Dreadlocks are one of the most popular hairstyles for African hair, but both growing and maintaining dreadlocks can be quite a challenge. If you already know how to grow dreadlocks naturally, here is how to make sure they always look their best!
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1. Washing your dreadlocks
Many of those who are only beginning to rock dreadlocks wonder: can you wash dreads? The answer is definitely yes! Regular washing of the dreadlocks prevents them from having an unpleasant smell and helps maintain their appearance.
The average schedule for washing your dreadlocks is every 2-4 days. It largely depends on the type of hair you have and whether you use any styling products for your dreadlocks. If you have dry or brittle hair, wash your dreadlocks once a week.
When washing your dreadlocks, make sure to leave the shampoo in your hair for 1-2 minutes before rinsing it off to make your hair and scalp cleaner. However, leaving the shampoo in for more than 2 minutes may cause your dreads to start unraveling.
One of the most important steps in the dreadlock washing process is to dry your hair thoroughly. Squeeze out the water out of your dreads using your hands and then pat them dry using a soft towel or one of your old T-shirts.
2. Moisturizing your dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are prone to looking dry and brittle over time or when you are washing and twisting them too often. To prevent this, use a spray-on moisturizer.
Applying a spray-on moisturizer once a day between washes helps keep your dreadlocks softer and more manageable. However, moisturizing sprays may leave more buildup in your hair, which may cause you to wash your dreadlocks more frequently.
Wearing dreadlocks also takes a toll on your scalp, making it dry and irritated. To prevent this, do a hot oil treatment for your dreadlocks every couple of months or as often as needed without making your dreads greasy.
3. Protecting your dreadlocks
Despite their sturdy appearance, dreadlocks are actually a rather delicate hairstyle. To keep them in an optimum condition for as long as possible, remember to put them in a silk scarf or special dreadlock wrap when you’re going to bed.
The way you style your dreadlocks also impacts their condition. Even if you prefer to wear your dreadlocks down, most hairstylists recommend putting your dreads in braids or buns at least a couple of times a week to maintain them more efficiently.
4. Trimming your dreadlocks
After you’ve spent so much time learning how to grow dreads, it may seem initially unreasonable to trim them. However, trimming your dreads can help solve a number of problems. For example, if your dreads are too heavy, to long to maintain properly, or have loose ends, trimming is the most effective solution.
So how to trim your dreadlocks? The first thing you should know is that you should only trim mature dreadlocks and not new ones. When you are ready to trim, simply cut off equal parts of each dreadlock, going around your head.
Once your dreadlocks are trimmed, we recommend washing it to remove any loose hairs that would otherwise shed on your clothes for a few days. Plus, washing freshly trimmed dreadlocks gives them a more natural look.
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