Post by Dreadlocktruth on Aug 22, 2017 19:58:57 GMT
What Shampoos Can I Use?
The general consensus will say to use a residue-free shampoo/soap. This is because you won't be able to eradicate the usual residue build-up through brushing like you do on loose hair, so you'll want to use something that won't leave a nasty residue on your scalp. Some also suggest to avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in your ingredients as this foaming agent is believed to cause scalp irritation but generally you can use the same things that would clean your hair pre-dreads, just avoid conditioners or shampoos with conditioners and softeners added when your dreads are in their first couple of years as those will try to untangle all that progress you're making.
Here are some shampoo brand suggestions (online and store-based) from around the world: Shea Moisture, Cedel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Natural Oil Shampoo, VitalGoods, Dreadlocks Shampoo, Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo, Carol's Daughter, Malibu Un-Do-Goo, Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, Dollylocks, Trader Joe Tea Tree Shampoo, OGX
For hard water: Malibu C Hard Water Wellness
For dandruff/psoriasis: Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap, Neutrogena T/Gel
How Often Should I Wash?
There's no default answer to this question and, truthfully, the best guide to go by is your own body as we all have different chemistry that produces different conditions on our scalps. If you feel the need to wash, then wash; the only thing you need to ensure is that your hair has the time to dry before it gets wet again (dreadlocked hair retains water for a much longer period, even if you blow-dry) to prevent mildew forming. For most, every 4-7 days is enough though you could wash every other day if you needed to.
You may also have heard that washing young locks will cause them to unravel and that you should try to wait as long as possible before getting them wet for the first time. This has some truth in that your dreads probably will seem looser, but this is all a part of the natural process and holding off will make no difference whatsoever.
For more information, here's a video from LazyDreads on washing dreadlocks:
When Might I Need a Deep Clean?
For those times when a regular wash just isn't enough (for example, if you've been near a campfire or have residue build-up), a deep clean can get in and do more thorough a job. You will need the following: Tea Tea Oil, baking soda, Apple Cider Vinegar, lemon juice and sea salt. To begin, add the baking soda (3/4 cup), Tea Tree Oil (8-9 drops), lemon juice (2tbl) and sea salt (2tbl) into a bowl of warm water and mix until it all dissolves. You can either soak your head in the bowl for a short period or use a spray bottle to apply the mixture to your scalp and dreads, then wrap with a towel and leave for around half an hour before washing it out.
At a later point (on the same day or during your next wash) you will want to balance out the drying effect of the baking soda with an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse, which will restore the PH level of your scalp. Add the vinegar to water at a one-to-three ratio and apply it via one of the above techniques, then either wash it right out or leave it in for up to half an hour.
Deep cleanings are notorious for producing murky water so feel free to show off yours on the forum!
How Do I Dry Dreadlocks?
As soon as you step out of the shower, you'll probably notice that your locks are a bit drippy. There are a couple of ways to get rid of that excess water: by 'headbanging' it out (metal music optional) whilst still in the tub by grabbing your locks above the root and slapping the ends against your hand several dozen times or by using paper towels to squeeze out any damp in the tips before you get on to the main techniques.
You can let your dreads air-dry if you live in a warm climate, towel-dry them if not, otherwise a hairdryer is fine on a low-heat setting. If you're not averse to looking a bit silly, this hair-dryer attachment has proven to be a very popular method of more thoroughly drying out locks.
The general consensus will say to use a residue-free shampoo/soap. This is because you won't be able to eradicate the usual residue build-up through brushing like you do on loose hair, so you'll want to use something that won't leave a nasty residue on your scalp. Some also suggest to avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in your ingredients as this foaming agent is believed to cause scalp irritation but generally you can use the same things that would clean your hair pre-dreads, just avoid conditioners or shampoos with conditioners and softeners added when your dreads are in their first couple of years as those will try to untangle all that progress you're making.
Here are some shampoo brand suggestions (online and store-based) from around the world: Shea Moisture, Cedel Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Natural Oil Shampoo, VitalGoods, Dreadlocks Shampoo, Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo, Carol's Daughter, Malibu Un-Do-Goo, Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, Dollylocks, Trader Joe Tea Tree Shampoo, OGX
For hard water: Malibu C Hard Water Wellness
For dandruff/psoriasis: Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap, Neutrogena T/Gel
How Often Should I Wash?
There's no default answer to this question and, truthfully, the best guide to go by is your own body as we all have different chemistry that produces different conditions on our scalps. If you feel the need to wash, then wash; the only thing you need to ensure is that your hair has the time to dry before it gets wet again (dreadlocked hair retains water for a much longer period, even if you blow-dry) to prevent mildew forming. For most, every 4-7 days is enough though you could wash every other day if you needed to.
You may also have heard that washing young locks will cause them to unravel and that you should try to wait as long as possible before getting them wet for the first time. This has some truth in that your dreads probably will seem looser, but this is all a part of the natural process and holding off will make no difference whatsoever.
For more information, here's a video from LazyDreads on washing dreadlocks:
When Might I Need a Deep Clean?
For those times when a regular wash just isn't enough (for example, if you've been near a campfire or have residue build-up), a deep clean can get in and do more thorough a job. You will need the following: Tea Tea Oil, baking soda, Apple Cider Vinegar, lemon juice and sea salt. To begin, add the baking soda (3/4 cup), Tea Tree Oil (8-9 drops), lemon juice (2tbl) and sea salt (2tbl) into a bowl of warm water and mix until it all dissolves. You can either soak your head in the bowl for a short period or use a spray bottle to apply the mixture to your scalp and dreads, then wrap with a towel and leave for around half an hour before washing it out.
At a later point (on the same day or during your next wash) you will want to balance out the drying effect of the baking soda with an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse, which will restore the PH level of your scalp. Add the vinegar to water at a one-to-three ratio and apply it via one of the above techniques, then either wash it right out or leave it in for up to half an hour.
Deep cleanings are notorious for producing murky water so feel free to show off yours on the forum!
How Do I Dry Dreadlocks?
As soon as you step out of the shower, you'll probably notice that your locks are a bit drippy. There are a couple of ways to get rid of that excess water: by 'headbanging' it out (metal music optional) whilst still in the tub by grabbing your locks above the root and slapping the ends against your hand several dozen times or by using paper towels to squeeze out any damp in the tips before you get on to the main techniques.
You can let your dreads air-dry if you live in a warm climate, towel-dry them if not, otherwise a hairdryer is fine on a low-heat setting. If you're not averse to looking a bit silly, this hair-dryer attachment has proven to be a very popular method of more thoroughly drying out locks.
