Dreadlock Frequently Asked Questions
(Comment with your own questions below)
Lets get the most common questions out of the way first:
How long have you had Dreadlocks?
- I had a set for a year while in High School. I have had my current dreadlocks since 2005. And have given roughly ten sets to friends and customers :-)
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Is that your real hair?
- Yes, aside from the small quantity of cat hair that has woven its way in over the years. And some blue hair dye!
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How do you wash your hair?
- The same way that you do! I do not worry too much about cleaning the length of my dreadlocks, and i focus on giving my scalp a good massage/scrub. The two main concerns when washing dreadlocks are 1) Not using any products that condition or leave residue in your locks... these products are not able to wash from dreads the way they do from normal hair... and they will break down or mold your hair. I make my own secret shampoo concoction ;-) 2) You need to allow your hair enough time to dry before going to sleep or tying it up. It can take dreads easily 6-9 hours to dry. If you do not allow your dreads to dry, or get them wet too frequently... they will mold. Gross huh? All the more reason to keep your dreads clean and maintained!
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How often do you wash your hair?
- It fluctuates based on the time of year. As I mentioned above, Washing your hair/getting your dreads wet too frequently can cause them to mold. I tend to wash my hair every 2-3 weeks in the summer when I am being active and getting gross, during summer I can lay in the sun and dry them faster then the rest of the year. In the winter, it is closer to every 4-6 weeks.
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Are you a Rastafarian?
- NO!
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How long does it it take for locks to form?
- I started my locks when my hair was about shoulder length. It was about 2 years until my locks had formed/shrunk and I started getting length again. You must be willing to deal with uncooperative hair for a while, I would say it depends on the length of your hair when you start them. Short locks tend to fall apart faster and require more maintenance in the beginning stages than long, tangled locks. However, starting dreadlocks in short hair often results in stronger, tighter dreads in the
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Can you go swimming with dreadlocks?
Absolutely! Though I choose to avoid Chlorine at all costs, it is easy to find saltwater pools these days. An occasional dip into salt water can be a benefit, helping to tighten your locks. Salt water can dry out your skin and hair follicles, so be sure to rinse your scalp. Sun-drying can help also. The more often you swim or wash, the more attention may be needed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doesn't your scalp get itchy??
- I've gotten to a good place in my locks at this point, but yes, as summer approaches and the air dries out. So does my scalp! Itchy scalp is a really common concern with new dreads. Pulling your hair into little sections can stress out your scalp, and it can take some skin a while to get used to washing less frequently. If it is unbearable, I make myself a cup of peppermint tea! I take a sip to calm my frustrations and then dump the rest on my scalp (once cool). It gives you the good tingles and smells nice too! Rosemary and witch hazel are also good tools to soothe irritated and itchy skin.
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How do you Dread the new growth?
- Even 13 years into my locking journey, I still have to maintain my roots on a regular bases. I've found the best way to get them in line is a little 'root rubbing'. Take each individual dreadlock by it's base between your index and middle finger, making sure you aren't crossing hairs over from other sections. Rub the sections gently against your scalp in all different directions, alternating clockwise vs. counterclockwise.
