Thick Dreads Vs Thin Dreads: Which is Better?

Features snippet: Thick dreads vs. thin dreads: which is better? It all depends on the style you want to achieve and the amount of maintenance you are ready to put in. Thin dreads are the way to go if you want a more natural look. Thick dreads are preferable if you don’t mind spending a little extra effort or care.

Thinking about getting dreadlocks but confused, about whether to go with thick or thin? I can feel you, bro! That’s my scenario. But you know what, I tried both. 

When I wanted to get my dreads done, I went with thin dreads. It was a quick decision for me as I just wanted to have more hair strands on my head. After 2 years, I just transformed them into thick dreads, I got bored, LOL!

 Well, there is a whole proper journey I’ve encountered with both. Sometimes I was like OH WOW! And sometimes OH DAMN!. Well, my experience with both thin and thick locs lets me talk about some aspects of each. If you really want to know which is best, read it carefully.

Thin Dreads

Before I tell you the pros and cons of each, let me first explain what I mean by “thick” and “thin” dreads. When I say thick dreads, I’m talking about the average size of a mature dreadlock. This would be around the thickness of a pencil or slightly larger.

On the other hand, thin dreads are just that, thinner. They can be as thin as a toothpick or even just string-like in appearance. Thin dreads are made by either neglecting your dreads or by using a method called “twist and rip“. also you need a special needle to make them called a “dread needle”.

Thick Dreads

Thick dreads, as I said before, are the average size of a mature dreadlock. They can be anywhere from the thickness of a pencil to slightly larger. Some people even have thick dreads that are as big around as their pinky finger!

Thick dreads can be a bit hard to make as you have to be careful not to rip them while you are making them, but they are definitely worth the effort. In this video by

Natural Nirvana titled: How to Get THICKER Locs!! you can see how she achieved her thick locs.

Takecare Od Your Dread With Best Oils

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	Dr. Miracle's Feel It Formula	PROVEN HAIR CARE - Dr Miracle's Feel It Formula, Strengthen Daily Moisturizing Gro Oil soothes & treats the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. Provides hydration and moisture for hair, especially dry brittle ends. Great for Hot Oil Treatments! - lightweight oil that nourishes, hydrates and soothes the scalp. Formulated to support stronger, healthier, more beautiful hair. FEATURED INGREDIENTS - Massage into scalp & ends of hair daily as part of the Dr. Miracle's Healthy Hair Growth Regimen. Jojoba Oil works to improve moisture retention & add softness to your natural hair. By helping to replenish hair, this ingredient works to hydrate & nourish dry hair. Vitamin A helps to restore lost luster & shine as well as minimize split ends. This essential ingredient is the foundation for replenishing lost nutrition to hair. ESTABLISHED FORMULA - The special Thermalceutical Complex and "Feel It" formula of this balm make it an excellent choice for relaxed, natural, braided, or weaved hair with delicate temple and nape areas. HOW TO USE - Massage into scalp and ends of hair daily as part of the Dr. Miracle's Healthy Hair Growth Regimen on wash day or in-between wash days. For maximum hydration use on damp or wet hair. Safe for use on dry hair. ABOUT THE BRAND - Healthy hair starts with Dr. Miracle’s. Our nourishing products combat dryness, shedding and breakage to support healthy hair and a thriving scalp. Whether you prefer wearing your natural hair out, or in protective styles, we give you the tools to prevent damage and aid in length retention. Formulated to hydrate, nourish and detangle, Dr. Miracle’s has everything you need for stronger, healthier, more beautiful hair.	Check Price

Difference Between Thick And Thin Dreads

The main difference between thick and thin dreads is appearance. Thick dreads tend to look more “full” while thin dreads can appear to be stringy or even sparse in comparison. Another difference is that thick dreads usually take longer to mature than thin ones. This is because there is simply more hair for the dreads to grow and form around.

But frankly speaking, it’s possible to have both! Yes, you can achieve both! If you have thinner locks and want to add more fullness to them then check out this video by Desiree Marie in which she explains how to add bulk to your dreads. Conversely, if you have thick dreads and you want to make them thin then you should check out this video by Gunther Da Great

Pros And Cons Of Thick And Thin Dreadlocks

Now that I’ve gone over the main differences between thick and thin dreads, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each. If you’re thinking about having dreads put in, then you have to know about the pros and cons otherwise you might not be making the best decision for your hair.

Pros Of Having Thick Dreadlocks

Generally speaking, there are many more pros than cons to having thick dreadlocks. I’ve compiled some of the pros below:

1. Great To Look At:

One of the first pros that I am going to talk about is that thick dreadlocks are great to look at, I mean just take a look at the picture below. Thicker dreadlocks also look good on all face types whether you have a round face, oval face, square face, etc. Also, you don’t have to style them in any special way for them to look good, you can just let them be.

2. Easy To Put Them In Any Style You Want

if you have thin dreads and you want to put them up in a bun or a ponytail, then it’s going to be very difficult for you to do so. With thicker dreads, it is much easier to put them up in any style that you want because there are just more dreads to work with. You can also style your long dreads in many different styles including two twist strands, three-strand twists, flat twists, and more. All of these styles can be achieved easier with thicker dreads because there is more hair to work with.

3. Less Number Of Dread

You can have fewer number of-twisting dreads on your head but still, have a full look. This is due to each dread being thicker so it will take up more space on your head. If you are looking to achieve a fuller look with fewer dreads then having thick dreads is the way to go for you.

4. Relatively Easy To Maintain

Due to being less in numbering and having fewer gaps, having thicker dreads is relatively easier to maintain. You won’t have to worry about as many thinning spots or balding areas because each dreadlock is thicker. This means that your overall hairstyle will look neater for longer periods in between maintenance appointments.

5. Less Retwisting

If you ever had thinner dreads you might know what I’m talking about, twisting and turning one dread at a time is very time-consuming, but if you have thicker dreads then voila! You can retwist your whole head in the same amount of time it would take you to do one thin dread. This is a saving grace for those who don’t have a lot of time on their hands but still want neat-looking locs.

6. Very Durable And Strong

Thicker dreads are much more durable and can withstand a lot more wear and tear before giving you any problems. Think of all the hairfall which comes with thin dreads.

7. Very Realisiant

A huge positive of having thick locks is that they’re very resilient. If you make any mistakes while taking care of your dreadlocks, the thick locks will cover them up. For example, if you use the wrong hair products or bleached your hair, it won’t affect the locs. They’ll stay exactly the same even after trying out a few different hair colors. That’s why thick locs are great if you want to experiment with your natural hair.

Cons Of Having Thick Dreadlocks

Like everything else, there are also a few cons of having thick dreadlocks. Lets start with one of the most annoying cons:

1. Very Low Volume:

When you have thick dreads, they lay very flat against your head. This gives the appearance of low volume or no volume at all. If you’re into big and voluminous hair, then having thick dreads may not be for you.

2. They Can Be Heavy:

Since they’re so dense, thick dreads can also be quite heavy. This is especially true if you have long dreads. The weight of your locs can cause headaches and neck pain.

3. Drying Thick Dreads Takes Forever:

Have you ever tried to air dry your thick locs? It can take forever! If you’re in a hurry, then you’re out of luck. You’ll have to wait for them to fully dry before you can go about your day.

Pros Of Thin Dreadlocks

1. They’re Less Painful:

If you have sensitive skin, then you may find that thin dreads are less painful. This is because there’s less tension on your scalp when you have thinner locs. While some styles does require some tightness, it’s nothing compared to what you would experience with thicker dreads. If you take my advice and start with thinner dreads, you can always add more later on.

2. Quicker To Dry:

If you have thin dreads, then you won’t have to wait as long for them to dry. This is because there’s less hair for the water to travel through. As a result, your locs will dry more quickly. There are several ways to speed up the drying process, such as using a blow dryer on a low setting or sitting in front of a fan.

3. Gives A Natural Look:

Thin dreads tend to give a more natural look. This is because they’re less likely to be as “puffy” as thicker locs. Also, thin dreads can be styled in a variety of ways which gives you more options including, but not limited to, loc twists and flat twists. The tools that are used to create these styles are typically thin as well, so it’s less likely that you’ll end up with a frizzy mess.

4. Dreads Can Be Divided Into Sections:

If you have thinner dreads, then you can easily divide them into sections. This can be helpful if you want to put your locs into a certain style or if you’re trying to achieve a certain look. Sections also help with managing you’re locs and keeping them healthy.

5. Thin Dreads Gives A Full Head Of Hair:

If you have thinner dreads, it gives the appearance of a full head of hair. This can be helpful if you’re trying to achieve a certain look or if you have thinner hair. Certain styles can be achieved with thinner dreads that wouldn’t be possible with thicker dreads. If you ask me, having a full head of hair is always a good thing.

6. Thin Dreads Are More Flexible:

If you have thinner dreads, they will be more flexible. This can be helpful if you want to put your dreads into a certain style or if you’re trying to achieve a certain look. Sections also help with managing your dreads and keeping them healthy.

Cons Of Thin Dread Locks

1. High Maintenance:

Thin dreads require more maintenance than thicker dreads. This is because they’re more likely to get frizzy and tangled. You’ll need to put in more effort to keep them looking neat. You need specialized brushes and shampoos to avoid damaging your thin dreads.

2. More Likely To Break:

Since thin dreads are more delicate, they’re more likely to break. If you have thin dreads, you’ll need to be extra careful when brushing, washing, and styling them. you can stop them from breaking by using natural products and being gentle with them. Also, You need to make sure they’re well moisturized to prevent them from drying out and breaking.

3. Difficult To Style:

It can be difficult to style thin dreads. If you want to add beads or other decorations, it’s best to avoid doing it yourself. It’s also difficult to achieve certain styles, such as braids and updos. Still, some of the best dread styles for thin dreads are small and simple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

So, Which is Better?

As far as which is better, it depends on what you’re looking for in a set of dreads. If you want something that looks full and thick, then obviously thick dreads are the way to go. However, if you don’t mind thinner dreads or you prefer the way they look, then that’s perfectly fine too!

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to this – it’s all a matter of preference. This is defined perfectly by TP locks in his youtube video “Thick vs Skinny Dreadlocks” while i agree with his conclusion that “it’s all good”, I have to say that I prefer the look of thicker dreads.

Now, It’s Your Turn!

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both types of dreadlocks. It really depends on what look you are going for and what kind of maintenance you are willing to do. If you want a more natural look, then thin dreads might be the way to go.

If you don’t mind spending a bit more time on maintenance, then thick dreads might be better for you. Ultimately, the decision is up to you! I hope this article helped clear things up for you and gave you a better idea of what to expect with each type of dreadlock. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below! Thanks for reading!

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