Dreadlocks Do’s And Don’ts

Contrary to popular belief, you MUST spend time maintaining your dreadlocks properly. A lot of people have this misconceived notion that once you do not have chemically processed hair, maintaining your hair otherwise is a breeze. NOT TRUE!

Another misconceived notion that people have about dreadlocks is that one cannot have a wide variety of hairstyles. Wrong again! Dreadlocks are a beautiful way to wear your hair naturally, and there are many trained locticians out there who cannot wait to try out the latest style on your dreads. From mohawks to up-sweeps and buns, the possibilities are endless.

You can also maintain your dreads at home between salon visits, but the key is getting it right. Too much palm rolling weakens the hair, causing it to break off, and too little palm rolling causes your hair to look unkempt. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts for your dreads.

DO

Do wash your dreadlocks often with a residue-free shampoo and conditioner at least every other week. Jamaican Mango & Lime products work wonders.

Do visit a salon regularly. A qualified loctician would be able to treat your hair, and give you that extra “oomph”, especially if it’s for a special occasion.

Do get your dreadlocks interlocked if palm rolling is an inconvenience. With interlocking, your hair has a neater appearance and lasts much longer than palm rolling.

Do get your dreadlocks de-fuzzed from time to time. The technique of de-fuzzing neatens individual locks and hairstyles last longer.

Do experiment with various styles. Dreadlocks are a beautiful way to express your decision to have natural hair; use it to your advantage.

DON’T

Do not assume that because you have dreadlocks that they will automatically maintain themselves. Dreadlocks need just as much maintenance or more than chemically processed hair.

Do not go to sleep without covering your dreads with a silk scarf. Dreadlocks attract lint and other visible stuff that might be difficult to remove.

Do not use the popular JAM product to palm roll and interlock your dreads. While it is nice smelling, smooth and shiny, it is best to use it only at the front of your hair to neaten it, if you wish, but not as an official dreadlock product.

When getting your dreadlocks styled, do not get them done too tightly. If you feel tightness, tell your loctician immediately. When dreadlocks are pulled too tightly at the front, hair bumps appear and your hairline will gradually begin to recede.

Do not attempt to bleach your hair on your own. The results can be disastrous if not done correctly.