Okay, so I decided I wanted to switch things up with my hair. Been seeing Jimmy Butler rocking those dreads, and thought, “Yeah, I could try that.” It looked pretty cool, a bit rugged, you know?
Getting Started
First thing, I had to let my hair grow out. Like, really grow it out. Mine wasn’t super short, but definitely needed more length for the locks to really take hold and look decent. That took a few months, just letting it do its thing, trying to be patient. Patience isn’t my strong suit, gotta admit.
While it was growing, I started looking around. Spent some time checking out pictures, seeing how his style actually looked up close, different angles. Then I had to find someone who actually knew what they were doing. Asked a couple buddies, searched online for local locticians. Didn’t want to mess this up trying it myself, figured it was best left to a pro, especially for the first time.
The Process
Found a place that seemed legit, had good reviews. Booked an appointment. Showed up, kinda nervous, kinda excited. Showed the stylist the pictures, we talked about the size I wanted, the parting, all that stuff. She knew exactly the look I was going for.
Then it was time to actually start. Man, that took a while. Sat in that chair for hours.
- First, she washed and prepped my hair really well. Got all the gunk out.
- Then came the parting. She sectioned my hair off meticulously. This part’s important for how it looks later, apparently.
- After that, the twisting began. She took each section and twisted it up tight. Some use combs, some just use fingers. Mine used a mix, getting them started really firm. Felt kinda weird, all that pulling.
- She used some kind of locking gel, not too much, just enough to help hold things together while they started to mature.
My neck was stiff by the end of it all, but seeing the initial results in the mirror? Pretty wild. It wasn’t exactly the final look, more like starter locs, but the foundation was there.
Living With Them
The first few weeks were… interesting. They felt tight on my scalp. Sleeping was a bit awkward at first, had to get used to the lumps and bumps. Washing was different too. Had to be gentle, couldn’t just scrub like usual. Used a special shampoo, focused on the scalp, and rinsed really, really well. Didn’t want buildup.
Maintenance is key, they told me. Got myself a satin cap to wear at night, helps keep them from getting fuzzy and picking up lint. Every month or so, I gotta go back for a retwist. That’s where they tighten up the new growth at the roots, keeps the locks neat and helps them continue to form properly. Been doing that regularly.
Honestly? It’s been a journey. Some days they look great, other days they have a mind of their own. But overall, I’m digging it. It’s definitely a different vibe. Took some commitment, sitting in that chair, the upkeep, but seeing them mature and get that look I was going for? Yeah, worth it. Just gotta keep up with the routine.
