Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Washing dreadlocks
• Method 2 of 3: Keeping your dreadlocks healthy
• Method 3 of 3: Styling dreadlocks
• Tips

Dreadlocks are a popular type of hairstyle for those with thicker and curly hair, but are suitable for most hair types. Once you have dreadlocks in your hair, it is important to take care of them to keep them growing. Like any other hairstyle, you should wash your dreadlocks regularly and use moisturisers and oils to keep your hair healthy.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Washing dreadlocks

1. Wash your dreadlocks every two to four days. It is important to keep your dreads clean and to remove the residue of products on your locks. Try to wash your hair at least once a week, but not every day. It is best to wait at least two days between each wash for your scalp to produce natural oils.
   • If you have very dry hair that breaks easily, consult a dreadlocks specialist about how often you should wash your hair according to your hair type.
2. Wet your hair with warm water. Wet your hair in the shower or in a washtub by spraying it with warm water. Make sure the water is not so hot that you cannot touch it, and do not soak your dreads for more than a few seconds at a time. Try to make sure they are covered with water, but not completely soaked.
   • Soaking your hair completely can make it too heavy and it can be difficult to get your hair dry again.
3. Massage a coin-sized splash of shampoo into your scalp and dreads. Start with a small amount of residue-free shampoo and massage it into your hair from the scalp to the ends. Gently dab the shampoo into the dreads, but do not rub or twist the dreadlocks while you wash them.
   • If you feel like you don't have enough shampoo, you can always apply more.
   • Residue-free shampoo helps to remove dirt and product residue from your dreads without leaving a layer of shampoo. You can buy residue-free shampoo at most grocery stores and drug stores. If you can't find it in the store, you can probably order it online.
4. Let the shampoo sit in your hair for one to two minutes. Leave the shampoo on your dreadlocks and scalp before rinsing it out. This ensures that it acts to clean the hair and remove all grease and dirt from your strands.
   • If you have thin or dry hair, just let the shampoo sit for a minute to prevent your hair from getting too clean and unraveling.
5. Rinse your dreadlocks thoroughly after using shampoo. Tilt your head back or down and let the water flow all the way through your locks, from your scalp to the end of your hair. As you rinse, squeeze your dreadlocks to remove the shampoo and let the water wash it off.
   • Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and no more shampoo comes out of your dreads when you squeeze them.
6. After washing, squeeze the water from your dreadlocks. After you rinse your dreadlocks, dry them by squeezing them with your hands to squeeze out excess water from the strands. Then use a microfiber cloth to pat your scalp and dreadlocks completely dry.
   • Never style your dreadlocks when they are wet, as this can cause them to smell or mold. Wait until they feel completely dry before styling them.
   • If you're concerned about your dreadlocks smelling or getting moldy, you can spray them with witch hazel after the shower to make them smell better and kill any mold.
   • Do not use conditioner or waxy products on your dreadlocks, as these can leave residue in your hair and cause your dreadlocks to come off.

Method 2 of 3: Keeping your dreadlocks healthy

1. Go to the hairdresser or "loctician" for advice on keeping your hair healthy. Find a hairdresser who has experience with dreadlocks and other natural hairstyles, and don't be afraid to ask him or her about your hair. If you want or already have dreadlocks and want to care for them, make an appointment with a hairdresser and explain what you want to do with your hair.
   • A "loctician" is the English term for a hairdresser who specializes in dreadlocks. He or she can only create dreadlocks or other different natural hairstyles.
2. Have your dreadlocks re-twisted if necessary when they start to loosen. Depending on your hair, your dreadlocks can of course come loose as you grow. If you know how to tighten dreadlocks, you can do it yourself by rolling them up or wrapping them any way you want. However, if you don't have much experience with dreadlocks, go to your "loctician" for twisting and tightening to maintain your dreadlocks.
   • If you twist your strands too often, they can thin and your hair can break. If you are new to dreadlocks, ask your "loctician" how often he or she recommends turning them.
   • Never twist your dreadlocks when they are dry - this can cause hair to break.
3. Use a spray moisturizer as needed to keep your locks shiny and smooth. Dreadlocks can sometimes look frizzy due to a lack of moisture or by re-twisting them often. When your hair is dry, spray a light moisturizer on your hair and massage it into your dreads with your fingers before styling your hair.
   • You can use spray moisturizers every day as long as you wash your hair weekly to remove any product residue. If you don't wash your dreadlocks often, try not to use too many products.
4. Get a hot oil treatment every one to two months to moisturize your scalp. Make an appointment with your "loctician" for a moisturizing treatment specially formulated for people with dreadlocks. This will restore moisture to your hair without causing your dreadlocks to twist or get dirty.
   • If you have naturally oily hair, you can probably wait three months between treatments. However, it is important to keep your scalp healthy to ensure that your hair is strong and healthy.
5. Sleep with a silk scarf around your hair to protect it from damage. While you sleep, your pillowcase can stretch or pull on your dreadlocks, which can cause hair to break. Put your hair in a ponytail or bun and tie a silk scarf around your dreadlocks. The silk glides smoothly over your pillowcase and does not pull your hair.
   • There are also special wraps you can buy that are made especially for dreadlocks. You can order them online or buy them from a beauty supply store.
6. Take out your dreadlocks when they feel too heavy or unmanageable. Depending on your hair type, dreadlocks can get heavy and put too much stress on your roots and scalp as they get longer. If you feel like your strands are too long, go to your "loctician" to trim or comb out the dreads.
   • Removing dreadlocks by combing them out requires a lot of patience and can be slightly painful due to the pulling. However, it is an excellent option if you want to keep your hair long.
   • In general, you can keep dreadlocks for as long as you want, but check with your hairdresser regularly to make sure your hair is healthy.

Method 3 of 3: Styling dreadlocks

1. Let go of your dreads to show off their length. Once your dreadlocks have grown out, let them flow around your face naturally. You can tuck some behind your ear or use a hairpin to keep shorter pieces out of your face.
   • Some people with dreadlocks put accessories in their hair, such as beads, or wrap them in yarn to protect them. Wearing your hair loose is a great way to show off your personal style!
2. Braid your dreads for a quick and easy style. If you want to keep your dreadlocks out of your face, you can make a traditional and thick braid. For a more fashionable style, try a herringbone braid or a twisted braid.
   • Normally people wear braids to protect their dreadlocks from chipping or twisting, which can happen if the dreadlocks have been tightened recently.
   • Braids are a great way to wear dreadlocks in a professional setting when you can't let hair down or hang in your face.
3. Put your dreads in a bun for a more relaxed look. Put your hair in a ponytail and wrap the hair tie around the hair again. Don't put your dreadlocks all the way through the rubber band to form a "messy" bun with all of your dreads.
   • This style will pull all your dreadlocks on your head, so it can be heavy. If it's too heavy, consider doing a bun with only half of your hair up.
4. Put extensions in your dreadlocks if your hair is short. For those with shorter hair, dreadlock extensions can be a great way to get the style they want. Look for clip-in or tie-in varieties, preferably made from synthetic hair, and secure them close to your scalp. Then twist your own hair around the dreadlock extension to combine them.
   • This is a great option for people who don't want the dedication to take care of long dreadlocks, but still like them to look good.
   • Stay away from dreadlock extensions made from real hair. They are more susceptible to mold growth.

Tips

• The growth process of healthy and long dreads can take a while. Be patient and visit the hairdresser regularly to make sure you are meeting your hair's needs.