If you have dreadlocks, you cannot avoid taking care of your dreads as soon as possible. Because as with any other hairstyle, you have to take care of your hair with dreadlocks, otherwise it will look messy and unkempt after a while. Here we answer the most important questions about dread care.
Can you wash dreadlocks?
This question will answered with a resounding YES. Not only can you do it, you absolutely should wash regularly! As with normal hair, the dreads collect dirt, dust and sebum, which must be rinsed out regularly when you wash your hair thoroughly.
- According to my own experience, the dreadlocks should at least once a weekgetting washed. However, this guideline value depends on the individual lifestyle: If you do a lot of sport, sweat quickly or are exposed to dust or odors from work, you should wash them more often, otherwise the dreadlocks can take on an unsightly smell. All too often you shouldn't wash them either – since the individual dreads (especially in the first few weeks) become matted together faster through washing your hair, frequent washing then means more work when separating the individual dreads.
- Basically, with dreadlocks you have to consider that they Dry much more slowly than normal hair. Depending on the length of the hair and the thickness of the felt curls, this can be take several hours. Really long dreadlocks can still be slightly damp after shampooing in the morning even in the evening.
- The dreadlocks always have to dry thoroughly! If the dreadlocks do not dry completely after washing, an unpleasant smell or even mold may form inside the dreads after a while. Therefore you shouldn't go to sleep with your damp dreadlocks on, as your hair dries more slowly when you lie down. tip: Either wash the dreadlocks in the morning and let them dry during the day (in summer it is best outside and in the sun) or alternatively use a hair dryer – this can be necessary in winter.
Washing dreadlocks: that's how it works
Basically, the dreadlocks are washed like normal hair:
- Wet dreadlocks in the shower and lather them thoroughly.
- Then rinse the dreads thoroughly so that there are no more soap residues. It can take a while!
- Then wring out the dreads first with your hands and then with a towel.
- The dreads can absorb a lot of water and will continue to drip for a while after washing: If necessary, loop a towel around them at the beginning and let them air-dry later.
Washing dreads: which shampoo for dreadlocks?
- In principle is suitable any shampoo without conditioners and silicones (because they make the hair soft).
- I have had good experiences with an anti-dandruff shampoo. But many also swear by a dead sea salt shampoo or core or olive soap. In general, you have to test a bit here to see what is good for your scalp and which scent you find pleasant.
- Use for dreadlocks too In no case a conditioner or hair conditioner: You want to matt your hair and not make it softer!
Maintaining dreadlocks: re-felting & Co.
If you still have very young dreadlocks, you should pay particular attention, especially in the first six months take care of his dreadlocks regularly. It's worth it, because then the dreads will be really nice and even! Later, when the dreads are quite firm and in shape, it is sufficient to rework the dreadlocks every one to two months, depending on the number, this can take a couple of hours (and at some point it works quite routinely at a movie night).
In general, you should pay attention to the following points when caring for your dreads:
- Split the felted dreadlocks in two: If loose hair grows back, two dreadlocks at the roots can quickly become one. In that case, you have to separate the approaches thoroughly from one another: This can either be done by carefully tearing them or alternatively, a small pair of scissors has to split the two dreads (ask someone for help if you cannot reach the point easily). The loose hair must then be felted back into the dread.
- Rework approach: The regrowing hair must be integrated into the dreadlock regularly. To do this, twist the hair including the dreadlock at the base and use a small crochet hook to pull the thin strands of hair sticking out into the dread and twist them a little. If necessary, rub the neck between the palms of the hands. Friction (heat) causes hair to felt faster.
- Define the shape of the dreads: Depending on how thoroughly the dreads were made at the beginning, more or less equally thick dreadlocks emerge. However, if the hair is not matted well in some places or if individual loops or knobs are hanging out, you should rework with the crochet hook and the palms of your hands. Correspondingly, the protruding hair knobs and strands of hair are twisted with the crochet hook and pulled into the dread. Rub this area between your palms and the dread will become matted better.
If you don't dare to take care of your dreads yourself, you can have your dreads cared for and reworked in special shops.
Here you can find out what you also need to know about dreadlocks and what preliminary considerations you should make. And here we explain how to do dreadlocks.