How to Maintain Mature Dreadlocks

Running your hands through your hair can cause poorly maintained dreadlocks to break. While you can spend less time on your hair, you still need to take care of it when you have dreadlocks. Maintaining mature dreadlocks creates healthy looking dreadlocks that lock up into small, hard locks.

Instructions

1. Use a residue-free shampoo once a week to prevent buildup on your scalp. If you're active, you need to wash your hair more frequently to clean away sweat. Your wash schedule may vary depending on the texture of your hair.

2. Massage your scalp gently for a few minutes daily to tone it and release your natural oils. When you do this, you eliminate the need to condition or moisturize your scalp with products.

3. Prevent breakage by applying conditioner directly to the dreadlocks after they mature. Depending on your hair type, you may want to condition just the ends of the dreadlocks.

4. Rinse your hair completely. Dreadlocks act like sponges and absorb the products you use. Poor rinsing allows buildup to accumulate inside the dreadlock, which can lead to hair problems.

5. Groom your locks to clean up loose hairs and maintain the style you like. You can latch hook, palm roll or root rub your dreadlocks. Some people prefer to use the freeform technique where nature takes its course.

6. Visit a specialized hair stylist, often called a loctician. Locticians can groom or style your hair, including coloring the dreadlocks.

Tips & Warnings

• It can take six months to a year before dreadlocks mature.

• Using conditioner on dreadlocks before they mature can prevent the hair from locking.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish