How Long Does It Take to Grow Dreads? Timeline & Tips [2025]

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Most people think growing dreads happens overnight. It doesn’t. The truth is, your hair goes through five distinct stages before reaching fully mature locs, and the whole process takes anywhere from 15 months to over two years.

The timeline depends heavily on your hair texture, the method you choose to start, and how you maintain them along the way. Kinky hair locks faster than straight hair. Crochet methods give you instant structure, while freeform takes longer.

Your choices during those early months make all the difference in how quickly your locs take shape and how healthy they stay.

Stages of Dreadlock Formation

Growing dreadlocks isn’t an overnight process. Your hair moves through five distinct stages before reaching full maturity.

Knowing what each phase looks like means you won’t panic when things get weird—and you’ll know exactly how to take care of your locs at every step.

Starter Stage/ Baby Stage

Within the first month or two of starting your dreadlock journey, your hair begins its transformation in what’s known as the starter or baby stage. During this baby loc stage, your hair won’t look like mature dreadlocks yet. You’ll notice initial shrinkage as your strands start coiling and compacting, which can make your hair appear shorter than before. The texture changes you’ll see depend heavily on your starting method—whether you chose twisting, backcombing, or another starter loc method. Early maintenance matters here because your locs are still fragile and need gentle care to encourage proper dreadlock formation.

What to expect during this phase:

• Your sections may feel loose and easily unravel without regular care
• Parting impact becomes visible as your scalp shows through defined sections
• Styling options are limited since locs haven’t firmed up yet
• Frizz and flyaways are completely normal as your hair learns its new pattern

You’ll need patience here—locs don’t rush their own timeline.

Budding Stage/ Sprouting Stage

After your locs settle into their initial form during the baby stage, the budding or sprouting stage kicks in around month two through month six—and this is where you’ll start seeing real progress. During this budding stage, you’ll notice the knotting process taking hold as your hair begins forming firmer cylindrical shapes. Initial fuzziness is completely normal—your locs are finding their identity. Early maintenance becomes essential now to guide proper dreadlock formation through these loc stages.

Aspect	What’s Happening
Texture	Locs tighten and develop visible bumps or loops
Washing Frequency	Keep it to once weekly to avoid unraveling
Frizz Level	Expect moderate frizz as strands continue knotting
Product Buildup	Use residue-free products only to prevent blockage
Growth Appearance	Shrinkage continues during dreadlock growth stages

Teen Stage

Between months six and fifteen, your locs hit their teenage phase—the point where they finally feel like real dreadlocks instead of just twisted hair. The teenage stage of dreadlock formation brings firmer, thicker locs that hold their shape better. You’ll notice less unraveling during washing, and your dreadlock growth process becomes more visible. This phase requires consistent care to maintain healthy development through these critical loc stages.

Key priorities during the teenage stage:

1. Retightening frequency matters – Schedule maintenance every 4-6 weeks to keep your roots tight without causing stress or breakage prevention issues.
2. Product use shifts – Switch to lightweight oils and residue-free products that won’t create buildup in your maturing locs.
3. Hairstyle options expand – Your locs are finally strong enough for updos, ponytails, and creative styling you’ve been waiting for.

You’ll need patience here—your locs are busy doing their thing, locking up and taking shape on their own terms.

Mature Stage

Once you pass the fifteen-month mark, your locs enter the mature stage—the moment when they’re fully locked, dense, and ready for anything you throw at them. This is full maturity at its finest. Your mature dreadlocks no longer unravel or change shape unexpectedly. The loc appearance becomes uniform with consistent thickness from root to tip. Length retention improves dramatically since your hair isn’t shrinking anymore during the dreadlock growth process.

Maintenance needs decrease noticeably at this point. You can stretch retightening sessions to 6-8 weeks without issues. Styling options open up completely—braids, twists, buns, and intricate updos work beautifully. Your locs can withstand moisture, manipulation, and creative styling without falling apart. The loc maturation process has done its work. You’ve moved through all the stages of dreadlocks and reached the payoff phase where your locs finally behave exactly how you envisioned.

Rooted Stage/ Adult Stage

After two years or more, your locs shift into the rooted stage—the final frontier where they become a permanent part of who you are. This is where mature dreadlocks reach full locking and demand minimal root maintenance. Your hair growth process flows naturally without constant intervention. Style versatility peaks since your locs accommodate any look you want. Long-term care becomes second nature as you’ve mastered every stage of dreadlocks.

Factors Affecting Dreadlock Formation

Not all dreadlocks form at the same pace. Your hair texture, the method you use to start them, how you maintain them, and how often you wet them all play a role in how quickly your locs take shape.

Here’s what influences the process—and what that means for your timeline.

Hair Texture

Your hair texture is one of the biggest factors affecting hair growth and how fast your locs will lock up. If you have highly coiled or kinky hair—often referred to as Type 4—you can expect a much faster timeline, sometimes locking fully within 6 months. This is because follicle shape matters; African hair generally has oval-shaped follicles that create tighter bonds and faster matting, while Asian hair with round follicles tends to resist the locking process.

Hair thickness and density also play a significant role. Thicker strands result in fuller, denser locs, while finer hair produces smaller dreads. Understanding how section size affects thickness can help you achieve your desired look.

Here’s a quick breakdown of texture variations and their impact:

Hair Type	Estimated Locking Time
Type 4 (Kinky/Coily)	6–12 months
Type 3 (Curly)	12–18 months
Type 2 (Wavy)	12–18 months
Type 1 (Straight)	18–24+ months

Your hair’s porosity—how well it holds moisture—plays a big role in keeping your locs healthy as they form.

Getting clear on these basics helps you know what to expect as your journey unfolds.

Starting Method

The starting method you choose dramatically shapes your timeline. Crochet dreads can give you the look of mature locs almost instantly—even on straight hair—though you’ll need regular maintenance to keep that structure intact.

Braiding locs works beautifully for afro-textured hair, giving you control over size and shape, with full locking usually happening within 6 to 12 months. Twist methods like two-strand or comb twists suit natural, textured hair and generally lock in the same timeframe.

Backcombing dreads work on both straight and textured hair, creating durable locs with as little as 3 inches of length, maturing in 12 to 24 months. The rip-and-twist approach produces bulkier, messier dreads that lock more slowly but offer great volume for finer hair types.

Maintenance Technique

The way you maintain your locs directly affects how quickly they mature and how healthy they’ll stay long-term. Regular palm-rolling after washing helps maintain that cylindrical shape and speeds up matting during the first 6 to 12 months.

Maintaining your locs goes beyond aesthetics—healthy dreads depend on protecting each strand from scalp to ends.

Wetting Frequency

Getting your washing frequency right can make or break your dreadlock journey. During the first month, wash every 3 to 4 days to help your scalp adjust and support formation. After that, shift to every other day or follow a regular 7 to 10 day schedule for best scalp hydration and hair maintenance.

Consistent wetting with proper drying techniques aids tightening, but too much dampness invites frizz and mildew—especially in thick dreadlocks. Air-drying minimizes odor and mold prevention during the first 6 months. Low-heat blow-drying or leaving your locs uncovered overnight speeds up drying and discourages bacterial growth, keeping product buildup at bay.

Stage	Washing Frequency
First month	Every 3–4 days
After first month	Every other day or every 7–10 days
Mature locs	Every 7–10 days

Finding the sweet spot between washing and letting your locs breathe makes all the difference in how they develop.

Techniques to Speed Up Dreadlock Formation

While dreadlocks naturally form over time, you don’t have to sit around waiting for them to lock up on their own.

But you don’t have to wait forever—there are legit ways to speed things up without damaging your locs. Here’s what actually helps when you’re ready to move things along.

Try Different Loc Styles

If you want your locs to lock faster and look fresh, switching up your styling approach can make a real difference. Try experimenting with starter loc methods like Two Strand Twists, Braids, or Comb Coils to encourage tighter formation.

One quick note: locs carry deep cultural roots, especially in Black and African communities, so it’s worth being mindful about how you wear and talk about them.

Salt Spray

Salt spray works like ocean water on your hair—it roughens up the surface and helps strands grab onto each other faster. You can buy ready-made salt spray or make your own DIY version with sea salt and water.

Just mix one tablespoon of sea salt into eight ounces of warm water in a spray bottle. Apply it to damp locs and let them air dry.

While salt spray benefits include faster locking and added texture, don’t overdo it. Too much salt spray can cause damage by drying out your hair and scalp.

Instant Loc Method

The Instant Loc method cuts through the waiting game by creating defined locks much faster than traditional approaches. This technique uses a crochet hook to weave loose hair back into your forming locs. You can start during the budding stage once your hair begins matting.

The crochet hook size matters—use a 0.5mm or 0.6mm hook for finer hair and a 0.75mm for thicker textures. DIY instant locs save money compared to salon visits, though instant loc maintenance requires attention every few weeks.

The instant loc benefits include tighter sections and reduced frizz right away. Among starter loc methods, this approach speeds up dreadlock formation without waiting months for natural matting. While it works with various hair styling preferences and locking products, remember that cost effectiveness comes with practice. Your fingers will learn the motion, and your locs will thank you for the structure.

Retwisting

Retwisting keeps your locs uniform and tight, especially during those awkward early months when frizz seems to have a mind of its own. Most people retwist every four to six weeks, but retwisting frequency depends on your hair texture and how quickly new growth appears.

Watch your tension control—pulling too hard damages your scalp health and can thin your hairline over time. Use residue-free locking products to avoid product buildup that weakens your dreads.

Done right, retwists boost style longevity and keep your loc maintenance routine on track without overstressing your roots.

Locking Products

You’ll find dozens of products marketed for dreadlocks, but not all of them will help your locs lock up faster or healthier. Look for residue-free formulas that won’t leave buildup in your hair. Product ingredients matter more than fancy packaging.

Avoid anything with heavy waxes, petroleum, or silicones that coat your locs and block moisture retention. Your scalp health depends on breathable products that let your hair do its work. Good locking products should actually help with hair growth and loc maintenance, not slow things down.

Lightweight gels made for dreadlocks, natural oils like jojoba, and specialized loc sprays work best. Pay attention to product application too. Less is always more when you’re working with locs.

The Effect of Hair Cleanliness on Dreadlock Formation

Contrary to what you might’ve heard, clean hair actually locks faster than dirty hair. Washing your locs every one to two weeks helps them knot up tighter and form more efficiently. That old myth about dreads "cleaning themselves" just doesn’t hold up.

Clean hair locks faster than dirty hair—washing every one to two weeks helps locs form tighter and more efficiently

Regular washing prevents buildup inside your locs and keeps your scalp healthy, which directly aids better dreadlock formation. You don’t need to wait months before your first wash either—most experts say four weeks is plenty. As a matter of fact, dreadlocks require regular washing.

Clean locs mean stronger roots, less irritation, and faster progress through each stage of your loc journey.

Natural Methods to Promote Dreadlock Growth

Want your dreadlocks to grow faster? You don’t have to just sit around and wait for nature to do its thing.

A few simple practices can encourage healthier growth and help your locs reach their full potential faster.

Let’s look at what really moves the needle when it comes to strengthening your hair.

Scalp Massage

Think of your scalp like soil for a garden—without proper circulation and nourishment, nothing thrives the way it should. Regular scalp massage improves blood flow to your hair follicles, which aids hair growth and keeps your locs healthy from the roots up. You don’t need fancy massage tools, but they can help if you want deeper pressure techniques.

Consistent massage frequency matters more than intensity. Even a few minutes each day boosts blood circulation and sets the stage for stronger, faster-forming dreadlocks.

Hair Growth Vitamins

While vitamins won’t transform your hair overnight, they can give your dreadlock journey a real boost when you’re dealing with nutrient gaps. Hair growth vitamins work best if you have documented deficiencies—biotin helps with thickness only when you’re low on it, and Vitamin D stimulates follicles when levels are off. Here’s what matters:

1. Biotin improves hair strength in roughly 35% of users with deficiencies, though healthy individuals see minimal effects.
2. Vitamin D and C together showed increased scalp coverage for 78% of participants over six months in wellness surveys.
3. Zinc and magnesium address thinning and breakage in about 16% of adults with hair loss concerns.
4. Watch dosage—excess Vitamin A beyond 10,000 IU daily can actually trigger hair loss.

Supplement risks are real, so test for deficiencies before loading up on hair supplements.

Moisturizing

Keeping your locs hydrated is the difference between healthy growth and a dry, brittle mess that breaks before it ever reaches its full potential. Your scalp needs moisture just as much as your locs do.

Apply natural oils like coconut or jojoba oil two to three times weekly to lock in hydration and support scalp health. Focus on the roots first, then work your way down. Light oils penetrate better than heavy creams that leave buildup. You’ll notice moisture retention improves when you mist your locs with water before oil application.

Don’t overdo it—too much product suffocates your hair and slows the locking process. Clean hair actually locks faster than greasy hair, so balance your moisturizing routine with proper cleansing. Hydrate from the inside out too by drinking enough water daily.

Protecting

Your locs won’t survive the journey to maturity if you’re constantly exposing them to friction, harsh elements, and careless treatment that undoes months of progress. Nighttime protection is non-negotiable—wear a satin or silk bonnet to prevent hair breakage while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases pull moisture out and cause frizz that weakens your locs.

Shield your hair from environmental damage like sun, chlorine, and saltwater by covering it or rinsing immediately after exposure. Product buildup suffocates your scalp and invites breakage, so stick with residue-free options.

Handle your locs carefully when maintaining them—twisting too hard weakens the structure and leads to breakage.

Tuck them into protective styles to cut down on split ends and lock in moisture without constantly messing with them. Real protection means stopping damage before it happens, not adding extra steps to your routine.

Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Dreadlocks

Growing dreadlocks the wrong way can set you back months or even damage your hair beyond repair. Product overuse is a common mistake. Loading up on waxes or heavy gels creates buildup that prevents your locs from locking properly.

Neglecting scalp health is another issue. A dry or clogged scalp won’t support strong hair growth. Improper sectioning at the start leads to uneven locs that merge together later.

Many people also panic about shrinkage and start retwisting too soon. Premature retwisting causes breakage and split ends before your dreadlocks even mature. Over-manipulation weakens the roots and thins your locs over time. Focus on gentle care and patience instead. Give your hair time to lock naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)