How to Take Dreads Out

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Dreadlocks are stylish and cool but aren't the easiest type of hairstyle to change. Traditionally, you can either comb out your locs or you can cut off them off. Cutting your dreads off is the easiest and fastest method, but will reduce your hair's length. If you comb out your dreads, you can keep your hair the same length, but it may take a couple of days to do. Before you choose a method, consider how much time you want to spend on taking your dreads out and how long you want your hair to be.

How to Comb Out Dreads

Separate your hair into single locs and apply water and conditioner to the ends. Brush the ends with a small-toothed comb. Continue applying water and conditioner to the rest of your locs and comb in small sections, working your way up to your roots. Repeat the process with each of your locs.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Combing Dreads Out

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  1. [1] Isolating your hair into single locs will make them easier to comb out. Undo any hair ties and start working with one loc at a time. Start with an easily accessible loc on the side of your head and use a mirror so that you can see what you're doing.
    • It may be easier to have a friend comb them out.
    • Don't break or pull apart the locs.
    • Using hair clips to hold back your other locs may make it easier to comb them.
  2. It’s important for the hair to be wet before you start to comb it out. Fill a spray bottle up with water and spray the end of the loc to saturate it. Work the water into the loc with your hand and continue spraying it until it’s completely wet. Don't start brushing any part of your dreads without saturating it first or you will break your hair. [2]
    • Work in 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) sections.
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  3. Apply conditioner to the wet end of the dread. A conditioner will help soften and moisturize the hair, which will make it easier to comb out the locs. Put a couple of large dabs of conditioner into the palm of your hand and rub it into the end of the dreadlock, making sure to fully saturate the area that you wet with water. [3]
    • You can use a basic commercial conditioner to comb out your locs.
  4. [4] Hold the loc and brush the end of the dread, pulling the brush outward. Continue brushing out the dread until the hair fully separates. As you comb, built up hair that you’ve shed over time will start to come out into your comb. Don’t be alarmed, this is normal. [5]
  5. It's important that as you comb you keep your locs fully moisturized and conditioned as you comb them out, or you may break the ends of the hair. Continue to brush up the lock, working towards the root of your hair a few centimeters at a time. [6]
  6. [7] Condition and comb out the rest of the dreads on your head. Once you’ve combed out all the locs, you’ll have successfully removed your dreads. Completely combing out your dreads may take days to complete, so patience is important. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Cutting Dreads Off

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  1. Determine how long you want your hair to be, then use a pair of scissors to cut the dread 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) from the root. Cut all of the dreads a similar length.
    • You can use clippers to make your hair an even length on all sides.
  2. Some hair may still be dreaded, especially if you have older dreads. If this is the case, saturate your cut hair with hot water and comb it out to separate your strands. [9]
    • You can also use conditioner to help loosen up the locs, however hot water should usually do the trick.
    • Saturating your hair with hot water will make it easier to shave your head if you decide to use clippers.
  3. Shave the remaining hair with clippers, if desired. Using clippers will make your hair an even length on all sides. Attach size 8 clipper guards if you want to maintain 1 inch (2.5 cm) of length. [10] Go over the surface of your head with the clippers and shave it the same length all the way around.
    • You can also skip this step and get your hair cut by a barber or stylist after washing and conditioning it.
    • If you want, you can taper the edges for a faded look.
  4. and condition your hair. Once you’re done shaving your head, take a shower and wash and condition your hair. Your hair should start to grow naturally with regular maintenance. [11]
    Tonya Abari, Natural Hair Expert

    When removing locs, patience is key. Thoroughly detangle one loc at a time, working from the ends up to the roots. Use a tail comb in small sections with a moisturizing detangler or oil to reduce friction and prevent breakage. Avoid pulling or ripping knots.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you take dreads out without cutting them?
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Combing is a great option, though it take a while if you have a lot of hair. However, it's totally worth it if you've been wanting to switch up your hairstyle for awhile!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 30
  • Question
    How do you detangle dreads?
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Nikia Londy is a Hair Augmentation Specialist and the Founder and CEO of Intriguing Hair, a one-stop solution for women from all ethnicities wanting to purchase high-quality human hair extensions, hairpieces, and wigs. With over 16 years of experience, she specializes in artificial hair integrations, hair extensions, hair loss, hairpieces and wigs, and non-surgical hair replacement. Nikia holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Charter Oak State College and received her Cosmetology Certification from Blaine Beauty School. She is also a member of the American Hair Loss Council.
    Nikia Londy
    Hair Augmentation Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Soak your hair in oil and spritz over it with a small amount of water. Then, take a comb and gently pick at the end of your locks, slowly freeing the hair one bit at a time. Work with one lock at a time until your hair is flowing free.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 33
  • Question
    Can I use a Tangle Teezer to take out dreads?
    Community Answer
    After you've finished step 4 or 5 in Method 1, you can use the Tangle Teezer instead of a comb.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You'll Need

      Combing Dreads Out

      • Hairclips (optional)
      • Spray bottle
      • Water
      • Conditioner
      • Small-tooth comb

      Cutting Dreads Off

      • Scissors
      • Comb
      • Electric hair clippers
      • Shampoo
      • Conditioner
      • Water

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      References

      1. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/18dvhSY5pNw?t=1m19s
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/18dvhSY5pNw?t=1m22s
      4. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/18dvhSY5pNw?t=1m49s
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/18dvhSY5pNw?t=5m37s
      7. ↑ Nikia Londy. Hair Augmentation Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 October 2021.
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/Gqew_PCvb9U?t=1m51s
      9. ↑ http://www.lazydreads.com/2012/10/dreadlock-removal.html
      1. ↑ https://getbevel.com/bevelcode/grooming-tips/clipper-guard-guide
      2. ↑ http://www.lazydreads.com/2012/10/dreadlock-removal.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before combing out your dreads, separate your dreads into single locs, making sure not to pull or break them apart. Next, completely saturate the end of one of your locs with water, and rub in a couple of large dabs of conditioner. Then, brush the end with a small-tooth comb, and continue to brush until the hair fully separates. Repeat the water saturation and conditioning process with the rest of your dreads, working in 3 to 4 inch sections at a time. For more advice, including how to cut off your dreads with scissors and clippers, scroll down.

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