How to Keep Dreadlocks Clean

Dreadlocks are known to date to dynastic ancient Egypt. Their popularity has flourished since the 1970s, when mainstream culture grew fascinated with dreadlocks as reggae music became big. At this point, many famous people began getting dreadlocks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shampoo
• Pillowcase

1. Make sure to wash your dreadlocks every 4 to 12 days. You should choose how many days to wait before washing your dreadlocks based on how healthy your scalp is. People with dry, itchy scalps should not wait as long as others between washes.

2. Pick out a shampoo that best suits your hair and scalp needs. If your hair is more "nappy" than most, and regular shampoo isn't working, there are shampoos specifically designed for this type of hair. Also, make sure the shampoo doesn't leave a lot of residue behind, as this may irritate your scalp between hair washes. Refrain from using any shampoos that have a lot of lather, or any conditioners. Both of these products may loosen your dreadlocks.

3. Do not wash your hair with hot water if you use any type of wax to hold your dreadlocks in place. Hot water could melt the wax and mess up the dreadlocks.

4. Wear a hair net when washing if your dreadlocks tend to work themselves out during the wash. Use the hair net to ensure your dreadlocks stay in place while washing.

5. Use something other than a towel to dry your hair after washing. A towel can leave lint in your dreadlocks. A pillowcase is well suited for this.

6. Twist your dreadlocks and wax them after you have allowed your hair to fully dry. If you try to twist and wax your dreadlocks while your hair is wet, they will most likely unravel.

7. Make sure to take care of all loose ends after you dry your hair, but before applying any wax. If there are any loose hairs, you should make them into a mini-dreadlock. Once you've done this, work your mini-dreadlock into a large dreadlock that is close to it. This can take a while, but it is necessary.

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on 12/9/2008 Real dreadlocks will not unravel in the shower. You may get some loose hairs, but they are not going to come undone.

Unless you have extremely kinky hair, twisting your dreads will accomplish nothing.

And you should always, always, always use an unscented shampoo that leaves no residue behind. Not only will residues irritate your scalp, they will loosen your dreads, collect in them, and keep them from becoming fully clean. It increases the chances of your locs getting moldy.