreadlock process. One of the techniques that was suggested after getting my locs was interlocking dreads. Supposedly it’s because my hair is a little bit finer the average candidate.

I thought idea to research what interlocking dreads is before starting my process and share it with you guys.

Interlocking dreads Is a maintenance method that involves pulling the end of the dreadlock back through the base of the root. The four point interlocking pattern is the process of threading locs through new growth root in directions four different directions North, West, South, and East. This process is done to tighten nugrowth to the scalp. The method of interlocking locs is also known as “latch hooking dreads” or “root flipping”.

Interlocking dreadlocks is useful for people with fine hair, the interlocking technique reinforces the dreads at its roots. However, the interlocking dread method is not reserved only for people with fine hair, the practice can be your in coarse hair.

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Let’s take a deep dive into what interlock dreads are and what to expect when you practice this method.

What is the purpose of interlocked dreads?

Just like you, I was new to the term of interlocking locs, I mentioned earlier that I am considering getting locs. Recently, I spoke to a locs specialist who suggested when I do get locs, that I consider maintaining them by using the interlocking method.

She said that I have fine hair, which can lean to my dreads unraveling and even break in some cases. The interlocking technique will help reinforce my hair.

Through my research, I found that the Interlocking technique can be used to start and maintain any texture of hair. The dread method prevents the hair from untangling and helps the hair to stay in place to begin the locking process.

Interlocking dreads technique is also beneficial for men with locs by promoting a neat look. This is because it tightens the locs regrowth and moves the dreads closer to the scalps. Interlocking also offers dread parts that keep the locs separated and prevent them from mingling and snagging.

How long does it take to interlock your dreads?

When I ask how long the process of interlocking locs takes, she replied: “make sure to bring something to read”. Interlocking dreadlocks isn’t a simple process and is time-consuming.

On average, a Loctician can complete palm-roll maintenance within 45 minutes- 1 ½ hour, whereas interlocking maintenance takes upwards of three hours.

You must take into consideration the amount of concentration it takes to thread loc through the new growth hair. Here are a few reasons the interlocking dreads take so long to complete.

Technique – the four-point interlock pattern method is a repetitive pattern of threading the dreads through the root in four different directions… North, West, South, East. Speeding through the pattern could lead to tangling and even dread breakage.

Length of dreads – the length of your dreads plays a huge part as to why it takes so long to interlock dreads. Obviously, if you’re within the starter dread phase interlocking your hair will be quicker than say some with mature dreadlocks.

The hair texture of your locs – I hate to say it, but your texture impacts how long it takes for dread interlocking. Thick texture hair requires more effort, whereas thin textured hair requires more attention to prevent slippage and breakage. The time difference in completion isn’t by much but it significant enough to mention.

The tools your stylist is using – Keep in mind that the tool your loctician is using to interlocking your loc could also impact their timing. It’s best to allow your loctician to use whatever they’re most comfortable using. You want to minimize mistakes as much as possible!

How long in between retwist does interlocking dreads last?

It depends on what your daily routine consists of. For example, if you’re someone who is active and perspire often than your loctician visits will be more frequent.

You can expect Interlocking to last 6 weeks and up to 3 months depending on how fast your hair grows. There are a few things you can do to assure your Crochet Locs at Root last longer than 6 weeks. Here are a few ideas.

Wrap your locs with a durag or bandana at night.
Avoid putting too much stress on your scalp.
Limit activities that cause you sweat.
Consider keeping your locs in an updo hairstyle for men or in a dread braid.
Avoid too much friction on your dreads such as itching hair.
Limit how often you leave locs down, as this will cause your loc to unravel.
Avoid washing your dreadlocks more than 2 to 3 times a week.

Follow the few tips listed above to keep your interlocked dreads fresh for longer.

Does dread interlocking hurt your head?

Yes, you can expect some discomfort when getting your dreads interlocked. The process involves some tugging on the hair in order to relock dreads. Some people have a higher tolerance to their hair being pulled; I am not one of them. I am very tender headed.

The scalp is littered with nerve endings. Hair tenderness from hair tension is linked to headaches that is felt from the back of the neck to the forehead. In other cases, the scalp goes numb. This usually happens if the interlocking dreadlocks method is done too tight.

If the pain from interlocking locs are unbearable you should ask the loctician to stop and reframe from twisting so tight.

Is locs at root good for dreads?

Crochet Locs at Root is safe as long as you use the proper interlocking dread technique. Nine out of ten times when someone comes across issues with their interlocking locs it’s because of poor practice. If you are unsure of how to correctly interlock your dreads, please seek a loctician instead of experimenting.

Check out some of the problems that will occur when you interlock your locs improperly.

Dangers of interlock locs

There are people within the locs community who say that interlocking your dreadlocks is dangerous and can cause problems down the line. I came across a few YouTube channels and forums that argued against getting interlock dreads. To be honest, it made me think twice about whether I should get locs or not.

I decided to do some more investigating and look deeper into their concerns. Check out the dangers of Crochet Locs at Root I came across during my research.

Fear that interlocking cause dreads to become weak and fall off
Interlock incorrectly can create holes in your dreads.
- Incorrect interlocking is when you take a loc and pass it through the root in the same direction over and over. This action will cause holes in your locs.
The tension from tight interlocking can cause thinning in locs.
Rate of interlocking frequency by irresponsible dreadlockers.

I found that a lot of the criticism of interlock dreads come from people who used improper interlocking technique or from those who overdid it. The effects of incorrect interlocking dread use are not noticeable right away but later down the line.

The video below is a demonstration of what NOT TO DO!!! Her interlocking dreads method is incorrect and will cause holes in your locs.

It seems like everything that I came across was self-inflicted and could have been avoided with some self-control. There was one guy who blames his baldness on interlocking practice but mentioned he visited his loctician every two weeks… Seriously, what did he expect was going to happen?

Poor interlock practice could lead to hair issues down the line, the same is true about all bad hair practices. It’s your responsibility to do the research and learn from other people’s mistakes so you don’t repeat them.

Methods interlocking locs can be done

There are two methods of creating the four point interlocking dread pattern. You can either do the interlocking pattern by hand or by using interlocking dread tools. Whichever method you decide to use to interlock your locs, the North, West, South and East pattern stays the same.

Interlocking dreads by hand – This interlock method may take the longest to complete compared to the other techniques. In some cases, the hand interlocking dread technique could take anywhere between three to five hours to finish.

You may want to go to a professional such as a Loctician for the best results. Make sure it’s to check out their prior work before allowing them to interlock your dreads.

interlocking dread tools – Since the start of time, man has invested time and resources into inventing tools to help make work easier. This is still true today, there are plenty of interlocking tools for dreads. These dread interlocking tools help reduce time and fatigue during the locking process. Here are some of the common tools used to interlock dreads.
- Dual Interlocking tool – This tool basically fuses your tools for interlocking microlocs and large locs into one. Kind of a hybrid! By combining the two tools, the dual interlocking tool makes it the most value for your money and efficient tool for interlocking locs of all sizes. It’s designed for interlocking dreads and will not damage your hair. The downfall of the dual interlock tool is that it takes some time to get used to holding it.

- Interlocking Ring – The interlocking ring is super easy to hold and handle. The interlocking ring works well for large dreads with a lot of nu growth. This interlocking tool is durable and does not snag your hair.

What is the average interlock dreads price?

Though the price for interlock dreads will vary by location and what your Loctician decide to charge. Base on my research and calling around the local salons near me, the price ranged between $200 to $600 for Crochet Locs at Root.

Some dreadlock salons will work with you on pricing depending on your relationship with your loctician. It doesn’t hurt to ask!

Conclusion

The four-point interlocking dreads pattern is a safe practice as long as it is done correctly. Again, the interlock locs method is a repetitive pattern of threading the dreads through the root in four different directions… North, West, South, East.

Avoid threading the locs through the same root as this will cause holes in your locs. When you crochet locs at root you are reinforcing the dreadlocks at the root where the nugrowth forms.

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