Basic Dreadlock Care
Basic methods used in starting
dreadlocks
Help with deciding if dreadlocks are for you
While
dreadlocks are easier to maintain than other hairstyles, they do require
some basic maintenance
Washing (after
hair is locked)
There’s an
awful myth that wearers of dreadlocks don't wash their hair.
Everybody washes their hair, we hope. We know some people with dreadlocks who wash
their hair every day! I opt for once a
week, as dreadlocks take a long time to dry.
Regular washing
is necessary. Sweat build-up causes bacteria to grow and the scalp to
itch. Excessive scratching causes hair breakage and scalp irritation.
A residue-free shampoo
is best. Its important that your shampoo does not
add to the residue you are trying to get rid of. Residue clogs the pores and attracts dirt. If
you’ve
applied gels or oils to your hair it is good to give it a good soak in
soapy water first. There are many shampoos made
specifically for dreadlocks on the market that you can try.
Lather twice. Once, focusing
only on the scalp
and roots. Next, focusing on the rest of the hair. Be generous with
the soap and rinse extra well. To dry, wring hair out and
wrap with a towel to draw out extra moisture.
Immediately
apply some type of moisturizer to the scalp. Apply it while the hair
is still wet-damp. Again, there are many different hair and scalp
oils designed for use with dreadlocks that you can try, just remember, not
too much! Too much grease will
attract dirt and lint. If your scalp isn’t clean, grease contributes to
dandruff which is very tough to get out of locked hair.
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In
Between Washing
Anyone with dreadlocks knows that they take a
long time to dry after being fully saturated with water. Because of
this, frequent washing isn't always possible. Sometimes a
quick refresher for the scalp is sufficient. You may blot the scalp
with a mild astringent like Sea Breeze or any witch hazel. It will help to remove trapped
oil and dirt and keep your head smelling fresh and clean, without over-drying the scalp.
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Twisting
Twisting shouldn't be done more than every 1-3 weeks and it is
okay to do it
while
the hair is damp. Dreadlocks can
be twisted in either direction.
Start at the base of
the locked portion of the hair (NOT at the root near the scalp) and twist
downward to the scalp. Sometimes twisting upward from the
scalp causes the root sections to thin over time.
Use
small portions of whatever product you use. (Please
note that beeswax use
should be minimized after your hair has actually locked). Clamp a few
newly twisted dreadlocks with a clip in the spot where the locked hair ends and the new growth begins
to hold the newly twisted section (if you clamp one lock at a time it will
just unwind...its best to clamp in small groups).
Try
our
to
hold freshly twisted hair in place while sleeping. Cotton bandanas can
be very drying to the hair and they rarely provide full coverage or stay
on correctly all night.
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Drying
Thorough drying is necessary, otherwise hair will smell damp and musty. You
can either air dry or sit under a hood or bonnet dryer depending on how much extra time you
have. Hood
and bonnet hair dryers are relatively inexpensive. We purchased a new hood
hair dryer online for under $50.
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Remember, it takes TIME, PATIENCE AND DEDICATION to reach the point where
you'll have a natural, long, flowing mane of dreadlocks...several years
actually. All the more reason to start NOW!!
