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Metal will make back combing easier. Look for metal combs at your local beauty supply store or online. In a pinch, you can try using a plastic comb but it may take more time and effort to backcomb with it. Another option is to use a crochet hook to backcomb your hair. Get a crochet hook made of metal with a capped end so it is not too sharp. Look for the smallest sized crochet hook you can find. You can buy crochet hooks at your local craft store or online. Use a duckbill clip to separate the hair that you do not want to backcomb. Hold 1 of your dreads between your fingers so it is taut, but still a little loose. Then, comb your hair towards your scalp in the opposite direction of the hair's growth, working from the root to the tip. As you comb, you should your hair should appear puffy and raised. Try to get as close as you can to the root and work your way to the tip, combing up as much hair as you can. If you are using a crochet hook, run the hook back and forth through your dread from the root to the tip. This will backcomb it. Once you have backcombed your dreads, use your fingers to carefully twist the backcombed hair together from the root to the tip. Twist the hair 1 to 2 times in a clockwise direction. Make sure you twist all of the backcombed hair so it forms a locked dread. You can backcomb and twist the same dread a few times to help it lock. Get in the habit of backcombing and twisting your dreads while you are watching television, listening to music, or talking to friends. Do this at least once a day so your dreads stay locked.
Get a metal comb. Use a crochet hook. Backcomb your dreads. Twist your dreads with your fingers. Backcomb and twist your dreads at least once a day.