I'd rather not use wax to create dreadlocks- are there alternatives to help the process?

Tomorrow I'm hosting my grand "dread party", and on short notice realized that my preferred DreadHead HQ products aren't sold locally, and I cannot purchase them off the internet. I'm going to use KnottyBoy products instead, but the brand seems to heavily embellish using dread wax and doesn't provide alternatives. I'd rather stay clear of using wax, and was wondering if anyone could offer a home-made solution or other common products that would aid the initial backcombing process. I have straight blonde hair, so I know backcombing will be a challenge. I'm looking for something similar to DreadHead HQ's "lock peppa"... Thanks for your input! Also, if you have opinions on dread wax, feel free to state them... Maybe I should use it?