Wick Dreads: The Rubber Band Method - Beginner's Guide & Tips!
Is achieving the perfect wick style a daunting task? The rubber band method, a technique gaining traction, provides a unique pathway to crafting stunning wick dreads and unleashing your inner style icon, offering a blend of creativity and simplicity.
This article delves into the art of creating wicks, focusing primarily on the rubber band method. This approach, often presented in step-by-step tutorials and discussed amongst hair enthusiasts, presents a practical means for transforming natural hair into the sought-after wick style. Many have showcased their journeys, creating informative content to guide those eager to embark on a similar path. One video, for example, illustrates a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide that breaks down the process, and other users have created videos, with a friendly style, aimed at assisting newcomers in understanding the fundamental techniques, showcasing their expertise, and offering practical advice.
The rubber band method is a technique used for creating wicks, a popular hairstyle. The style offers a unique way to express individuality. Before diving into the specific method, let's clarify the basics. Wicks, or wick dreads, are a hairstyle where the hair is intentionally matted or twisted to form rope-like strands. The rubber band method is one of several ways to achieve this look, offering a more accessible route for those looking to start the journey.
The rubber band method isn't just a singular technique. Instead, it's a system encompassing different actions for hair transformation. The goal is to use rubber bands to lock and tighten the hair, creating the structure of the wicks. The procedure may seem straightforward, but it demands a detailed approach and careful execution.
The process initiates by sectioning the hair. Sectioning plays a crucial role in this method. You can part your hair in various ways, like box parts or triangle parts. The sections should be manageable, creating the building blocks for your wicks. After sectioning, the process involves securing each section with rubber bands. They serve to hold the hair firmly in place, encouraging the locking process. The rubber bands are placed from the roots to the tips. This step is crucial to create the shape of each wick and is often the focus of instructional videos.
The length of time the rubber bands stay in is critical. Usually, individuals allow the bands to remain for several weeks, often about a month. After this timeframe, you can then carefully remove the bands. Some people will then go through the process of washing, oiling and then putting the bands back on. In the meantime, the hair can be sprayed with rose water or sparingly oiled to assist in hair growth. This stage involves maintenance, with individuals incorporating steps to nourish and moisturize their hair.
The rubber band method isn't the only method available to create wicks, other techniques exist. The "combine method" allows you to put together existing dreads to create wicks. It may be done with the crochet method or the rubber band approach. The "crochet method" is a popular technique, offering a quicker and safer way to install dreadlocks. On the other hand, the "freeform method" allows wicks to form naturally, without external assistance. This approach allows your hair to be creatively styled.
The rubber band method serves as an excellent way to inject creativity into your hairstyle. This method has become a go-to choice for individuals seeking a more accessible path to wicks. To begin, loose hair is preferred to create good wicks. One should separate the hair to the desired number of wicks and then tie the rubber bands at the roots, the middle, and the ends of each section. This technique is suitable for those seeking to kickstart their wick journey with natural hair. Another crucial aspect of the method is to change the rubber bands to prevent them from getting stuck in your hair. This should be done every few weeks or month.
Creating wicks using the rubber band method is a journey that demands patience. It's a process that will take time, but with each step, you inch closer to your hair goals. When the rubber bands are applied, your hair gets a specific hold that helps it form into wicks, and it's okay if it takes a while. Also, you can use hair ties instead of rubber bands because they're less prone to getting stuck in your hair. You can retwist your wicks monthly or so, for maintenance.
Before starting the rubber band method, it's essential to ensure you have the right supplies, your hair is clean and ready to be styled. Then, section your hair properly. You'll want to get the sections as neat as possible so that you get the best outcome. After the hair has been sectioned, it's time to put in the rubber bands. The rubber bands should secure each section from root to tip. They are essential to holding the hair in place and encouraging the locking process.
The style you're creating may be only temporary. Braces rubber bands, such as Annhua, can be used with medium force. The rubber band is clear and 1/8 size. The rubber band method creates wicks that provide creativity to your dull hair. The method also helps patients maintain a full range of motion during talking, yawning, and other normal jaw functions.
Remember that wicks are a statement, an expression, and the rubber band method is just one way to create them. When starting out, it's helpful to seek out videos and tutorials. Many people are excited to share their knowledge to help others, making it easy to get started.
| Method | Description | Timeframe | Considerations |
| Rubber Band Method | Utilizes rubber bands to section and lock hair, forming wicks. | Rubber bands are typically left in for weeks (e.g., a month). | Requires regular rubber band changes; hair ties can be used to reduce the risk of snagging. |
| Combine Method | Merges existing dreads to create wicks. | Dependent on the existing dreads; may vary. | Can be done using the crochet or rubber band methods. |
| Crochet Method | Utilizes a crochet needle to install dreadlocks and form wicks. | Quickest and safest method. | Requires skills in crocheting. |
| Freeform Method | Allows wicks to form naturally without external assistance. | Time-consuming method. | Less control over the final style. |
In this approach, sectioning the hair is essential. You can choose from box parts, triangle parts, or any method that suits your preference. The goal is to create manageable sections that simplify the process. Section your hair into as many parts as you want. Rubber bands are then placed along the entire length of each section, securing them from top to bottom. The rubber bands are typically left on for about a month, during which the hair locks and begins to take the shape of wicks. After removing the bands, you can spray rose water to promote hair growth and keep your wicks moisturized, and you can also oil your scalp sparingly.
