Dreadlock Hair Care
- Washing: Once they’re mature, you can wash locks as often as you want. Some people wait a week; some do it once a month. There is no single correct timeline, but you may choose to wash your hair more often if your scalp is oily, as oil can cause knots to loosen. When you do wash, massage the scalp very carefully, and just let the soapy water run through the dreadlocks.
- Drying: To prevent mildewing and buildup of product (known as dread rot), dry the dreadlocks thoroughly every time you wash them. You can squeeze them with a towel to wring out excess water, and then let them air dry, use a blow dryer, or use a bonnet dryer.
- Hair care: Everyone with dreadlocks seems to have their own opinion on what products and treatments are best for mature dreads. Some use hot oil treatments to prevent the hair from drying out, while others use gels or salt water “accelerators” to tighten individual locks as they form. Many advocate using only natural and/or clarifying shampoos. In general, you want to avoid shampoos that leave a lot of residue, since this can lubricate the hairs and cause them to come loose from the locks. There is debate over whether lock wearers should use conditioner on their hair. Ultimately, the decision is up to the wearer — there are many alternatives to cream-based conditioners, which are formulated to smooth and detangle hair and can be counterproductive to the locking process.