As someone who’s freeformed high top dreads twice before, here’s some tips that helped me.
Take biotin for healthy hair. It also helps with skin and nails
Use Jamaican caster oil, or some hair care products that have it included
DO NOT USE SHAMPOOS WITH SULFATES! This fukks up your hair a lot
Don’t shampoo often
You can use the twist sponge, or just use your hands to twist your hair in the same motion, and it’ll dread up. A towel also works. I used my hand and a towel, and it came out pretty dope. I got a lot of compliments