How to Care for Dreadlocked Hair
Once someone has gone to all the trouble of creating the dreadlock look with their hair, they want to make it last. A common misconception is that dreadlocks are dirty, matted hair, but this isn't the case; they require cleaning and continued maintenance. The dreads have to be cleaned, shaped and tightened on a regular basis to make them smooth and straight. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Elastic bands
- Dreadlock shampoo
- Nylon pantyhose
- Dreadlock comb
- Dreadlock wax
Instructions
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Washing
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1
Secure each dreadlock both at the root and tip with elastic bands to hold the dreadlocks in shape while they're being washed.
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2
Put the nylon pantyhose over the dreadlocks and wet them in the shower through the nylon. Work a dreadlock shampoo into each lock carefully but thoroughly through the nylon.
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3
Rinse the shampoo thoroughly out of the dreadlocks. The nylons can be removed at this stage to help in the rinsing process as the hair shouldn't become loosened by simple rinsing.
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4
Squeeze the dreadlocks from base to tip to remove excess water; this is best done over the bath tub or sink. Once no more water is coming out, wrap the dreadlocks in a towel for 10 to 15 minutes to soak up more water and then allow the dreads to air dry.
Shaping
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5
Comb the dreadlocks from root to tip using a dreadlock comb to smooth out any bumps or kinks that may develop during natural growth.
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6
Rub the dreadlock between the palms of your hands in a clockwise motion to tighten the lock. Use fingertip rolling at the tips of the locks to help tighten in that area.
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7
Reapply dreadlock wax after each hair washing to keep the dreadlocks in shape. Use the wax sparingly and apply a thin layer root to tip to pull loose hairs back into the lock. Use a hairdryer to dry the wax after applying; this will also help it sink into the dreads and give them better hold.
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References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
