Hi all,
Here are some links to get you started. Everything you need to know is somewhere on the site, so try and learn to use the search function. Until then, enjoy!
Two great posts you should read.
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/forum/topics/top-secret?xg_source=activity#.UDTsCN2PWSo
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/forum/topics/some-assembly-required#.UDTTFtauZSQ
A post by this site's creator "comprehensive guide to all things dready"
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/forum/topics/dreaducation-comprehensive
Dreading methods (click on them for more info)
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/page/dreading-methods
There are only two things you really need to do in order to maintain your dreads. These are washing and separating. Do only these and you will have healthy locks that will last a lifetime.
What to wash with
Baking Soda
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/forum/topics/baking-soda-and-sea-salt-ratios#.UDTWL9auZSQ
Make sure to rinse thoroughly before you start the next step, and never use hot water on your head. Only warm or cold.
Apple Cider Vinegar
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/forum/topics/acv-1#.UDTWxdauZSQ
Essential oils, which can be added to both solutions, and their various uses.
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/forum/topics/essential-oils-for-dreads-and-scalp-health#.UDTWe9auZSQ
You should have a very cold rinse at the end of these washes. I turn the temp down as low as it goes. This will help kill any itches and will also help with dandruff.
After the BS/ACV rinses, I will have prepared a third rinse, consisting of just water and oils. My mix is 30 drops of lavender, 30 rosemary, 10 tea tree and 10 peppermint, all in 1-1 1/2 litres of water. I pour it over and let it dry (no rinsing). The smell is amazing. Sometimes I use a little jojoba for conditioning, but this is very rare as it is not the best for locks that are still forming.
More info on washing.
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/page/washing-dreadlocks-guide#.UDTXKNauZSQ
Separating
Here is a video which explains how to separate. (part two beside it)
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/video/separating-tutorial
Section size and shape
Natural dreads sections are all different shapes and sizes. Some people when using a starter method make their sections too big. Anything over one square inch is too big to start with. Locks thicken as they mature and eventually reach the size of the section.
Perfectly square, or any shape for that matter, sections are not natural. It is best to just grab random sizes and make the dread out of that. Big and small sections is what you are really looking for. Personally, I think that it is better to start with sections on the smaller side of things. You can let them congo when they have matured, thus controlling the thickness more effectively. It is important to not that thick dreads require special maintenance.
Should you ever use wax?
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/page/waxing-dreadlocks-is-dread-wax#.UDTYdNauZSQ
Already used wax? How to remove it.
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/page/dread-wax-removal-is-finally#.UDTY59auZSQ
Why should you never crochet?
It breaks hairs every time you do it. This causes the dread to weaken and produce more loose hair, this giving the impression that you need tomaintainit more. Also, the dreads are generally made too tight and need months of recovery to start forming properly. Crochet is even more damaging then wax when done on a continual basis. It takes months and months to recover from each crochet session. Sometimes it is even over a year, depending on how serious the damage is.
That should give you a good step into the world of dread. Hope it helps.
updated by @kelly3: 01/13/15 09:34:09PM
