How to Maintain Dreadlocks

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Dreadlocks are a popular hairstyle for people with thicker, curlier hair, but they can be worn by most hair types. Once you have dreadlocks in your hair, it’s important to take care of them to ensure that they continue growing. Like any other hairstyle, you should wash dreadlocks regularly and use products like moisturizers and oils to keep your hair healthy.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Washing Dreadlocks

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  1. It’s important to keep your dreads clean and to remove buildup from your locks. [1] Aim to wash your hair at least 1 time per week, but not every day. It’s best to wait at least 2 days between each wash to allow your scalp to produce natural oils. [2]
    • If you have very dry hair that’s prone to breakage, talk to your locktician about how often you should be washing your hair according to your hair type.
  2. In the shower or at a wash tub, get your hair wet by spraying it with warm water. Make sure the water isn’t so hot that you can’t touch it, and don’t soak your dreads for more than a few moments at a time. Aim for them to be coated with water, but not completely saturated. [3]
    • Soaking your hair completely can cause it to become too heavy and might make it hard to get your hair dry again.
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  3. Start with a small amount of residue-free shampoo, and work it into your hair, starting at the scalp. Gently pat the shampoo into your dreads, but don’t rub or twist the dreadlocks while you wash them. [4]
    • If you feel like you don’t have enough shampoo, you can always apply more.
    • Residue-free shampoo helps to clear debris and build-up from your dreads without leaving behind a layer of shampoo. You can purchase a residue-free shampoo from most supermarkets and beauty stores. If you can’t find it in store, you can order it online.
  4. Before you rinse your hair, let the shampoo sit on your dreadlocks and scalp. This will ensure that it is working to clean the hair and remove any oils or dirt from your locks. [5]
    • If you have thin or dry hair, only let the shampoo sit for a minute or so to prevent it from making your hair too clean, which can cause it to unravel.
  5. Tilt your head backward or downward and let the water run all the way through your locks, from your scalp to the end of your hair. As you’re rinsing, squeeze your dreadlocks to remove the shampoo and let the water wash it away. [6]
    • Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and no shampoo comes out of your dreads when you squeeze them.
  6. Once you’ve rinsed your dreadlocks, dry them by using your hands to squeeze out any excess water trapped in the locks. Then, use a microfiber towel to pat your scalp and dreadlocks completely dry. [7]
    • Never style or add product to your dreadlocks when they’re wet, as this can cause them to smell or grow mildew. Wait until they’re completely dry to the touch before styling them. [8]
    • If you’re worried about your dreadlocks smelling or becoming moldy, you can spray them with witch hazel after your shower to make them smell better and to kill mold.
    • Avoid using conditioner or waxy products on your dreadlocks, as this can cause buildup in the hair and make them untwist. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Keeping Your Dreadlocks Healthy

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  1. Find a hair stylist that is experienced with dreadlocks and other natural hairstyles, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions about your hair. If you are looking to get dreadlocks or maintain the ones you have, make an appointment with a stylist and explain what you want to do with your hair. [10]
    • A “locktician” is a hair stylist who specializes in dreadlocks. They might do only dreadlocks or a variety of different natural hair styles.
  2. Retwist your dreadlocks as needed when they begin to loosen. This should be done about every 6 to 8 weeks. [11] Depending on your hair, your dreadlocks might naturally untwist as they grow. If you know how to tighten dreadlocks, you can do it yourself by rolling or wrapping them in whichever method you prefer. However, if you’re new to dreadlocks, visit your locktician for twisting and tightening to maintain your locks.
    • Twisting your locks too frequently can cause them to grow in thin and can make your hair break. [12] If you’re inexperienced with dreadlocks, ask your locktician about how often they recommend twisting.
    • Never twist your dreadlocks when they’re dry, which can cause the hair to break.
  3. Dreadlocks can sometimes look frizzy due to a lack of moisture or frequent re-twisting. When your hair is dry, spray on a light moisturizer and work it into your dreads with your fingers before styling your hair. [13]
    • You can use spray-on moisturizers every day as long as you’re washing your hair weekly to remove buildup. If you aren’t washing your dreadlocks frequently, try to avoid using excess products.
    Expert Answer
    Q

    What product is good for dreads?

    Noël Reid-Killings

    Celebrity Hair Stylist
    Noël Reid-Killings is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Noël New York Salon & Boutique. With over a decade of experience, Noël specializes in curating and customizing hair solutions for all hair types and textures. She has worked with countless A-list celebrities including Alicia Keys, Ciara, Yara Shahidi, and Simone Missick. Her work has been featured on makeover shows and in magazines including Essence, Sophisticates Black Hair, Teen Vogue, Elle, 21Ninety, WWD, POPSUGAR, Allure, The Cut, The Huffington Post, and Swaay.
    EXPERT ADVICE
    Answer from Noël Reid-Killings :

    I recommend using a lightweight gel or botanical oil. Just make sure your dreads are completely dry before applying any product.

  4. Make an appointment with your locktician for a moisturizing treatment that is formulated for people with dreadlocks. This will restore moisture to your hair without making your dreadlocks untwist or dirty. [14]
    • If you have naturally oily hair, you may be able wait 3 months in between treatments. However, it’s important to maintain your scalp health to ensure that your hair is strong and healthy.
  5. While you’re sleeping, your pillowcase can pull or tug on your dreadlocks, causing the hair to break. Pull your hair into a ponytail or bun, and fasten a silk scarf around your dreadlocks. The silk will slide smoothly across your pillowcase and won’t pull on your hair. [15]
    • There are also special wraps you can buy that are made specifically for dreadlocks. You can order them online or buy them at the beauty supply store.
  6. Remove your dreadlocks when they feel too heavy or unruly. Depending on your hair type, dreadlocks can become heavy and cause stress on your roots and scalp as they get longer. When you feel like your locks are too long, visit your loctician to have the dreads cut off or combed out.
    • Removing dreadlocks by combing them out requires a lot of patience and can be slightly painful due to the tugging. However, it’s a great option if you want to keep your hair long.
    • In general, you can keep dreadlocks as long as you want, but be sure to check with your hairstylist regularly to ensure that your hair is healthy.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Styling Dreadlocks

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  1. Once your dreadlocks have grown out, let them rest naturally around your face. You can tuck some behind your ear, or use a clip to hold shorter pieces back. [16]
    • Some people with dreadlocks put accessories in their hair, like beads, or wrap them with yarn to protect them. Wearing your hair down is a great way to show off your personal style!
  2. Braid your dreads for a quick, easy style. If you want to get your dreadlocks away from your face, you can do a traditional, thick three-strand braid. For a more fashionable style, try a fishtail braid , or a rope braid . [17]
    • Normally, people wear braids to protect their dreadlocks from breaking or twisting, which can happen when the dreadlocks have been recently tightened.
    • Braids are a great way to wear dreadlocks in a professional setting when your hair can’t be down or in your face.
  3. Simply pull your hair into a ponytail, wrapping the ponytail holder around the hair one more time. Don’t pull your dreadlocks all the way through the holder to form a “messy” bun with all of your dreads. [18]
    • This style pulls all of your dreadlocks onto your head, so it can be heavy. If it’s too heavy, consider making a bun with only half of your hair up.
  4. Put extensions in your dreadlocks if your hair is short. For people with shorter hair, dreadlock extensions can be a great way to get the style that you want. Look for clip-in or tie-in varieties, preferably made from synthetic hair, and install them near your scalp. Then, twist your around the dreaded extension to combine them.
    • This is a great option for people who don’t want the commitment of caring for long dreadlocks, but like the look of them.
    • Try to stay away from dreadlock extensions made from real human hair. They are more susceptible to mold and mildew growth.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How often do dreads need maintenance?
    Noël Reid-Killings
    Celebrity Hair Stylist
    Noël Reid-Killings is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Noël New York Salon & Boutique. With over a decade of experience, Noël specializes in curating and customizing hair solutions for all hair types and textures. She has worked with countless A-list celebrities including Alicia Keys, Ciara, Yara Shahidi, and Simone Missick. Her work has been featured on makeover shows and in magazines including Essence, Sophisticates Black Hair, Teen Vogue, Elle, 21Ninety, WWD, POPSUGAR, Allure, The Cut, The Huffington Post, and Swaay.
    Noël Reid-Killings
    Celebrity Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    You'll want to cleanse your dreadlocks every so often to avoid buildup. You'll also want to twist them every 6 to 8 weeks.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
  • Question
    How do I treat my dreadlocks?
    Vicki29
    Community Answer
    You can treat your dreadlocks by washing them every 2-4 days and retwisting them every 4 weeks. Make sure not to retwist them too frequently, as this can cause hair damage leaving your dreadlocks looking thin and brittle.
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    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 17
  • Question
    How do I make my tips solid and round?
    Cj the girl
    Community Answer
    Apply a thick gel or wax to the ends of your hair and shape it. Try not to add too much because it will get too thick. Make sure the gel doesn't have alcohol because that will dry out your hair. If that doesn't work, contact a cosmetologist.
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      Tips

      • The process of growing healthy, long dreads can take a while. Be patient and visit your hairstylist frequently to ensure that you’re meeting your hair’s needs.
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      References

      1. ↑ Noël Reid-Killings. Celebrity Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.
      2. ↑ https://healthstylehub.com/how-to-wash-dreadlocks/
      3. ↑ https://healthstylehub.com/how-to-wash-dreadlocks/
      4. ↑ https://healthstylehub.com/how-to-wash-dreadlocks/
      5. ↑ https://healthstylehub.com/how-to-wash-dreadlocks/
      6. ↑ https://healthstylehub.com/how-to-wash-dreadlocks/
      7. ↑ https://healthstylehub.com/how-to-wash-dreadlocks/
      8. ↑ Noël Reid-Killings. Celebrity Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.
      9. ↑ Noël Reid-Killings. Celebrity Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.
      1. ↑ https://www.ebony.com/5-basic-tips-for-healthy-dreadlocks-123-2/
      2. ↑ Noël Reid-Killings. Celebrity Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.
      3. ↑ Noël Reid-Killings. Celebrity Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-wash-braids-locs-and-twists
      5. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-wash-braids-locs-and-twists
      6. ↑ https://www.ebony.com/5-basic-tips-for-healthy-dreadlocks-123-2/
      7. ↑ https://www.allure.com/gallery/easy-hairstyles-for-locs
      8. ↑ https://www.allure.com/gallery/easy-hairstyles-for-locs
      9. ↑ https://www.brit.co/ways-to-style-dreadlocks/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To maintain your dreadlocks as they grow, you’ll need to wash them regularly and practice good hair care to keep them healthy. Aim to wash your dreadlocks once every 2 to 4 days, which will give your scalp time between washes to produce natural oils that nourish your hair. You should also only leave shampoo in your hair for 1 to 2 minutes, since leaving it in longer can cause your dreadlocks to unravel. When you rinse your hair, squeeze your dreadlocks to get the shampoo out. If your dreadlocks look dry or frizzy at any time, spray on a moisturizer to keep them looking healthy. It’s also a good idea to sleep with a silk scarf on, which will prevent your pillow from pulling on your locks if you move during the night. For tips on how to style your locks as they grow, keep reading!

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