How to Treat Dreads
Whether you grew your hair into dreadlocks as a fashion statement, for spiritual or religious reasons, or to show pride in your culture, your dreads will look best when treated with care. Dreadlocking hair is a lengthy process, and hair must be cared for carefully and gently while the dreads are forming, which can take up to six months. Once your dreads are tightly locked, ongoing maintenance will keep your hair looking good, and your scalp healthy. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Wash your dreadlocks for the first time one week after starting them. Twist a small rubber band around the tip of each dread, and pull a nylon stocking over your hair to protect it. Soak your hair, and work in a shampoo made for dreadlock care, squeezing and working the hair as if working soap into a sponge. Rinse thoroughly, squeezing and working hair until all shampoo is gone. Once your dreads are tight, usually within six months, you will no longer need to use rubber bands or a nylon cover. Dreads should not be washed too frequently, usually just one to two times per week.
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Squeeze all excess water out of your hair after washing, and then wrap it in a towel to absorb remaining moisture for at least 15 minutes. Finally, let your hair air dry. It is very important to keep your dreads dry because they can mildew.
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Roll each dread gently between your palms to tighten the growth. Apply a small amount of wax specifically made for dreadlocks to encourage tightening and keep your hair frizz-free. Wax your hair early in the day to avoid a pillowcase covered in residue. Once your dreads are locked, wax just occasionally to keep hair frizz-free and shiny.
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Place a nylon stocking over your dreads at night to protect them while they are still forming. If your hair is matted on one side in the morning, gently scratch and pull your hair back into place. Once dreads are mature, you will not need to cover them at night.
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Tighten your roots by rubbing each dread between your palms in a clockwise direction. The roots will never be as tight as the body of the dreadlock.
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Gather hairs that have come loose into a little ball. Gently push the ball into the nearest formed dread, and apply a dab of dreadlock wax to hold it in place.
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Cover your hair when in smoky or smelly areas, or in a dusty or dirty environment. Use a hat, scarf or cap to protect your hair from picking up dirt or odor.
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Rinse your hair with apple-cider vinegar if it has built up too much wax, or gotten dusty or developed odor. Follow with your regular shampooing procedure.
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Tips & Warnings
Use products specifically made for dreadlocked hair. Dreads need to be treated gently, and it is important to avoid chemicals and conditioners found in regular shampoo.
Satin or silk pillowcases are less likely to pull or mat your dreads.
References
- Photo Credit Polka Dot RF/Polka Dot/Getty Images
