I am just about at 5 months with my dreads, and I love them. I had my best friend (hair stylist) backcomb 1x1" sections into my head, and ended up with 37 (now 36, there's one on my the nape of my neck that will not dread- tried and tried and tried and have now just let it go to do it's own thing--maybe get eaten by another one around it). In the beginning I used elastic bands and wax, and had ditched that within the month. I was never a fan of the wax for texture or smell, and thankfully got rid of it all pretty easily (didn't use much). Now I just let them do their thing. I have interlocked a few, and although I hear nightmares of what it CAN do, those that have been interlocked are doing just fine. As they've grown out they ended up growing together, I just don't really touch them. I wear a wool tam while I sleep, and it really helps with the loose hairs.
I'd like to have less loose hair, but I am just going to let them go and see if the other dreads eat them up. If not, maybe I'll end up with more dreads than I started with 
In the beginning, day 1, before and after.
1 week, first wash
The first month
Two months, twice a week washing, occasionally a little less
Two and a half months, almost three
Third Month, getting long enough to pull back. More loose hair, still exploring ways to get it back into the dreads
18 weeks
Fourth Month
Five Months!
Let me know what you guys think! I have definitely noticed drastic improvement over the last two and a half months with less touching, no products, and increased washing (at least once a week).
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UPDATE: It's been 19 months! Here are some more recent pics. I've changed my routines only a little- I make sure to sleep with a wool tam when I can remember/keep it on my head, which really helps with the loosies. I also stopped washing almost entirely- usually just about once every couple of months. I do rinse my scalp with just water here and there, but only wash (with Dr. Bronners diluted) once in a blue moon.
Cheers, & happy dreading!
updated by @matt-hunt: 02/14/15 08:27:09AM
