Like any other hairstyle, dreadlocks require proper care and maintenance to stay healthy and strong. In this guide, we'll go over the best practices for growing and maintaining long, healthy, beautiful dreadlocks that will be a glamorous eye-turner wherever you go.
How are dreadlocks formed?
First and foremost, Dreadlocks are formed when hair is allowed to mat and tangle together, forming long, rope-like strands. This process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the method used and the individual's hair type.
Make sure your hair is healthy before locking
One key factor in the health of your dreadlocks is the starting quality of your hair. If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, it will be more difficult to form and maintain healthy dreadlocks.
If you're serious about starting dreadlocks, it's a good idea to give your hair a break from the heat and chemical treatments and let it grow out as naturally as possible before beginning the dreadlocking process.
Cutting for each dread should be the same size.
An important thing to ensure is that the cutting made for each dreadlock is the same size. This will make the overall look uniform, clean and pleasing to the eyes.
Types of locking styles you can start with.
Once your hair is ready to be dreaded, it's important to choose a method that works best for your hair type and desired look. Some popular methods include the free-form method, which involves simply allowing your hair to lock up naturally over time, and the twist-and-rip method, which involves twisting equally cut sections of hair and leaving them to lock up with occasional retwists. We'll talk more about retwists in a bit.
Comb coils, 2 strand twists, and interlocking are the most common starter lock styles. Micro locks and Sister locks are new forms of dreadlocks with even smaller partings.
The free-form method can take longer to form dreadlocks and may require more maintenance to keep them looking neat. Other methods create more defined uniform dreadlocks.
It is important to note that regardless of the technique used to start you will get the same result when your dreads get properly locked.
Avoid build-up of dirt
No matter which locking style you choose, it's crucial to keep your dreadlocks clean and well-maintained. This means washing them regularly (at least once a month) with a residue-free shampoo. Avoid using wax or other heavy products, as these can weigh down your dreadlocks and lead to build-up. Instead, opt for light, natural oils like coconut oil or jojoba oil, which can help to nourish and hydrate the hair without weighing it down.
Should I use a conditioner on my locks?
Well, the answer is yes and no. Wait a minute. Yes, because your locks need to harden and too much conditioning especially deep conditioning will prevent this but no because not conditioning at all can cause your dreadlocks to be unhealthy. Now we don't want that, do we?
The purpose of conditioners is to soften and moisturize the hair. But for dreadlocks to form, the hair needs to bud and harden. Hence, it can counterproductive to condition your locks if not done properly.
Proper balance is the way out. I recommend conditioning once in every 3 hair washes for the perfect lock texture.
Longer spacing of time between retwists
When you are in the beginning phase of your lock journey, you want to have a longer interval between re-twists. After two weeks of getting locked, it already looks rough and frizzy. It is a mess and you want to get it retwisted cause you are bothered.
Take a breath sis. The beginning phase of the lock journey is the messiest. Your hair is still soft and hasn't started locking. Retwisting too often will constantly interrupt the process and cause your hair to lock much slower than it normally would leading to even more frustration.
The ideal time to get a retwist is at least every 4 weeks and not longer than 10 weeks. Patience in your locking journey will give you mind-blowing results just as with every other thing in life.
Sleep with a silk/satin bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase.
Cotton absorbs moisture. Clothes are made from cotton to absorb sweat but for hair, this absorptive property of cotton does more harm than good.
Silk and satin have a similar structure to that of hair. So sleeping with a silk or satin bonnet regularly protects your locks from unnecessary frizzing and moisture loss. If like me, you are a messy sleeper and the chances you'll wake up with the bonnet of your hair are pretty high, a pillowcase made from any of those two materials will be excellent.
Avoid hair dyes
I'm sure You've seen those pretty locks on IG or TikTok dyed with beautiful colors from maroon to gold to purple and more. As much as you would like to dye yours too, this is why should think twice about it.
Dying unlocked hair is very different from locked hair. For unlocked hair, your hair strands are separate and dyed uniformly. For locked hair, however, they are matted together.
What happens when you dye your locks is that the outer hair strands are colored properly but the color doesn't get into the strands matted on the inside. Your hair structure can be damaged by this, especially at the beginning stages of your journey.
Even if you badly want to get your locks dyed, wait at least till they are mature enough. You don't want to ruin your hard work, do you?
New growth
As your dreadlocks grow, you may notice that they become thinner at the roots and thicker at the ends. This is completely normal and is simply a result of new unlocked growth sprouting from your scalp.
Wrapping the surrounding growth around the main lock and twisting helps thicken it. If you notice that your dreadlocks are thinning significantly or breaking off, it may be a sign of damage or an underlying health issue. In these cases, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist or a hair care professional for advice.
Patience
Growing dreadlocks is like an investment that gives bountiful returns in the long run. You can not afford to be in a haste. As with all investments you will need to be patient and persistent. Do not compare your journey with that of any other person. Everyone is different so it is reasonable to expect that your dreadlocks will not look exactly like anyone else's.
It will be beautifully tailored to fit you by mother nature herself. Two people can get any other hairstyle and it will look exactly alike. You can also get the same type of wig owned by thousands of other women but with dreads, no other person can have the exact look your dreads give you. Isn't that simply amazing?
Conclusion
By following these tips and being consistent with your dreadlock care routine, you will achieve long, healthy dreadlocks that will last for years.
• Make sure your hair is healthy before locking.
• Cutting for each dread should be the same size
• Avoid the build-up of dirt on your locks.
• Keep conditioning to the minimum
• Ensure longer spacing of time between retwists.
• Sleep with a silk/satin scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase.
• Wrap surrounding new growth at your hair root around the main dread to thicken it
• Be patient
Go on and get the locks you've always wanted!
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