Freeform - 1.5 years - unusual maintenance question

[littlemtndread]

Hi all! New to the site with a quick question..

I started neglect/freeform dreadlocks over a year ago, they have chosen their teams and are locking up nicely, but I now am interested in doing a little a maintenance to make them look more pretty and feminine. My main issue is the way the dreads are forming at the roots. After looking at several forums, i've seen a lot of Q&A on how to get your dreads to lock up at the roots, how to keep them from growing out, etc. I seem to be having no problem with this at all and I wondered if anyone had any info on how to do just the opposite, actually how to get the dreads to grow out away from the root? I want to do this even just a little bit to get the top part of my hair flattened out, not so crazy etc. I am also interested in maintenance tips from other natty dreads, i dont really want to palm roll since i like textured dreads but do you twist away from your face or anything similar? I like the crazy unkempt look but want to get it in check a bit. Thanks guys

[jxbx]

I'm thinking time is your answer.
You should get 1 - 3 inches (2.5 - 8cms) from your scalp.
Are you dreaded too close to the roots?

[james]

I'm natural. I did nothing. I don't think you can do much to loosen the roots. In general mine have about an inch of undreaded roots that let them flop around.
I have tidied mine up a bit with all the loose hair by sewing it in with a wide eyelet blunt needle, but you will always get tufts between the dreads looking for a home. It sounds like they are doing fine.

[lipstic]

I have no idea if this will work as I don't have this problem exactly, but have you tried a little coconut oil on the roots? clean dry hair dreads easily so it stands to reason that applying a little oil will reduce this. I suggest coconut oil because it's easier to apply to specific areas and it quickly absorbs and nurtures your hair at the same time. If you try it will you let us know? Has anyone else tried this?