One method of starting new dreadlocks is back-combing and palm rolling. A stylist parts your hair into small sections, rats each section by combing the hair upward with a fine-toothed comb, and rolls the ratted hair between her palms. Some stylists apply dread wax to new locs, some apply aloe-vera gel and some use nothing. Whatever method your stylist recommends, you'll have to maintain your new dreadlocks at home by back-combing and rolling the sections again after every wash. 

Instructions: 
Wash your locks with dreadlock shampoo (Knotty Boy Liquid Shampoo or Knotty Boy Shampoo Bar - available @ dreadz.co.uk) once or twice a week. Keeping new dreads very clean helps keep oil from building up in your hair, which dries the hair somewhat and prepares it for back-combing. 

Treat your dreadlocks from the mid-point down with Knotty Boy (available @ dreadz.co.uk) Locksteady Gel (dilute with water to make a spritz if preferred) - its purpose is to tighten and harden your hair. Wrap your dreads in a micro-fiber towel to absorb the excess water, and sit under a hood dryer or allow them to air dry. They should be completely dry before you start back-combing. 

Back-comb each dread with a fine-toothed comb (available @ dreadz.co.uk) after your hair is dry. Hold the ends of the dread and run the comb toward your roots, making lots of short strokes to push the hair up. Each dread should have a puffy ball of teased hair at the end. 

Apply just enough Gel or Wax to your hands to palm roll one dreadlock. Rub your palms together to warm them. Roll each dread back and forth vigorously between your palms, working from the roots to the ends. The puffs of hair at the end of each dread will flatten with rolling. 

Cover your hair with a head scarf or bandana to keep them flat and out of your face. The scarf helps compress and protect baby dreadlocks.