Preparing for Dreadlocks
How long must the hair be to get dreadlocks?
We recommend that the hair is at least 15 cm long. Dreadlocks will contract and become shorter, so if the hair is very short they will straighten. In addition, dreadlocks in short hair will be easier to loosen and require a lot of work from the start so they stay tight.
Dreadlocks are awesome but like a pet you really have to sacrifice yourself, dreadlocks need a lot of love and time for maintenance, especially when they are new.
There are some things you should know and be aware of before embarking on your dreadlock journey.
First, relax and realize that dreadlocks are more of a process or journey than a single day's work. It is not 'just' something you do. Dreads have ups and downs with time as they mature. Some days they look mega good and some days they look pretty ‘crappy’. The bonus here is that mature dreads always look good, so no more bad hair days when they have come this far.
Next, having dreadlocks can result in a lot of issues. Maybe you can be one of the few that some people have ever seen with dreads. Of course, they will have a lot of unpleasant questions, such as: "Can you wash your hair?", Or "Are they not full of mites?". In most circumstances, it is the rude question so you need to be prepared for this. They will ask: How did you start them? What do you put in them? Whether it's all your own hair? Should you take them out at night? … Etc.
You will get better at answering these questions over time. But sometimes it can be really hard not to lose your temper completely when you hear what people are coming up with.
Another thing you need to know is your basis for getting dreadlocks. There are no right or wrong reasons for dreadlocks, so do not let anyone convince you that their reason is "better" than yours. There is also no right or wrong way to make dreadlocks, so do not let anyone convince you that one method is better than another.
There are easy and difficult ways to make dreadlocks, but it is your choice how you want to make them and how much time it takes. The most important thing is your wishes and what methods work for you.
Now is a good time to mention that the methods recommended here are not "only" the right way to make dreads. After a lot of experimentation, we believe that these approaches are the best way to start and maintain dreadlocks. We will explain why in the following pages.
No chemicals of any kind are used to force the hair to dread. All products are natural and complement the natural dread process. This is not an instant process, but by understanding the dreading process, giving it time and care, you can create healthy and mature dreadlocks in a matter of months. The same understanding allows you to control the appearance of your dreads. From super-thin micro-dreads to solid Marley-like dreadlocks.
How to prepare for dreadlocks
All your life you have more or less treated your hair and scalp the same way. Your scalp in particular, has gotten used to certain routines, such as how often you brush or comb your hair as well as your washing routine. To make the transition to dreadlocks easier, there are a few things you can do:
A general rule: Wash your hair, if your scalp itches. It’s much better to just wash it, even though there is no more than a day or two for your scheduled wash. You will have a little extra loose hair to take care of afterwards, but that’s no problem, especially if you have a crochet hook.
Itching: Most people experience itching when they start their dreads. That must not be ignored. The time just after dreadlocks are done, the scalp can be irritated, and therefore you want to use Rescue Tonic that adds moisture and has a cooling effect on the scalp.
If itching occurs after having your dreadlocks for a while, it usually means that your scalp needs stimulation and/or washing. Leaving it itching for too long can lead to severe irritation. Avoid these problems by washing your hair with a residue free / dreadlock shampoo at the first signs of persistent itching.
Dandruff: Combing and brushing your hair helps the dead skin cells on the scalp falling off or exfoliate. When you stop brushing, these skin cells accumulate, and they fall off in the form of flakes. Washing hair and massaging the scalp regularly is a great way to prevent these problems.
As you see, our scalp is important when it comes to dreadlocks. If your plan to have dreadlocks, but it causes problems such as itching, this may really put a spoke in your wheel.
Ceep your scalp satisfied and healthy by following these guidelines:
Decide how often you want to wash your dreads during the first month. Every 3 days works well for most people, and if it’s possible we recommend you start washing your hair every three days, about two weeks your dreads. This gives your scalp plenty of time to adjust to this hair washing schedule and facilitate the transition to dreads.
Once your dreads are done, you cannot brush your hair, therefore it is also a good idea to accustom the scalp to less stimulation. Do not stop brushing completely, just because then it is much easier to start dreadlocks when the hair is already filtered. Do instead start brushing your hair without touching the scalp so much.
Some stimulation is still needed for your scalp to exfoliate and stay normal. When you have dreads, stimulation of the scalp will come in the form of washing, towel drying and massaging.
One thing you definitely want to do, to help prepare your hair for dreads, is to stop using conditioner at least 2 weeks before starting dreads.
If possible, you should also start washing your hair with a residue free / dreadlock shampoo.
These two changes will give your hair the best conditions for dreading when it's time to toupee. If you want to be sure to have Dread Shampoo on hand for this pre-wash, you should order it 4 weeks before you start your dreads. This will give you plenty of time to get your products and remedies home in time, and you get answers to your questions before you get started.