It is not for the faint of heart to untangle dreadlocks.It takes a lot of time and patience.You can keep most of your length if you comb out your dreadlocks.Just work one dreadlock at a time, and be sure to be gentle with your hair during each step of the process.You can always go to a salon that removes dreadlocks without shaving them off.
Step 1: Cut your dreadlocks in half.
The older part of your dreadlock is more difficult to untangle.Cut off the dreadlocks.It will be easier to untangle the newer lengths.It is more difficult to remove dreadlocks that are over four years old.Up to half the length of the lock can be removed from old dreadlocks.
Step 2: Grease and wax can be washed away.
Remove any wax, grease, or other product you use to maintain your dreadlocks.Take care of your hair with a commercial conditioner or hydrating oil.Coconut oil and Jojoba oil are good for conditioning hair.
Step 3: It's a good idea to soak your hair in hot water.
You want to get your deadlocks wet before you untangle them.You can stand the hottest water in the bathtub.Allow your dreadlocks to soak for at least ten and thirty minutes.
Step 4: A bottle of water and conditioner is needed.
The spray bottle should be filled with a very slippery conditioner and the rest of the way with hot water.To mix it, shake the bottle and screw on the spray head.During the untangling process, re-wet your dreadlocks with the bottle.
Step 5: Work one dreadlock at a time.
It takes a lot of time to remove a dreadlock.You will need to work one dreadlock at a time and re-soak it as necessary.Don't try to work more than one dreadlock at a time.You should clip back any dreadlocks that are not being worked on.If you want to keep your unlocked hair separate from the area you are working on, use a separate clip to pull it back.
Step 6: Take care of your dreadlock.
Apply conditioner or conditioning oil to your hair.It's important that your hair is slick to the touch.You don't need a specialty conditioner in this case.The best option is a drugstore conditioner.You will need several bottles of conditioner to complete this process.Alternatively, some salon stores sell a dreadlock removal cream that can replace conditioner and make it easier to comb out your hair.
Step 7: Pick out the end of the dreadlock using a rat-tail comb.
Pick out the end of your dreadlock using the tail side of a rat tail comb.The conditioner should be applied along with the conditioning water spray.Continue up the dreadlock until you reach your roots.You could use a crochet hook to work out your dreadlocks.The process is the same as using a comb, but the hook may give you more control.
Step 8: You can remove your dreadlock with a regular comb.
You can brush out your hair with a normal or wide-toothed comb.You can run your comb through your hair if you work through smaller tangles.To keep your hair soft and wet, use your water and conditioner mix.
Step 9: You should wash your hair.
You will need to wash your hair again after you unlocked each dreadlock.You can condition it with your preferred products.If you use alternative products, use them for this wash.
Step 10: You should brush your hair.
While it is still wet, brush out your hair with a brush or comb.If there are any remaining problem spots, gently work on them.This will help restore your pre-dreadlock texture.
Step 11: Remove any spilled ends.
Detangling dreadlocks can cause your hair to be damaged.If you have the money, head to the salon and have your hair cut.You can trim your ends at home.