Do you want to know how fast do dreads grow in a year? You’re not alone! Many people who have started their dreadlock journey or are planning to start, always have this question in mind. The answer, however, is not a straightforward one. There are many factors that determine how fast dreads grow, such as hair texture, length, thickness, and most importantly, how you maintain them.
In this ultimate guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about how fast dreads can grow, how to maintain them, and how to promote healthy and fast dreadlock growth.
The Science of Hair Growth
Before diving into the specifics of dreadlock growth, it’s important to understand the science of hair growth. The hair growth cycle proceeds in three distinct stages; anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase is the growth phase of hair, which can last for up to seven years for some individuals. Catagen phase is the transitional stage where hair growth stops, and the hair follicle shrinks. Finally, the telogen phase is the resting phase, where hair eventually falls out and is replaced by new hair growth from the dormant hair follicles.
What Factors Determine How Fast Dreads Grow?
There are several factors that determine how fast dreads will grow. Understanding these factors can help you determine what you can do to promote fast and healthy dreadlock growth:
- Hair Texture: The texture of your hair can directly affect how fast your dreads grow. Coarse hair will grow slower than fine hair, and tightly coiled hair will grow faster than loose coils.
- Hair Length: Short hair grows slower than long hair, so the length of your hair will play a crucial role in determining how fast your dreads grow.
- Hair Thickness: The thickness of your hair can also affect your dreadlock growth. Thin hair will grow faster than thick hair because it’s easier for the hair to knot and form locks.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Dreads?
The time it takes to grow dreads will vary based on individual hair type and the hair’s overall health. In general, however, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year to achieve fully matured dreadlocks.
In the beginning stages, your hair will knot and become more tangled, leading to the formation of baby dreads. Baby dreads are still forming and maturing, and they won’t be fully grown until they’ve gone through several phases of maturation.
The Different Stages of Dreadlock Growth
Dreadlocks go through several stages of growth as they mature, and it’s essential to understand these stages to be able to take proper care of them. The stages are:
- The Baby Locks Stage: This is the earliest stage of the dreadlock journey. During this stage, your hair will start knotting and tangling, leading to the formation of baby dreadlocks. This stage can last for a few weeks to several months, depending on the hair type and how you’re caring for your hair.
- The Teenage Locks Stage: In this stage, your baby locks will start to mature, and you’ll start seeing some distinct dreadlocks. You might also start to notice some loops and bumps as your locks continue to mature. This stage can last for several months to a year.
- The Mature Locks Stage: This is the final phase of dreadlock maturation, where your locks are considered fully matured. During this stage, you’ll notice that your locks are more compact and dense, and they’ve taken on their unique shapes and sizes. This stage can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on how long your hair has been growing.
Tips to Promote Healthy and Fast Dreadlock Growth
There are some things you can do to promote healthy and fast dreadlock growth. Here are some tips:
- Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy hair growth. Make sure to include foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron and vitamin A to promote hair health.
- Regular Cleansing: Regularly cleaning your scalp and hair is essential to promote healthy hair growth. Avoid using harsh shampoos, instead opt for natural products that won’t strip your hair’s natural oils.
- Moisturize: Keeping your hair moisturized is essential to avoid breakage and promote healthy hair growth. Use natural oils like coconut oil or jojoba oil to keep your dreads moisturized and healthy.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly maintaining your dreadlocks, such as palm-rolling and separating matted hair, is essential to promote healthy hair growth.
How to Maintain Your Dreadlocks
Maintaining your dreadlocks is essential to promote healthy hair growth and maintain the shape and size of your locks. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Palm Rolling: This technique involves rolling dreadlocks between your palms to tighten them and help them maintain their shape.
- Separating: This involves separating matted hair to prevent new knots from forming and to maintain the shape of your dreadlocks.
- Crocheting: This involves using a crochet needle to tighten specific areas of your dreadlocks that may have loosened over time.
The Bottom Line
How fast do dreads grow in a year? The answer is, it varies. It’s essential to promote healthy hair growth and maintain your dreadlocks throughout the growth process. With proper care and maintenance, your dreadlocks can grow at a steady pace and become fully matured in no time.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about how fast dreads grow in a year:
- Q: Does hair type affect how fast dreads grow?
- A: Yes, hair texture, length, and thickness can play a role in determining how fast dreads grow.
- Q: How long does it take to grow dreads?
- A: It can take anywhere from a few months to a year to achieve fully matured dreadlocks.
- Q: What can I do to promote healthy dreadlock growth?
- A: Eat a healthy diet, regularly cleanse and moisturize your hair, and maintain your dreadlocks using regular maintenance techniques like palm-rolling and separating.
References
- ‘The Complete Guide to Starting Dreadlocks.’ Nairobi Professional Hairstylists. Retrieved from https://nairobiprofessionalhairstylists.com/how-to-start-dreadlocks-the-complete-guide/
- ‘Natural Hair Growth: What You Need to Know.’ Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/how-fast-does-hair-grow
- ‘Dreadlock Hair Care Tips.’ Natural Hair Queen. Retrieved from https://www.naturalhairqueen.net/dreadlock-hair-care-tips/