How to Grow Dreds

Dreds also referred to as dreadlocks are predominately worn by those of African American descent. Dreds may be worn in several styles that include but are not limited to spiral curls, buns or ponytails. Dreds must be properly maintained to achieve a healthy appearance. To grow dreds you will need to implement a hair care regimen to avoid breakage, thinning and dryness that can often be associated with poor hair care. Use the information below to grow your dreds.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• SLS Shampoo
• Moisturizing Conditioner
• Leave in conditioner
• Plastic conditioner cap
• Hair Oil
• Massage

1. Cleanse your scalp with a sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) free shampoo. Shampoos that contain SLS cause dryness especially to afro textured hair with dreds. Using a SLS free shampoo will cleanse the hair without stripping it of it natural oils. Apply the shampoo to the scalp and use the tips of your fingers to gently massage the shampoo into the scalp. Rinse the shampoo from your dreds with warm water.

2. Apply a generous amount of moisturizing conditioner to your dreds. Adding a tablespoon of honey increases the conditioning properties of the conditioner because honey draws moisture to the hair strands; this is beneficial to avoid dryness. Allow the conditioner to remain on your dreds for 20- 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

3. Apply a water based leave in conditioner to your dreds that is free of mineral oil. Mineral oil remains on the surface of dreds and do not penetrate the hair shaft; this causes dryness and draws impurities to the hair giving the appearance of unclean hair.

4. Place a plastic cap on your head to maximize the condition effect of the leave in conditioner.

5. Apply natural oil throughout your dreds; coconut, virgin olive oil and jojoba oil are all great choices to use on your dreds.

6. Massage your scalp at least 3-4 times a week. Massaging stimulates the scalp and increases blood circulation which encourages hair growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your new growth palm rolled to keep your hair dreds looking beautiful.

[crosswised]

on 8/5/2009 Great article - I don't have the hair for it, but they look awesome! Rated 5 and Recommended you.

[jrofosho1]

on 7/26/2009 I gotta tell my boy about this 5 stars and nice article you get my recommend