pelko
Dread Newbie
Posts: 5 
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Post by pelko on Oct 27, 2016 19:54:31 GMT
Hello everyone, I've been researching and waiting for months for my hair to grow out long enough to make dreads! Yay, so, my hair is about 6 inches long and I've already made 5 dreadlocks and I'm very happy about them considering the fact I've made them 3 am in the morning because I was so hyped about them. I have natural curly hair (at the tips) and my hair is naturally very very thick. Dreadlocks I've made so far are thin because I'm not a fan of bigger dreadlocks and they're curly at the tips which is annoying but I'm getting used to it. Only regret I have is that I did not section those 5 dreads but sections are similar to one another and I doubt it will even be noticable when I section my entire head. So I have a few questions considering dreadlocks and I hope you guys can answer them, appreciated in advance!
First question: I used twist and rip method and I lost no lenght of my original hair, backcombing them would make me lose some lenght and I'm quite happy with the lenght of those for whom I've used twist and rip method for and I fear that the backcomb method would make them even shorter, which is not what I want. Is it backcombing them worth the risk? (Hoping I wouldn't lose that much lenght?)
Second question: This is the biggest dilemma I have right now and it's about when is my hair best for dreading? First two dreadlocks were made when my hair was 1 day old after washing and the hairs were kinda messy after I've dreaded them but now first 2 dreadlocks are tighter than the other 3 which I've made when my hair was more greasy, should I dread when my hair is a little bit greasy (with benefit of looking less messy and being looser when finished) or have them tighter but more messy when my hair is clean?
I hope you guys can help me out, peace!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2016 20:05:09 GMT
I used the t&r method and still lost a lot of lenght as time progressed. It's the nature of the beast really. As they tighten, they do shrink... although backcombing will take the lenght away much quicker. I didn't wash ma hair for several days before dreading... I wouldn't say they were greasy, just normal hair without all the junk that normal shampoo leaves with residue and all. Just dread them the way you feel most comfortable doing so. Don't use conditioner and find some residue free shampoo to keep them clean. Congrats on your new babies!! You'll grow to love them ♡
And welcome to the forum. We can't wait to see how they turn out... so think about creating a timeline if ya wanna.
Ohhh... and there will be days where you might wanna just brush the mess out, as they can get outta control at times, but just have patience and love them no matter what stage they are going through... it can take years for you to finally love the results, but it's well worth it!
Much ♡
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pelko
Dread Newbie
Posts: 5
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Post by pelko on Oct 27, 2016 20:54:50 GMT
as far as losing length, emm, I feel I lost length with T&r, even at first. You really want to be sure they're tight enough, so that takes away some length. Tight, but not too tight to the scalp, but tight enough upon each knot. I hope that makes sense. Usually though, with 6inches or less hair, backcombing is recommended. I think either way just might take time for some folks though. My few 6inch dreads (dread sections, not really dreads yet) with T&R have fallen out with washes, but the section is still holding. It will come together. But now I wonder whether I should try backcombing. Think I might, since you've brought this up!  (or wait...i was trying neglect.  ) and as Kat said, just dread how you feel comfortable. The instructions I heard were to have your hair actually combed out and clean before T&R, but I didn't necessarily do that either. And I've just randomly t&r'd, not even sure if it was pre or post washing, just did em! welcome and best wishes! Thank you! You are very kind, luckily 5 of my dreadlocks have not washed out yet, to be honest, they're pretty solid even after washing and I'm very glad because I was scared they will wash out, I don't know if this is just me tripping or not but I kind of feel they're starting to knot up, they hardened since the first day of having them but my hair is very crazy normally and with a few twists it can stay an entire day sticking out in one place so I think that's great type of hair for dreadlocks? I guess? |
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pelko
Dread Newbie
Posts: 5
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Post by pelko on Oct 27, 2016 20:58:35 GMT
I used the t&r method and still lost a lot of lenght as time progressed. It's the nature of the beast really. As they tighten, they do shrink... although backcombing will take the lenght away much quicker. I didn't wash ma hair for several days before dreading... I wouldn't say they were greasy, just normal hair without all the junk that normal shampoo leaves with residue and all. Just dread them the way you feel most comfortable doing so. Don't use conditioner and find some residue free shampoo to keep them clean. Congrats on your new babies!! You'll grow to love them ♡ And welcome to the forum. We can't wait to see how they turn out... so think about creating a timeline if ya wanna. Ohhh... and there will be days where you might wanna just brush the mess out, as they can get outta control at times, but just have patience and love them no matter what stage they are going through... it can take years for you to finally love the results, but it's well worth it! Much ♡ Thanks for a warming welcome, I know it's going to be a struggle for the most of the journey but I'm ready for it! I always wanted to have them so I want to make sure they're good at start, and yes, I will make a timeline, hell I might even share a photo right now so you guys can see, if I manage to snap a good one tho. I'm still looking for a residue free shampoo, hell, I don't even know why there isn't any in stores, all of them have a small and they leave dandruff on my hair after washing, I've stopped using them long time ago and currently I'm using the onion/garlic women shampoo for increased growth and against dandruff and it will be hard to let go of it because unfortunately it's not residue free. Here's a pic!![]() |
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pelko
Dread Newbie
Posts: 5
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Post by pelko on Oct 27, 2016 23:39:31 GMT
Hey, get yourself a dread shampoo as soon as possible. It may be alright with young dreads, but as they mature, residue will get harder and harder to come out. I mean, i'm not familiar with what you're using now, it very well might be dread safe, but if not, take a look at this thread for ideas. I use Dollylocks liquid shampoo for my new ones, and this can be ordered worldwide via Amazon, or on the Dollylocks website. I like this for new dreads. And I was reading that some, if not all the products, are good for preventing dandruff, as you said that was an issue. Well anyway, take a looksee here dreadlocktruth.com/thread/96/shampoosAm I going to be okay with baking soda and water until I get a residue free shampoo? I still have to look in some stores I haven't checked but I'm thinking about ordering one online as soon as I dread my entire head. Do any of these folks here use just baking soda because I've heard it's quite effective. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 27, 2016 23:53:15 GMT
Backcomb, tnr, doesnt matter that much. Sectioning is fine, I did it, but now I think it isnt as important as you hear. They kinda develop a life of their own soon enough anyway, and the sections blur somewhat. Youll get loose hair between them which may migrate, changing whatever sectioning you've done, at least a little. You're gonna lose length, some now depending on starter method, and some later. They're gonna go crazy, so any expectations you have (other than some control of size and placement) should be held loosely. You don't need to worry about anything really other than keeping your hair relatively clean (wash when you need to) and separating when needed. Shampoo? Yeah, get something with no residue. There are lots of inexpensive options that may work for you, you don't need to pay a lot for "dread shampoo" unless you just want to.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2016 0:00:46 GMT
One thing to remember is that works for one may not work for another. Baking soda is fine...for some. For others, they feel it dries their hair too much and leaves it brittle over time. Some people wash once a week, some more. I would say don't change up your previous routine a lot, other than to find a good residue free way to wash your hair that works for you. Clean hair dreads way better than oily hair. Not sure where you reside, but if you're near a Trader Joes, their Tea tree tingle is great, and runs about $6 a bottle. I've made a bottle last about four months, as I dilute it a lot.
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pelko
Dread Newbie
Posts: 5
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Post by pelko on Oct 28, 2016 2:32:11 GMT
Backcomb, tnr, doesnt matter that much. Sectioning is fine, I did it, but now I think it isnt as important as you hear. They kinda develop a life of their own soon enough anyway, and the sections blur somewhat. Youll get loose hair between them which may migrate, changing whatever sectioning you've done, at least a little. You're gonna lose length, some now depending on starter method, and some later. They're gonna go crazy, so any expectations you have (other than some control of size and placement) should be held loosely. You don't need to worry about anything really other than keeping your hair relatively clean (wash when you need to) and separating when needed. Shampoo? Yeah, get something with no residue. There are lots of inexpensive options that may work for you, you don't need to pay a lot for "dread shampoo" unless you just want to. kevin, I wash my hair every 4-5-6 days, depending on how itchy it gets, I developed a habit to do so since when I was growing my hair out so I can get through that early stage easily since normally I would have to wash my hair every 2 days and I can go on as 1 week sometimes. Thanks for all the information, I'll try the baking soda tomorrow and meanwhile look for a shampoo and yeah I'm not expecting anything big from them and I know they get messy and all that and I just hope I can continue with my normal routine when I get the whole head dreaded. Peace! I'm using this shampoo at the moment -- www.kozmetika-afrodita.com/eng/beauty-care/products/product/hair-shampoo-garlic/^^ |
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(or wait...i was trying neglect. 
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