Dreads or locs can be traced to every civilization throughout history, and there are many types, including semi-freeform dreads, freeform dreads, sister locks, and micro dreads.
In this article, we will discuss semi-freeform dreads and explain what they are and how to form them.
Do take a read.
Recommended Products for Semi-Freeform Locs
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What Are Semi-Freeform Locs?
A semi-freeform dread is formed by combining free-forming techniques with some level of maintenance, such as occasionally separating the roots and re-twisting.
As this style involves maintaining a parting system at your roots while continuing to clean your hair regularly, it is a better option for those who prefer a slightly neater look.
The palm rolling technique is used to make semi-freeform locks look natural. It should not be confused with neglect or carelessness. This type of dreadlock has low maintenance, is easy to DIY, and is possible on most hair types.
Although freedom locs and semi-freedom locs look similar, they differ in a number of ways. In spite of the fact that both styles give off a more messy, natural look, semi-freeform dreads require a little more maintenance.
In contrast, freeform dreadlocks form organically and develop over time. Thus, you do not have to manipulate your hair at all. You simply allow the locs to grow freely and live their best lives.
Alternatively, semi-freeform locs require more care and attention since they are separate from one another, less matted, and require less maintenance.
Let’s find out what it takes to semi-freeform your locs properly.
How To Start Semi-Freeform Dreads
Here are the steps to take to get freeform dreads
- Wash your hair before you start semi-free forming your locs.
If To wash or prep your hair for semi-freeform dreads, we suggest Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo. If you have curly hair, you can also use SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner.
These products help to deeply moisturize your hair while adding shine.
- Part your hair into the size of locs you’d prefer.
You can use any type of locking technique to install your dread. You can also use two-strand twists, palm rolling, or braids. Braids help the hair to grip better and enable them to stay put.
- With semi-freeform dreads, there is no obsession with the parting system so feel free to make the lock unique to you.
- Do not apply any products when installing your locs.
- Let the hair breathe as it takes shape naturally
- Do not re-twist your hair and let it grow organically
- Wash your hair once or twice a week and separate your roots if you feel the need to
How To maintain Semi-Freeform Your Locs
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To be successful in cultivating locs using the semi-freeform technique, you should adhere to the 5 principles of semi-free forming.
1. Commit to minimal styling and or tension
You should avoid touching your hair to ensure that it locs appropriately and is not harmed. Keep your hairdo simple because continual pressure on the hair causes root thinning.
When semi-free forming, even pulling your locs up into a ponytail can be incorrect. Because the roots of your locs are free and not linked into the normal cylindrical shape of locs, you risk flattening them and/or slowing down the locking process.
2. Wash your hair regularly
When semi-free forming, it is critical to have clean hair to avoid additional weight from product buildup or environmental contaminants. If you have a buildup on your locs, it will cause the roots to thin, especially if you have semi-freeform locs. We strongly advise you to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo.
3. Separate Your Roots
You should indeed maintain your splitting system and guarantee that your locs do not fuse together while semi-free forming. This will be accomplished by popping your locs at least once a week.
4. Self-Grooming
After shampooing your locs, you can perform mild grooming to maintain the integrity and shape of your locs. You may rub the loose hair at your roots to develop knots by rubbing it against your scalp.
This is the most important guideline to follow, although it is frequently neglected. While letting your hair semi-form, try using Love Beauty and Planet Sandalwood and Grapeseed Natural Oils Infusion to keep your scalp moisturized.
5. Protect your hair
Always wear a satin scarf or bonnet to bed or whenever you are lingering around the house to minimize lint and environmental debris from entrenching in your locs.
And don’t forget to deep condition your locs every month or more. There’s a rumour going around that locs don’t need to be deep conditioned. This simply isn’t true.
6. Don’t Go Too Long Without a Retwist
While you don’t need to retwist your locs as frequently when semi-free forming, you should still do it every 4 to 6 months. They will not only help you retain the pleasantly carefree appearance of your locs, but they will also help to keep your roots strong.
7. Be on the Lookout for Thinning
Semi-freeform locs that are known to thin out at the roots, typically due to a lack of maintenance. If your locs begin to thin out, it’s time to reconsider your loc routine. Perhaps there is a lot of buildup in your hair that is causing it to thin, or it isn’t getting enough moisture.
How long do semi-freeform dreads take?
Semi-freeform dreads normally take 3 to 5 weeks to lock, but this varies on your hair texture, the style of initial locs you use, and how well you care for your locs.
Hair with tighter curl patterns forms locks faster than hair with a looser curl pattern.
It could take anything from 10 months to two years for locks to reach maturity. Hair locking and loc maturity are two distinct processes.
This period of time could enable you to decide what type of locs you desire. If you want more distinct locs sooner, styled or semi-freeform locs may be best for you. Locs develop and take shape long before they are mature or rooted, although the period of the process varies from person to person.
When it’s not right to semi-freeform your locs
When people attempt to semi-freeform their locs for the wrong reasons or they do it at the wrong time in their loc journey, the results are disappointing. One of the most common problems associated with semi-freeform dreads is thinning.
If your locs are thinning at the roots, you should not semi-freeform; it will cause more damage.
Can Semi freeform dreads be Re-twisted?
Semi-freeform dreads can be re-twisted, but not as often as regular locs. This allows your hair time to repair any damage caused by over-styling or over-twisting in the past.
Root separation is commonly used to keep the locs in shape, however, re-twisting is entirely up to the individual.
You can retwist once every six months or three times a year, depending on the style you want to achieve.
It is critical to understand that semi-free forming does not imply that your hair is unclean and neglected. If you semi-freeform your locs, you need to pay special attention to your scalp.
Occasionally, separate the roots with your fingertips. Even if you will not re-twist, cleaning and scalp care are still necessary. Semi-freeform dreadlocks help to thicken your roots and keep your hair healthy.
How to Retwist Semi-Freeform Locs
Retwisting your semi-freeform locs is a big part of maintaining them, so you need to know how to do it right. In this section, we’ll tell you how to retwist your semi-freeform locs properly.
- Wash your locs as usual and towel-dry them to keep them from dripping.
- Choose one loc and separate it from neighbouring locs. You may need to snap a few hairs to get your loc free. The amount of loc snapping or popping will depend on how long it’s been since your last loc maintenance session. Never use scissors to break apart your locs – if you can’t do it, go to a loctician for this loc maintenance session.
- Apply an oil or cream to your new hair growth to make it pliable and prepare it for the retwisting process.
- With your palms, twist your loc clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction you initially twisted your locs. Twist until your roots are flat to your scalp but not tight.
- Put a clip on the loc and anchor it to your shirt or another loc.
- Repeat the process on all of your other locs.
- Allow your locs to air dry, and then remove the clips.
Why semi-free forming is ideal for you
Here are some very good reasons why you should actually get them.
- There is less pressure to maintain your hair in hairstyles it doesn’t want to be in.
- If you are not obsessed with a neat look and a well-maintained parting system then semi-free forming your dreads is the way to go
- You are a free-spirited person who has been liberated from what other people think about your hairstyle
- Semi freeform dreads will give your hair a break from manipulation, allowing it to grow organically
- These types of dreads are extremely low maintenance, and great for people who are product minimalists
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for semi-freeform dreads to lock?
It could take 3 to 5 weeks for semi-freeform dreads to start locking, but this all depends on your hair texture, the type of starter locs you use, and how well you take care of your locs. Hair with tighter curl patterns will form locks more quickly than hair with a looser curl pattern.
What is the difference between freeform and semi-freeform?
Freedom locs allow your hair to grow organically through the parting system of locks in different sizes, shapes, and locs. Technically, a whole freeform hairstyle includes the dreads on all the hair on the scalp. On the other hand, in semi-freeform dreadlocks, the locs require retwisting occasionally every 4-6 months or more.
Do freeform dreads fall out?
If you’re waiting too long between twisting your locs, you’ll notice your locs becoming a lot thinner. Since new hair follicles need to be twisted into the deadlock, these follicles can eventually fall out if left alone. This results in thinning dreadlocks.
How do you maintain Freeform locs?
Freeform locs should be maintained by washing frequently to remove buildup. You’ll also want to keep a close eye on your scalp to ensure it stays healthy. Eventually, you’ll find a routine that works best for your hair, but it’s often recommended to wash 1 to 2 times per week for the first 12 weeks.
Should I spray water on my locs?
In fact, water is the most effective ingredient for keeping your dreadlocks moisturized. A spray bottle filled with mostly water and a few essential oils will be your best defence against dry locs.
Now it’s your turn
Dreadlocks with semi-freeform processes are a great option if you’re interested in rocking your locks without manipulating them. Keeping your dreads in good shape is as simple as free-forming them.
If you’re someone who is free-spirited and not concerned about what others think, semi-free forms are your thing.
You’re now ready for semi-freeform dreadlocks!
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