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How Do I Use Beeswax for Dreadlocks?

Andrew Kirmayer
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Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 65,778
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One of the most efficient ways to form dreadlocks in your hair is to use beeswax. It can help shape the hair the way you want, whether it is straight or curly. Depending on the thickness and length of the hair, the technique for making dreadlocks can vary. A coating of beeswax for dreadlocks, along with a few rubber bands and a comb, is often enough. With beeswax and African-American hair, especially, often the product helps to hold together each strand in each of the dreadlocks.

It is usually important to wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner, and then comb it so it does not get tangled. A special comb and ponytail holders can then be used to create separate sections of hair. When beeswax is used on dreadlocks, it is usually applied to the back of the head first, one section at a time. Other hair waxes or styling gel can be applied; these are often more suitable for temporary dreadlocks.

After the beeswax for dreadlocks is put on, then you can start twisting each section of hair. The twisting usually starts about 3 inches (about 7.6 centimeters) from the scalp and continues for the length of the hair, while a comb can then be slid through it from root to tip. Rubber bands are often used to keep everything in place. You can then soften the wax using a blow dryer; this typically enables it to cool slowly so the beeswax becomes firm to make a stronger dreadlock.

Usually, more beeswax is needed for thick hair and large dreadlocks, while a thinner texture typically requires less. Not as much wax will be required because thin hair generally doesn’t need much to hold it together. In most cases, you just need enough wax so that it can be felt; too much can clump the hair together unnaturally. After using beeswax for dreadlocks, daily care and maintenance will usually keep them in place and lead to a permanent style.

Beeswax for dreadlocks suited for hair styling not only work to hold hair together, but also add a desirable smell. It also acts as a conditioner and excess residue can be melted away by the heat from a hair dryer. Loose hairs can usually be secured as well. Sometimes regular beeswax can be used, but it often leaves behind residue and takes longer to use in the styling process. Petroleum wax often provides lubrication, but dreadlocks may fall apart as the residue from the product builds up.

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Andrew Kirmayer
By Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer, a freelance writer with his own online writing business, creates engaging content across various industries and disciplines. With a degree in Creative Writing, he is skilled at writing compelling articles, blogs, press releases, website content, web copy, and more, all with the goal of making the web a more informative and engaging place for all audiences.
Discussion Comments
By anon977247 — On Nov 09, 2014

It's unfortunate that people comment negatively out of ignorance. Beeswax is great for hair and can be mixed with another carrier oil when melted for better manageability!

By anon310416 — On Dec 22, 2012

Never, never *never* use beeswax on your hair. I promise you you will never get it out, you will find all kinds of gunk, lint and dirt in your hair and eventually you will have to cut your dreads off because they are so gross. I am dreading naturally using advice online, which is just wash and separate.

Please believe me! I am a candle maker and I work exclusively with beeswax, and I would never want that in my hair. I've done it accidentally at times and it's hell. Why would you do this deliberately? At the very least, do your research before putting anything in your hair, preferably from someone who's not trying to sell you something.

By LisaLou — On Oct 07, 2012

This sounds like the perfect solution for my kids, but where do you buy beeswax to use for your dreadlocks? Is this something that I would find at the store or do I have to order it online?

By julies — On Oct 06, 2012

Beeswax is one of those products that is good for so many things. It can be used to polish furniture and is also great for skin care products. Once I started using beeswax for my hair, I haven't used anything else.

One thing I really like is that it also works as a natural conditioner. My hair is really dry, and over time, the beeswax not only protects my hair, but also helps condition it.

The only time I have had had trouble using beeswax was when I used too much. If your hair starts to clump together, you know you have overdone it. When it comes to using beeswax for your hair, a little bit goes a long way.

By honeybees — On Oct 06, 2012

My son had dreadlocks for awhile and I don't think he thought about using beeswax. Whatever he was using didn't work too well though. It worked OK at first, but didn't keep the hair in place for very long. He got tired of the dreadlocks after awhile and cut them off, but beeswax sounds like it would work a lot better than what he was using.

By bagley79 — On Oct 05, 2012

I think one of the biggest advantages of using beeswax on your hair, apart from it being a completely natural product, is how good it smells. This scent is something that doesn't fade away very quickly and it holds its scent for a long time.

This has such a clean, slightly sweet fragrance that is not too strong and does not have chemicals in it. It also works very well at keeping hair in place without feeling too greasy.

Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer, a freelance writer with his own online writing business, creates engaging content across various...
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