Locking dreads up from braids is not for everyone but it does have some distinct advantages and works well in some situations. The first thing to understand about locking from braids is that the hair that starts out braided should eventually be trimmed away after the dreadlocks have begun locking.

Can braids turn into locks?

You can start dreadlocks with braids but they will generally look pretty crappy (lots of loose hair and fuzz) and it takes a really long time for them to start looking like dreads at all. ... A rubber band at the end will keep the braid intact until you're ready to remove it and backcomb the hair into a dread.

What happens if you leave braids in for too long?

Avoid heavy braids - they'll likely tug too much at your roots and pull out your hair over time. Keeping these in for long will wreak havoc on your hair and scalp.