Dreadlocking can be a tough journey, period. Adding kids to the equation only complicates matters. The easiest way to help your child make this transition is to at least have undergone it yourself. Nothing irritates me more than seeing a parent experimenting on their child. If you yourself aren't natural, but insist that your child never relax her hair, there's a problem. If you yourself don't have dreads, then how can you rightly impose this "lifestyle" on your child?

Now some would argue, "They're my kids and I can do what I want." True, you can. But in this day and age where not fitting in can and has lead to significant psychological and societal troubles amongst kids, you'd be doing yourself, your child and society a favor by making sure he/she has the coping skills needed to deal with such a major change.


Kids need positive role models. What better role model than you? Although you may have a little hellian running around your home, I guarantee that your child is learning from the examples you set. Even if they rebel in later years, the foundation you established in their youth will remain relatively stable and intact. The best way to insure that their house is built on solid rock is to practice what you preach. Therefore, if you've always wanted your kids to have natural hair or dreadlocks, you should first embark on this journey yourself.

Photo courtesy of Natty Dreadz of New York Salon.  Visit NattyDreadz.com Online!

Make sure that your child is willing to commit a minimum amount of time and effort to dreadlocks before giving in.

Dreadlocks are permanent and kids change their minds daily. Be sure that your child understands the dreadlocking process before making, I mean allowing him/her to commit to this style. If your child comes home excited about getting dreadlocks after seeing Lauryn Hill, Malcolm Jamal Warner or some other celebrity, it's important that you explain that dreadlocks are permanent.

Even some adults have difficulty understanding that the only way to change hairstyles with dreadlocks is to cut them off. So take whatever steps are necessary to prep your child for this permanent transition.  Try not to treat dreadlocks like a chore but more like a rite of passage that one must endure for at least "x" years.  This way, at the end of say two years, if you and your child are not satisfied, cut them.  Your child learns a valuable lesson on being committed and that change can be positive.

In the end no matter how well you prepare your child for having dreadlocks, there's no guarantee that they'll receive a warm reception once outside your door. Kids, and some adults, can be openly critical of what they don't consider "normal." What if your child has an ugly-duckling stage? Dreadlocks won't necessarily increase her/his popularity or help with self-esteem.

Although you can serve as your child's backbone the majority of the time, it's important that if she/he is dreadlocking that you help them develop one of their own before the process begins. Make sure they know they're know and feel their special with or without dreadlocks because then, it won't matter what the world thinks.

Be sure to research all possible dreadlocking techniques.  Educate yourself and your child on regular healthy hair maintenance.


There are many methods by which you can start locks.  Knowing and understanding your child's hair will be helpful in determining which route to go.  Find a technique that's easy for you to maintain and that can be easily taught to your child.

By giving your child the tools necessary to maintain their own mane, he/she can perform touch-ups when your schedule is too hectic to address hair.