Growing a beard can be a slow yet rewarding process, especially when your facial hair is long and full. In fact, the longer you grow your beard the more chances you have to groom and shape the hair to your desired style, whether that be a series of complicated knots or a simple curl.
In recent years, there has been a rise in beards that recall the styles of civilizations past, with one of the most popular being dreadlocks.
And while the cultural significance of dreadlocks is now being discussed across the world, there is no denying that the style can really make your beard pop.
However, this does not mean that dreading your beard is easy or that you will be able to maintain the dreads once they have been formed. So if you want to learn more about beard dreads, then you have come to the right place.
In the following article, we are going to teach you how to dread your beard and look after the hair once it has been ratted. We have also included some cool images of beard dreads so that you can understand the structure and its mechanics…
What Are Beard Dreads?
Beard dreads are intertwined locks of facial hair, which are formed by rolling or braiding the hair – in a process called ratting.
Beard dreadlocks are commonly grown from the longest strands along the chin and jawline, which means you will need at least 6-inches of facial hair to complete the dreads.
Once the dreads have been formed, it is common for people to tighten the tangles using wax and other products.
Now let’s take a look at how you can dread your own beard from the comfort of your home…
How To Dread Your Beard?
Fortunately, dreading your beard is a lot easier than it sounds, although some hair textures are more susceptible to the process than others.
If you have trouble maintaining the dreads after they have been twisted, then you may need to stop washing your beard for a few days.
It is also important to make sure that your facial hair is long enough to work with, even though it is possible to fashion shorter dreadlocks using this method.
In the guide below, we have outlined the dreading process and how it can be completed with care and precision:
Step 1: Section Off The Beard
Before you can start dreading your beard, you will need to ask yourself how many dreads do you want?
In most cases, a long beard will be able to produce 2 – 6 dreads, although these numbers can vary depending on the length and thickness of the hair.
For example, if you have a lot of facial hair, then you should be able to create multiple locks, although the dreads themselves will have to be thin.
To start the dreading process, you will need to part your beard into inch-wide sections. While it is possible to make these sections smaller, this will only be necessary if you want a fully dreaded beard.
Step 2: Tease The Facial Hair
Teasing your facial hair involves using a fine-tooth beard comb to push the hair twists up from the bottom of the strands. By doing this, you will be able to tighten the twist and move it closer to your face, which helps to produce volume.
Once you have teased a section of hair, you will notice that the twist has been pulled tighter and in turn, shortened the length of the lock.
When you have teased each section of your beard, the hair will begin to look tangled and messy, which will allow you to identify each dread.
Step 3: Seal The Ends With Wax
Once the dreads have been formed, it is common practice to tighten the ends using beard wax.
This can be accomplished by taking a drop of wax and rubbing it between your fingers and thumb, which will help to make the substance more malleable.
When the wax has warmed up, massage the product into the ratted ends of the hair.
Like most hairstyles, your dreadlocks will begin to grow each week and will need to be twisted to ensure that they maintain their length.
Best Beard Wax
For the best results, we recommend using Honest Amish Original Beard Wax, as it contains all-natural ingredients and is ideal for sealing your dreads. The nourishing formula will even condition your facial hair at the same time.
Step 4: Accessorize The Beard (Optional)
One of the best things about beard dreads is that you can decorate them with a plethora of wonderful accessories.
These include everything from steel rings to beard studs, which can help to give your beard that classic Viking look. Of course, this step is completely optional and you can wear your new beard naked for a more natural appearance.
Step 5: Groom The Beard Dreads
While beard dreads do not require a lot of maintenance, you should still take some time to moisturize your beard using a lotion or cream.
Not only will this help to maintain the structure of the dreads, but it will also keep the skin underneath smooth and blemish-free.
Best Beard Moisturizer
Despite there being countless moisturizers available on the market, we would recommend using Wahl Beard Cream to achieve your desired look. Smooth as butter, this cream contains a range of amazing ingredients and promises to keep your beard voluminous while keeping your skin soft.
Cool Dreadlock Beard Images
In the following section, we have gathered some cool images of beard dreads so that you can understand the structure and mechanics of the style.
By looking at these images, we hope that you will choose the best dreads for your beard and that you will be inspired in your final look…
Despite being known for his fashionable goatee, Johnny Depp also dreaded his beard for the film Pirates of the Caribbean, where he played the titular character.
During this time, Depp sported two dreads hanging down from his chin, which was accessorized with beads and metal studs.
Otherwise known as the most handsome man in the world, Chris Hemsworth is an Australian actor who is best known for his role as Thor in the MCU. During his time on set, Hemsworth has sported beard dreads numerous times, which really work with his Viking-inspired character.
Chris Kael is a member of Five Finger Death Punch, who is known for his amazing bass skills and his amazing beard.
To date, the famous musician has sported beard dreads numerous times on stage, with this luscious hair allowing him to produce at least ten dreads at the same time.
Final Thoughts
While grooming your own dreadlock beard may sound like a complicated task, it can be accomplished with the right tools and techniques.
All you have to do is make sure you have enough hair to form the dreads and that you are ready to maintain the hair once it has been teased.
My name is Doug, and I've been growing a beard on and off for many years now.
I've not had a perfect journey on the road to growing a beard. I've spent more time than I want to admit learning about growing a beard. I'm not one of those blessed with perfect beard-growing genes. So, I've encountered many frustrating and challenging obstacles along the way.
I hope some of my mistakes and victories along the way will help you on your journey to your perfect beard. Of course, reach out if I can help and share this content with your friends that are beginning or struggling on their journey as well.
Beards are becoming increasingly popular and fashionable. This is because they help men feel more confident and look better than ever before. Contents show 1…
