We’re all for new hairstyles, especially if they’re stylish, unique, and not so high maintenance. It might be one reason more and more people are moving towards getting wick dreads.
And unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve definitely noticed the iconic hairdo that a couple of prominent celebrities and fashionistas, like Jay Z and Kodak Black, have been rocking.
So, if you’ve been wondering if this hairdo will look good on you or how best to achieve it, here’s a quick guide to everything wick dreads.
What Are Wick Dreads?
Wick locs, wick dreads or Florida wicks resemble regular thick dreads. But, unlike your standard locs, wick dreads involve having 4 to 10 dreads on your head.
Aptly named wick dreads due to their resemblance to candle wicks, this hairdo of South Florida origin is an evolution of the Afro-Caribbean dreadlock. There has also been evidence of the style being present in ancient Egypt.
However, they’re not to be confused with the Congo Locs. Congo locs merge two or more locs of any size at the root, with some hair left sticking out at the ends. The easiest way to differentiate the two styles is by checking the ends. Congo locs will have spider leg-like ends, while wick locs will have smoother ends.
Wick Locs Installation
Before getting into the installation process, it’s advisable to remember that this style works best on hair that’s at least 6 inches in length.
It allows for enough room for the hair to be crocheted, gives room for extensions to be added, and for the hair to stand a few inches above the scalp. To form wick dreads, you can choose between 4 methods.
The Crochet Method
This is a fan favorite because it leads to somewhat instant results with no damage to the hair, and it’s easy to accomplish if you already have mature dreadlocks. All you need for this method is crochet hooks, a tail comb, and rubber bands. You’ll need to section the hair based on the number of wicks you want and then use a rubber band to secure each section.
You’ll then have to use the crochet hook (preferably double or triple-prong crochet needles) to cultivate the wicks. You will crochet the hair together till you notice it has started to fuse and form a well-rounded wick.
The Rubber Band Method
This method is suitable for a person curious to start wick locks of free natural hair. You will separate the hair into the number of wicks you want to have and then tie the rubber bands at the ends, middle, and root of the hair.
You’ll need to leave the rubber bands in for about 3 weeks after the first session. After this, when you take them out, and the wicks haven’t started to form, you can put them back in and leave them for another 3-4 weeks.
The hair should start to loc on its own, and once the wicks are formed, you can permanently remove the rubber bands.
The Freeform Method
This technique involves letting your hair grow out naturally and start to fuse at the roots. Once this happens, you’ll need to section the hair into the number of wick dreads you want.
Since you’re basically just washing your hair and letting it do its thing, you can manipulate it into more locks by dividing the section further or leaving it as it is.
Additionally, this method works for natural loose hair and people wanting to convert their dreads to wicks.
Combine Method
The final method you can go for is the combine method. Here, you’ll section existing locs in batches, then use rubber bands to secure them and crochet them together to form a wick.
The method is especially useful for people with longer hair. The tension of the wicks can be adjusted to achieve upright wicks or a looser and poofy result.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Wick Dreads?
Once you start looking for someone to do your wick dreads, you’ll discover that reputable professionals may be a bit pricy. A session costs between $100 -$200 per hour. The price will also depend on your installation method and the length and thickness of your hair.
To save some coins, you could opt to DIY or have a friend do it. If this option is more appealing, you may want to opt for the rubber band method.
Pros And Cons Of Wick Dreads
If, at this point in your research, you’re still not convinced that wick locs are for you, here’s a pros and cons list to help you decide:
Pros:
- They look good on most hair types
- You can use extensions to speed up the process
- Very few hair products are needed to get the result, so you don’t need to worry about getting customized hair care products
- The locs look mature after the installation process
- You’re free to wet the hair right after the process, especially if you use the crochet method for installation
Cons:
- Finding someone who can do a clean job might be difficult.
- The initial installation can cost you a pretty penny.
- The installation process can be painful
How To Wash And Care For Wick Dreads
After installing the wick locs, you also have to learn how to take care of them. It keeps the strands and your scalp healthy and can allow for easier styling of the hair.
So how do you care for and maintain your beautiful wick dreads?
- Wash the hair at least twice a month using a residue-free shampoo to avoid buildup. A quick dig through your personal care items is likely to produce one of these. When washing the hair, use warm water and do a final cold-water rinse, paying special attention to the roots. Also, invest in a good conditioner, preferably one for locked hair.
- Moisturize your scalp regularly to prevent a dry, flaky, and itchy scalp. Adding rosewater sprays to your washday routines can encourage hair growth and keep your scalp happy.
- Use a microfiber towel, cotton t-shirt, or blow-dry on the cool setting to dry your loss after each wash.
- When going to bed or just chilling in the house, tie your wicks together and wrap the hair in a satin scarf or use a satin bonnet. It prevents friction between your hair and pillows, which can thin the wicks overtime.
- Go for retightening sessions to keep the wick at even widths and to prevent severe tangling or matting of the hair at the roots.
