Dreads Twist: How to Twist Dreads/Twist Locs Yourself Today in 2025 & More

READ ALSO: How to Do Dreads by Twisting

Dreads Twist/Dread Twisting: How to Retwist Dreads Yourself

If DIY is your preference, then let’s get to the nitty-gritty: What is/was your personal dreadlock maintenance routine?

How and when did/do you wash and retwist your dreadlocks?

Do you have any particular way in which you do this?

What products have yielded the best results for you?

Personally, I like to wash and retwist my dreadlocks once a week. (Update: This was true for my previous loc journeys, but now I only wash my locs when my hair or scalp feels dirty, or if my hair has to be extremely neat for some reason.)

I do this because I like the manicured look.

I am not picky about what shampoo I use, but I do skip conditioner to avoid difficult-to-remove residue.

How about once your locs are fully locked? Did you have to change your maintenance routine then?

If so, what did you do differently at this stage of your dreadlock journey?

Do you have any tips to share about how to retouch dreadlocks yourself once they are locked and longer?

That’s all I have for you today.

Dread twists, also known as “twist locs,” are a popular method of starting and maintaining dreadlocks.

This technique involves twisting sections of hair into tight, uniform coils, which eventually lock and form the dreadlocks over time.

Dread twists are particularly common among people with natural, kinky, or coily hair textures, but they can be applied to various hair types.

Here’s an overview of the process, benefits, and maintenance of dread twists:

How to Twist Dreads

To create dread twists, the hair is divided into small sections, and each section is twisted using a comb or fingers.

The twisting method typically involves either two-strand twists, where two strands of hair are wrapped around each other, or single twists, which create a coil using just one section of hair.

Products like locking gel or wax may be applied to help hold the twists in place and encourage the locking process.

For people with highly textured or coily hair, the twists will start to lock more naturally over time.

For straighter hair types, additional techniques, like palm rolling, backcombing, or crochet methods, may be needed to encourage the hair to tangle and lock.

Benefits of Dread Twists

Natural and Versatile: Dread twists offer a natural and versatile look. They can be worn as twists initially, providing a neat and stylish appearance before fully locking into dreadlocks. Some people enjoy the transitional phase between twists and fully matured locs.
Gentler on Hair: Compared to other dreadlock-starting methods like backcombing or crocheting, twisting is often gentler on the hair. This makes it a great option for those with sensitive scalps or people looking to avoid breakage during the locking process.
Encourages Healthy Loc Growth: Since dread twists start from a natural twist pattern, they promote healthy hair growth with minimal manipulation. If properly cared for, locs can thrive, becoming strong and resilient over time.

Maintenance and Care

Once the twists are in place, regular maintenance is required to keep the locs neat and ensure that they lock properly.

Here is a key step for maintaining dread twists:

Re-twisting: As the hair begins to grow, new growth will require twisting to maintain a uniform look. Re-twisting should be done every few weeks, depending on how fast the hair grows. Some opt for salon appointments, while others may prefer DIY re-twisting.

Dreads vs Twists

Dreadlocks and twists are two popular natural hairstyles that celebrate texture and individuality.

While they share similarities, they differ in technique, maintenance, and aesthetics.

Here’s a breakdown to help you compare:

Dreadlocks

Formation: Dreads are created by matting sections of hair together, often through methods like backcombing, palm rolling, or freeform (allowing hair to lock naturally over time). Over time, the hair tangles into rope-like strands.
Appearance: They tend to have a more uniform cylindrical look as they mature. The size of the locks can vary depending on preference.
Maintenance:
- Regular maintenance involves palm rolling or retwisting the roots to keep the locks neat.
- Can be left freeform, requiring minimal manipulation but less polished.
- Shampooing is important to keep locks clean, often with residue-free products.
Time Commitment: Initial locking can take weeks to months, depending on hair type and method.
Longevity: Dreads are semi-permanent to permanent. Cutting or combing out is usually the only way to remove them.
Styling Options: Versatile in terms of updos, braids, and other styles but limited in flexibility compared to loose hair or twists.

Twists

Formation: Twists are made by dividing sections of hair into two parts and twisting them around each other. Common styles include two-strand twists and flat twists.
Appearance: Twists are smoother and more defined, offering a less permanent and polished look.
Maintenance:
- Easier to shampoo and condition, as they can be undone and redone.
Time Commitment: Creating twists is quicker than locking hair, typically taking a few hours. They can last for weeks with proper care.
Longevity: Temporary and can be unraveled easily.
Styling Options: Highly versatile, as they can be styled into buns, ponytails, or left down. Twists also allow for other transition styles, like twist-outs, which create defined curls.

Choosing Between Dreads and Twists

Lifestyle: If you prefer a low-maintenance, long-term style, dreads might suit you. For more flexibility and temporary styles, twists are a great option.
Commitment Level: Dreads are a more permanent decision, whereas twists can be a gateway to exploring natural hairstyles without long-term commitment.
Aesthetic: Dreads offer a bold, rooted-in-culture look, while twists are polished and can range from casual to formal.

Photo Credits: TheDreadfulWoman

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