How to turn your dreads from drab to fab

Dreadlocks can easily be accessorized to match ones aesthetic, mood or season

• Dreadlocks are versatile, fun, and expressive

• To some they are a sign of their religious beliefs but that does not mean they should be boring all the time

Image: Courtesy

I know there is a whole lot of bias around dreadlocks and mostly men with them do get zeroed and stereotyped due to their fashion sense but nonetheless, dreads are versatile, expressive and to some a symbol of their religious beliefs.

Some people view deadlocks as limiting, in terms of styling and accessorizing, but this is far from the truth.

When it comes to accessorizing, keep in mind that this is your oyster. You can choose accessories to match your style, mood or season and better express yourself.

But keep in mind size matters, always. When looking into jewellery consider the size of your locks, this is to ensure that the accessory not only fits well but also doesn't strain your hair.

It is recommended to start adding dread accessories when your hair is fully mature. This is to avoid the accessory breaking your dreads if it's heavier than the new locks. 

But fear not because adding beads to your dreads isn't a daunting task; a little time consuming but nothing over the top.

Depending on the beads one is advised to use a crotchet pin to ensure the process is seamless. Well unless you're wearing the beads one casually slides on a strand and then pulls it up.

If you're using a crotchet pin, put the hooks through the beads then hook the dread to the pin and proceed to pull the beads onto the loc.

Then move the ring up the hairpiece until it is fitted tightly and feels secure that it won't slide off.

If using the normal wooden or plastic beads, just pass the bead into a strand of your hair then pull it up to your preferred area, ensuring that the bead is tight enough to avoid it falling off your hair as you move.

To secure your beads (especially if you want them only at the bottom part of your dreads) you can opt to add metallic clasps after adding the beads so that they act as a barrier while still enhancing your look.

Threads are the easiest accessory to add and they come in different colours, some shinny others not.

They are elastic and easy to bend therefore you can just thread it around a strand of your dread in any design of your choice.

Hair pendants are equally easy to put as they have a small opening almost where the circle meets. You can clasp the opening in the middle of your hair strand and then squeeze it shut to secure it.

If you're not overly busy or you have helpers around you can choose to felt or embroidery wrap your hair.

With embroidery wrap/floss you wrap the strands tightly around your hair from top to bottom, building as many layers as you can with designs of your choice.

Felting is when wool roving is needled into one's dreads creating a soft textured colour. You can choose this if you're thinking of adding colour to your look but don't want to dye your locks.

No need to worry about looking plain anymore, try out either of these accessories or all if minimalism isn't for you and bring life to your hair. Above all, remember to always keep your locks clean.

WATCH: For the latest videos on entertainment stories

Check out the latest news here and you are welcome to join our super exclusive Mpasho Telegram group for all the latest and breaking news in entertainment. We would also like to hear from you, WhatsApp us on +254 736 944935.