Q&A for How to Clean Dreadlocks

I recommend products for hair type and texture and scalp condition. For example, someone with locks may have a need for hydration while another may have a need for clarifying, and another may need a shampoo for dry scalp. In summary, each client will have a different need. Locking is a hairstyle, not a condition.

You can wash them now but do so very gently, to prevent them from unraveling. You can use a stocking cap to hold the locks and shampoo through the cap, or you can section off your locks using rubber bands to hold the shafts together. The main thing is to focus on is cleaning the scalp and letting the lock itself "rest."

I personally don't like wax or jam. I started off buying products to help loc it but I wasn't a big fan. Then I tried beeswax, but I felt it was too thick and felt like it coated my hair. So I started using aloe vera gel. I just take the aloe plant and scrape the insides and use that. I also bought vitamin E capsules to add to my aloe vera gel to preserve it. I also use coconut oil. Next I'm going to try an avacado/coconut oil mix.

You can use any 3:1 water to vinegar ratio, so 3 cups of water to 1 cup of vinegar will work, for example.

They would have to be dry. Also, it's a little dangerous to dye dreads as the bleach/dye can soak all the way through, and you might not wash it all out. It can also weaken the dread significantly and actually cause it to break off. I would use extra caution and rinse/wash the dread 3x longer than you think is necessary.

Just the usual: use a shampoo that won't leave residue behind, try not to handle them too much so they'll stay nice and tight and make sure you're letting them get completely dry between washings. It's perfectly alright to clean dreaded hair once a week or even more often as long as you're careful, so don't be afraid to add a couple more washings every month to keep your dreads healthy and looking and smelling good.

You should try to find a clarifying shampoo or use natural ways (such as baking soda and water soak or apple cider vinegar) to wash your hair and strip away any possible residue that is making the locks stiffen. You may have to do it a few times to get all the residue out.

Nothing will actually make your hair grow faster, except for time (and possibly a good multivitamin). Overwashing your dreadlocks with baking soda can dry them out and make them prone to breaking, however, so reserve baking soda rinses for deep cleanings once a month or so.

Washing your dreadlocks a minimum of once a week will help remove dust (which is probably just dead skin), dirt, oil and other unwanted buildup.

Yes. You just need to be careful about using too much shampoo in the dreadlocks themselves, and make sure you're twisting or palm rolling religiously. Using a locking aid like a dread wax or oil can help keep your dreadlocks smooth and tight as well.

It's up to you, but I'd recommend doing it every day for faster progress, and definitely after washing.

Dreads turning a grayish color usually happens due to residue buildup. Make sure whatever shampoo you're using is residue free (most commercial shampoo leaves residue so look for more natural ones). If you use wax or any gels to maintain your locs, stop using them as they obviously create a lot of buildup; as long as you palm roll regularly you shouldn't need it. A deep cleanse with baking soda/apple cider vinegar will help the residue and moisturize your hair with natural oils like coconut oil to keep your hair healthy.

Most people would say to wait at least 2 weeks before a wash. You can palm roll as much as you want, honestly - every day, every other day, once a week, etc., whatever you feel is best for your hair.

Bicarbonate of soda is baking soda. There are many recipes online for a BC and AVC cleanse.

I don't suggest it; your lovely dreads may become unraveled. The conditioner loosens the knots, and you want your dreads to be all knotted up.

It should. I would just spend an extra long time with the rinsing, and then do the aftercare for scalp and lock treatment.

Try the apple cider vinegar rinse mentioned in method two. It does a good job of removing buildup.

Occasionally, I like to run my fingers through my dreads to keep them apart when I start to notice stray hairs grabbing at my dreads, but in your case, you'd need to very gently pull your dreads apart from one another, and grab a comb with a sectioning needle at the end of the handle. Re-section your dreads as best as you can, do a thorough re-twist, and try to be more attentive to your parts in the future. Flyaways and stray strands can be wrangled up and tucked into the dread base with a crotchet hook. All is not lost!

Any shampoo that does not leave residue. There are dreadlock-specific shampoos called clarifying shampoos, as well as specific brands like Knotty Boy.

Every person is different, but retwisting too often can cause damage and weaken the roots. Weakening the roots can thin out your hair and weaken the base of your locs. Once a month is a safe routine.

If you have just started the process, its means that they're budding, which is a good sign. They will continue to be frizzy no matter what you do, so you must be patient and let them do their thing; disturbing them too much will hinder the process.

Use a vinegar soak. Use a bucket with warm water and apple cider vinegar and let your locs soak and squeeze intermittently. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes changing the water when it gets dark. Keep doing this until the water remains clear.

It is possible to comb out your locs, but it’s very time consuming depending on your hair type/how long your hair has been locked. Use a lot of conditioner and of course water, to start combing through from end to root.