Dreadlock Care
New Dreadlocks
Ok so you’ve got your new dreads…now what????
New dreadlocks are very different to mature dreadlocks. New dreads take time to mature up (its different for everyone) and during this time they will go through a process of tightening and loosening. They do tend to get fuzzy, especially compared to the way they look when they are first made. They will be a lot softer than mature dreads and thinner than how they will end up.
I suggest a first maintenance a month after creation of your new dreads. After that regular maintenance is suggested during the first 12 months. A residue free shampoo will also help, as will a salt spray. Palm rolling can also assist if any small bumps start to form. You can wear your new dreadlocks up, however just be mindful of using tight elastics which can squish those baby dreads. A soft wide band is more appropriate or a dread specific hair tie will protect your newly created dreads.
Washing Dreadlocks
There are many different shampoo products suitable for dreadlocks. Just like for undreaded hair. Residue free shampoo with no conditioning can help your hair to dread up or stay dreaded, especially when dreadlocks are new. With new dreadlocks especially it is preferable to avoid the soft silky hair you may have had previously and remember clean hair dreads best.
Dreadlocks shampoo’s are available specifically created for dreadlocks, you can also try simple residue free shampoo’s as well as natural “home-made” shampoo alternatives, they all work well too. I can advise you on shampoos and help you find one that works well for you….I’m always sampling new ones too…..
How often you wash your dreads is up to you. Once a week washing is a good place to start and take it from there.
Dreadlock Deep Cleanse
A dreadlock deep cleanse can be helpful to remove build up in your dreads. If you start to notice white crumbly powder in your dreads, (this could be shampoo residue), or maybe there is a slight damp smell, or you’ve been camping at a dusty festival for a week or work in a dusty environment- a deep cleanse for 20-30 minutes will break down and soak out any or all of these nasties. A deep cleanse is for mature dreadlocks.
As everyone’s hair/dreads are different try some different methods to see what works for you. It is suggested that you shampoo your hair as normal prior to a deep cleanse. You could also try just soaking your dreads in warm water. I now have lovely deep cleanse product available in the studio too.
How often do you need a deep cleanse? It depends on you and your dreads and lifestyle as well as the environment you live in. Every 6 months is a good starting point, examine the water when finished to gauge how effective your soak has been.
Dreadlock Adornments
Beads in Dreadlocks
Beads for dreads come in all shapes sizes materials and prices. Metal, glass, wood, clays, precious stones, woven string (macramé) and more. Generally the more ornate beads are made to suit larger size dreadlocks. I always have a variety of beads available and I’m always looking for different beads.
Most Dreadlock beads either slide onto the dread or clamp on. In young dreads it is really tempting to add beads straight away, which will not cause any problems as long as you move them around regularly. This helps to prevent your dread being squashed by the bead in one spot. In young dreads beads are also more likely to slide out as the dreads are softer than matured dreadlocks.
When washing your dreads its helpful to remove beads to prevent the build up of moisture and soapy residue being trapped underneath the beads.
Wrapping of dreads
Dreadlock wraps are a beautiful addition to your dreads. They are made from various types of coloured thread and charms and can be left on your dreads when washing. Just keep an eye on them and be sure to dry them extra well. The more open style of wraps dry quicker and can help avoid moisture build up in a dread.
