Backcombing is the single most important step in making dreadlocks. But before you start it, you need to ensure that your hair is prepared for it. Before backcombing, you can start with a hair wash with a reside-free shampoo to eliminate any build-up. Let the hair dry naturally and section them thereafter. Make sure that your hair do not have any residue still left in them, else they may slip out from the knots during backcombing.

Once your hair is completely dry, you can make sections and lock them together with a rubber band. Sections can be anywhere from .5″ to 2″, depending on the size you want your dreads to be. Now, comes the turn for backcombing. It is helpful to make dreads in the initial 2-3 weeks and should be discontinued later. This is because backcombing if done during the time when your dreadlocks have started forming, it will only disentangle the dreads and nullify all your efforts.

It is advisable to use a metal comb and then start combing around an inch near the scalp. Keep on combing in this way, repeatedly. Gradually, hair would start to collect near the roots. Also, roll the hair for some time in your fingers. Now, continue with backcombing and start working from the scalp towards the end.

Finally, as you get to the ends, hold all dreadlocks one after another with rubber bands. These rubber bands allow the dreads to remain tight from their base. However, you can remove them later once your dreads become mature enough to stay intact without them.

Nonetheless, the next step of waxing also plays a crucial role in binding strands of hair into dreadlocks. But the base provided by a good backcombing and rubber bands cannot be ignored.