How To Clean Dreadlocks

In African and Caribbean countries, dreadlocks is a hairstyle that has been around for a long time.They form when strands of hair are matted together.Dreadlocks are often criticized for being dirty and unkempt, but in reality they are easy to keep clean if the wearer is willing to wash and treat them regularly.There are a variety of products that can be used to clean locked hair.

Step 1: Wet your hair.

Run some water over your hair in the shower.The more water your locks absorb, the harder it will be for the shampoo to penetrate them.Warm water is best for best results.

Step 2: Take a small amount of hair wash.

You can squeeze a small amount into your palm.You can always use more later if you don't use enough, but it's better to use a small amount at a time.If you're using a bar cleanser, rub it between your hands until it forms a lather.Always use a hair product that doesn't leave a mess.The use of gels, waxes and other Additives should not be used to maintain dreadlocks, and a Residual-forming Shampoo should only add to the build up rather than wash it away.Natural, organic types of hair products are free of chemicals that help with style.

Step 3: Put the lather into your hair.

Put your hands in your hair and distribute the liquid between the roots of the dreadlocks.The tips of your fingers can be used to give your hair a good scrub.Clean and care for the roots.Since this is where your dreadlocks attach, they need to be strong and healthy.

Step 4: The hair must be washed through the locks.

Allow the hair product to sit for 1-2 minutes.As you rinse, tilt your head so the lather runs through your hair.You can squeeze the lather into the dreadlocks.When you're done washing, make sure that there's no leftover cleanser in your hair.If you want, you can use an extra rinse on the locks.It will be more difficult to rinse and cause hair to fall off if it is too much.

Step 5: It should be dry thoroughly.

Before you leave the shower, you should let your dreadlocks dry completely.To get the water out of the locks, squeeze them with a towel.Allow your locks to air dry, or use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to speed the process along and ensure that they're not left damp.If the locks are too moist, they can start to smell or even grow mold.”Dread rot” is when water becomes trapped in the matted hair and starts to rot.If your dreadlocks continue to set up and tighten, you may have to use a hair dryer more often to keep the hair dry.

Step 6: Don't mix the two together.

Baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid, mixing the two causes a chemical reaction which negates the cleansing power of both substances on their own.

Step 7: Baking soda can be dissolved in a few inches of warm water.

It's safe to use on your hair.If you like using essential oils, you can add them to the solution.A small amount of lemon juice will kill odors.It is recommended that you only use this method to clean your locks once every couple of weeks, as baking soda can make your hair dry and brittle over time.If you want to do more regular washings, use a cleanser that doesn't contain detergents.

Step 8: Take your dreadlocks out for a few minutes.

Put your dreadlocks into the baking soda solution.If you're in need of a deep clean, soak your locks for up to 10 minutes.The baking soda will remove dirt, oil, debris and other things when your hair is wet.If you don't have the time or space to soak your dreadlocks, you can mix up a solution and pour it over your head for a quick cleanse.

Step 9: It is a good idea to rinse with water.

Remove your hair from the baking soda bath.Give your locks a quick rinse after you turn on the faucet or shower to remove any traces of baking soda solution or foreign matter.Wait until the water clears.It's important that your hair gets some exposure to the water as well.The dirt, oil, dead skin and other debris that's been removed from your hair will be visible in the water.You might be surprised at how clean your locks will be.

Step 10: If you want to wash your hair, you need a large bottle of water and vinegar mixed at a 3:1 ratio.

After rinsing out the baking soda solution, pour this through your locks.If you have any remaining baking soda, this will balance it out.You can either rinse it out or leave it in.

Step 11: Air dry or towel.

Give your dreadlocks time to dry.If you're in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer on the ends and shafts of your hair.Before covering your dreadlocks with a hat, tam or scarf, they should be dry.It will be harder for it to escape if these items are not used.Before you let them air dry or try other drying methods, make sure to squeeze as much water out of your locks as you can.Water can be drawn out of dreadlocks at a faster rate if they are wrapped in a dry towel.

Step 12: You should wash your dreadlocks.

Contrary to popular belief, dreadlocks require the same amount of washing as other hair styles.When your dreadlocks are new, you should wash and roll them every three or four days.Once they've been locked up, you can wash them once a week or more often depending on your hair type and the amount of oil you produce.People with dreadlocks wash them at least once a week.If you sweat a lot and have oily hair, you may benefit from more frequent washings.Between washings, you can still bathe.

Step 13: Take care of your hair.

The dreadlocks put a lot of weight on the hair.It's important to keep your hair clean and hydrated.Take a few moments to massage your hair with your fingers.You won't have to worry about your hair falling out because this promotes proper blood flow and will strengthen the follicles.Itching can be a sign that your roots are not in tip top shape.As your hair grows, make sure to keep your dreadlocks Waxed and twisted.

Step 14: Freshen your locks with essential oils.

If you want to treat your hair separately, you can use a couple drops of tea tree, peppermint or Rosemary oil.You can cut down on irritation and itchiness by using essential oils.They are much better than perfumes, spray-in fragrances and scented cleanser, as they won't damage your locks or leave behind any messes.The smell of dirty hair can be mitigated with just a hint of essential oils.

Step 15: It's a good idea to avoid conditioners and similar products.

If you have a head full of dreads, the last thing you want is a Conditioners.There is no reason to condition your dreadlocks.You should be cautious about products that contain oils, waxes or knot-fighting agents.Damage to the structure of your dreadlocks can be caused by regular use of these products.If you want to keep your dreadlocks clean and looking great, you should use a good hair product.Light coconut oil applications will help dry the hair.