Remove Salon Created Root Flips on New Dreads? Please Help!!

[slammakanen]

Hi all,

I've just gotten my hair dreaded for the first time. I chose a place due to many recommendations and a chat with the lady said she'll use backcomb with some crocheting. I thought this was perfect for me.

Turns out (and I didn't really realise at the time) that she didn't actually properly crochet them - she did what I've only found out today what is known as root flipping. I was dubious as to how they would mature due to this which is what lead to my research on the subject.

My question is, should I 'un-flip' them? They're only 4 days old so still time to reverse if needed. If I do, what considerations should I take? I'll have large loose roots so what should I do about them? Should I remove asap or wait until just before/after my first wash at the 2 week mark? Should I put little elastic holders on each dread when I do that first wash if I've removed the flips???

Gah, so many questions and concerns. 

Will.

[Dreadlocktruth]

It's unfortunate that you've been root-flipped, but it's not disastrous. We mainly recommend against it because it can cause discomfort due to being so tight, but we've also had members who had it done and then they grew out to be perfectly healthy dreads. It just comes down to if you can deal with possible headaches etc for 4-6 months before they grow out.

[slammakanen]

Thanks, Sketchy!

They have already stopped hurting so that part doesn't bother me. I just don't want to have dreads that either 

a. Have tight/knotted spots that don't look right
b. Split due to not knotting correctly

I've heard that the main risks are really only with those that root-flip with mature dreads and it's not such a worry for new dreads. Still doesn't calm me though lol. 

[danzia]

Jan 31, 2018 12:11:08 GMT slammakanen said:

Thanks, Sketchy!

They have already stopped hurting so that part doesn't bother me. I just don't want to have dreads that either 

a. Have tight/knotted spots that don't look right
b. Split due to not knotting correctly

I've heard that the main risks are really only with those that root-flip with mature dreads and it's not such a worry for new dreads. Still doesn't calm me though lol. 

I also thought I was going to a reputable salon and was root flipped. It is 5.5 years later. The good news is that I figured out how bad it was before doing it again. I have really healthy dreads up to the point where they were interlocked/flipper. Bad news - I have significant weak spots where the root flipping was done... to the extent that my ends are breaking off at that point. Not all of them, but a lot of them. My ultimate goal is to eventually cut all my ends off when I get a bit longer.

Here’s an example where you can see the weak spot.

[slammakanen]

Oh, Danzia, that's such a shame. I don't understand how this practice propegates!

In a panic I've undone as much as I humanly can. I think I've managed to remove around 70% - 80% of the flips and I'm much happier now. The roots are a lot looser but I think it actually looks better (more natural) and they don't all look like they're being strangled at the root now.

Thanks for your responses everyone.