What are Flat Dreadlocks?
Flattened dreadlocks is more commonly referred to as "flapping."  They are just what they sound like...flat dreadlocks.  Where dreadlocks are typically known to be rounded/cylindrical, in some cases the dreads may develop in such as way that they are flat...like a pancake. 

Why do some people have Flat Dreadlocks and others don't?
Flattened dreadlocks or flapping is most common with individuals who have chosen the organic, Freeform or neglect method of dreadlocks care.  Keep in mind that all three methods are identical we just term them different ways.  With the freeform method, the individual minimizes the manipulation of their hair and allow their dreadlocks to form naturally.  In other words, beyond normal cleansing and occassional separation, true freeformers encourage the growth of dreadlocks that are free-of-form. 

This lack of manipulation via finger-twisting, palm-rolling or Interlocking means that during the periods where dreadlocks are still Chewy (hair that is spongey to the touch), simple activities can permanently change the shape of one's locks.



For example, wearing hats or merely sleeping can cause hairs to smoosh together.  If the hairs are not discouraged from smooshing togther, overtime, the dread will grow flattened instead of cylindrical or rope-like.

Now although people who freeform are far more susceptible to flapping, there are those who opt for Salon dreadlocks who suffer from flapping as well.  In this case I deliberately use the word "suffer" because unlike freeformers with whom flapping may be regarded as the natural way of doing things, for those who opt for salon/manicured dreadlocks, flapping is counter to the overall look they initally tried to achieve.

For these individuals, flattened dreadlocks is usually a sign of laziness with regard to dreadlocks care.  Most often it occurs with individuals who want the salon look but on a free-form schedule or with those who naively assumed that dreadlocks were a low-maintenance style. 
 
How do I know if my dreadlocks are flapping?
With salon/manicured dreadlocks, one should be maintaining one's hair at least every 2-4 weeks, especially during the teenage stage as this is when flapping begins to take hold.  Normal maintenance should keep you aware of how each lock is developing. 

Separate your dreadlocks after each shampoo.  This is good to help prevent crawling and while you're separating your dreads, you're more likely to catch those that are potentially flattening.

How do I make my dreadlocks grow round again?
Uhm...pray about it ;-) 

How long have you been growing those flattened dreadlocks?  If you're in a situation where you have several inches/years of flattened dreadlocks to contend with, I don't have the time or energy to begin to tell you how to approach changing their shape.  In short, you have to be creative..."think out of the box" as they say.  In general however it will involve separating the locks that have grown together (flattened locks are sometimes two or more dreadlocks sections that have crawled...become one as if in marriage...overtime) and rubbing them over a series of maintenance sessions.


If you catch the flat dreadlocks early or if your dreadlocks are fairly porous, you're in luck.  When you encounter a lock that feels flat, mist the dread with warm water and finger twist (palm-rolling using the tips of your thumb and index finger) the dread with medium-hard pressure working your way from root to tip.  When you reach the end, repeat. 

Unfortunately, in most cases the dreadlock will not immediately relearn to take the cylindrical shape.  Over the next several weeks, once or twice a week...no more, concentrate on the flattened dreads as above described, they will gradually become less flat and in most cases take on their cylindrical shape again.