Wicks hair popularity has increased dramatically in the community. You’ve probably seen celebs and influencers on social media sporting the classic look.
The idea that all locs are the same is among the most widespread misconceptions regarding them, although this is not the case.
Not every lock is created equal. The differences between the two types of locs are in their lengths, sizes, and procedures.
You’ve come to the right site if you want to find out the history of wick dreads plus how you can join the trend. We’ll cover all there is to learn regarding wicks, currently one of the hottest dreadlock trends right now. Let’s begin immediately.
What does Wick Hair mean?
Wick hair are fairly prevalent, and chances are that you have unknowingly encountered one. In essence, they are incredibly thick locks that are renowned for standing straight up when they are still young. Celebrities and regular people alike have begun to adopt the look pretty frequently.
Among the thickest dreads available are wick dreads. In fact, they are so dense that some only have 4–10 wicks dreads on their heads. The name of the hairstyle comes from the standard candle wick, which hangs downward but stands straight up.
You may use accessories such as colorful beads and pieces of jewelry to enhance the look. You may even style it with a wig. Since you need long hair to maintain this hairstyle, it is highly customizable. Style it as you wish and discover a new look.
Where is its origin?
Although the precise origin of this hairdo cannot be determined, we know that Wicks hair is from South Florida. However, they gained popularity when celebrities like Kodak Black were spotted wearing them. Soon after, people start copying the look.
Given how much power celebrities have over the public, it is hardly surprising that wicks have filtered into mainstream loc society.
What is the difference between Wicks and Congos?
Wicks and congos are similar, but it’s vital to distinguish between the two. Whenever 2 or more dreadlocks combine at the roots to become one, it is referred to as a congo. However, the wick hairstyle has thicker dreads and one usually has only 4-10 dreads.
Any size is acceptable for congos. They typically have ends that protrude out like little fingers and don’t fuse completely.
Wicks, on the contrary hand, are extraordinarily thick locs with rounded, smooth ends. You can say that wick has a more cylindrical look.
How long does your hair need to be to have wicks?
This segment is for you if you’re unsure if you possess enough hair for wicks hairstyle. To start your wicks, you’ll need to have at least 5 – 10 inches long. However, for best results, it is important to have longer hair. We are aware that people want to follow a trend when it is most relevant so you can use extensions to get the look instantly.
After developing the wicks, that much hair will be able to protrude from your scalp by a few inches.
Starting with adequate hair makes wick cultivation simple and lowers the expense of wick installation.
This is not intended to suggest that long hair cannot be used to install wicks. Setting wicks using long hair has the main advantage of giving you lengthy wicks right away. Unfortunately, some people find it difficult to crochet long locs or portions of hair. It can take many hours.
How to style a wick hairstyle?
Wicks hair can be started using one of four main techniques, which we’ll go over in this section.
1. Using a Crochet Wick Combine
The most common technique for making wicks is crocheting them. You must use a crochet needle to join the locs. Your wicks will be available right away; you won’t need to wait for them to develop over time.
Here are the procedures to take in order to transform your standard locs or loose hair into wicks.
- To obtain an estimate of the number of wicks you need, start by using elastic bands to divide the locks or long hair into sections. A few wicks work better for some folks than many. Only attach the rubber bands to the section’s roots.
- Develop your wicks. You’ll make the internal framework and outward form of your wicks using one, twofold, or tripled prong crochet needles. Start crocheting whilst holding your hair between the index, your thumb, and middle fingers.
Drag the crochet tool repeatedly into and out of the portion, starting close to the hair’s roots or locs. To make a wick with a spherical form, crochet all the way around the loc.
2. Crochet Wick Extensions
If you want long wicks now, consider crochet wick extensions. They can be used to start your wick journey or lengthen your existing wicks. To start wicks with extensions, follow the below instructions:
- The wick extensions you choose. Wick extensions are available in a range of lengths and diameters. Depending on the aesthetic you want, you can choose between small, medium, big, or gigantic wicks.
- Use a hair oil of your preference to completely oil your scalp.
- Wrap a rubber band around the root of each part of hair you divide into. Making the portions the proper size for the expansions you purchased is crucial. If you don’t, your wick extensions won’t match your new growth. Your components must be far bigger than any wick extensions. If you’re unsure of the size of your pieces, speak with a loctician.
- Grab any one of the wick extensions and undo a few inches of it with the point of a rat tail comb (if needed). While some have a loose end for attachment, others do not. To crochet and link to your natural hair, you will need some loose hair.
- With a crochet needle, start sandwiching your natural hair between both the loose thread of the wick extensions. Where its wick additions as well as the natural hair touch, fusing them together by inserting and removing the needle. To make the portion rounded, crochet all the way around it.
- For the remaining portions, repeat the first two stages.
3. The Freeform Method
Here’s how you grow wicks freeform, which is another option. You begin by not doing much to your hair other than letting it naturally lock and grow. Simply wash and condition your hair as necessary.
When your roots start to combine into a single loc, divide them based on the desired wick thickness and number. This will eventually produce natural wicks.
Freeform wicks won’t look as tidy as crocheted wicks, so keep that in mind. Choose crochet wicks if you would like the wicks to be completely cylindrical.
4. Rubberband Approach
The rubber band technique works well for wicking loose afro hair. All you need to do is cut off the loose hair into big chunks and secure each one with rubber bands.
The first time, keep the rubber bands on for three to one month. After that, remove the rubber bands and see if the hairstyle is starting to grow naturally without them.
Reapply the rubberbands and wait for another three to four weeks if it isn’t locked. You won’t require rubber bands after locking your hair
Wick Care Advice
Keep the following advice in mind while you raise your new wicks:
- For a neat, uniform appearance, be sure that all of the wicks have the same size.
- Do not disregard your wicks. They should be routinely washed with a clarifying shampoo. Depending on how often they get dirty, wash your locks either once or twice a month to keep hygienic wicks.
- Regularly moisturize your scalp, and don’t forget to use a silk or satin cap or scarf to cover your hair at night.
- After cleansing the wicks, thoroughly dry it with an ultra-soft towel before letting them air dry or using a blow dryer. By doing this, mold and mildew won’t grow.
- To keep your wicks hair hydrated, spritz little rose water and some oil on them each day.
- If possible take the help of a professional stylist for the best results.
Conclusion
Now that you understand exactly what wicks hair are, what they’re not, and how to make wicks on locs or loose hair, you can create them. Within weeks, using the proper technique, you’ll have good wicks. We wish you all the luck on your new adventure and hope this information was helpful to you.