Greetings
Introduce Yourself
I started mine at 39 and I'm 41 now, my dreadies will be 2 in September. Welcome!!
updated by @mons: 05/31/15 12:21:46PM
Forum Activity for @mons
New dreads, need advice
General Questions
That is all part of the dreading JOURNEY. It's a journey for a reason, you travel, you learn, you grow. Dreads really don't happen over night. It takes time, patience, frustration, patience, time and patience. Backcombed and TnR dreads fall out. Read thru the dreaducation section of this site, Heed the advice and words of the people typing to you, we've been there, we've done it, we really do understand and know what we're talking about. It takes TIME for dreads to form. Some will fall out, some will knot right up. The important thing is to educate yourself about that process so you don't freak out, re-back comb or re-twist and do long term damage to your hair and scalp. Let them be, let them grow, let them become dreads on their terms. The more you try to force, the more they will rebel and misbehave. A lot like a teenaged boy.
Dr. Bronner's...
Dread Maintenance
Dilute the peppermint 18 parts water to one part soap. The baby stuff probably 12 parts water to one part soap.
Any other crazy dread methods out there?
General Questions
There's another video here somewhere of this insane sewing machine/motorized crochet hook dreader thing thing. Watching that was the first time I'd heard of crochet dreads, it was the oddest thing ever.I've seen that sponge thing too. That poor kid that was the subject of that torture! I felt to bad for him
he had the patience of a saint tho, being taped while having his over boisterous mother scrubbing the shit out of his scalp with a hard sponge thing. All for the sake of instant dreads.
Want to Dread my Hair
Introduce Yourself
My hair was just a bit shorter than BarrelLady's and shrunk up above my shoulders. My dreads are just over 18 months and starting to get some length again. Shrink happens. So does messiness. What line of work are you in? There is always a way to camoflage the messies. Be creative, be funky, do what you're comfortable with. If you get messy and management says something explain that you're following your spiritual path by dreading your hair. There are letters to employers here somewhere that you can edit to your specific needs. When it becomes a spiritual reason, it's illegal for employers to fire you. Besides, honestly, not that many people are going to notice anything until your dreads are close to mature.
Want to Dread my Hair
Introduce Yourself
I would go natural, no starter methods, toss the combs, brushes, and conditioners. I had mine back combed and I totally regret it. With your long hair, I would expect it to be shoulder length by the time it's done shrinking. Hour hubby's, a couple inches shorter. Most curly hair lives to tangle and dread. Look at the top of the page, click on the 'dreaducation' tab, loads and loads of incredible information is to be had there. You'll learn about the best ways to wash your hair, how to separate, decorate and love your newly forming dreadlings.
Want to Dread my Hair
Introduce Yourself
You'll lose probably about half your length, depending in how long your hair is. The longer, the more shrinkage. BUT, there are also a ton of variables, so it's not a sure thing. As for work and being messy, pull it back. Wear a cute hat. Whatever will work for you. As long as you set your hair free as soon as you are off work so it can move around and get messier.How are you planning to start?Welcome to out little community!!
TRESemme
General Questions
The absolute best thing that will help your dreads is time and patience. If you're growing your dreads naturally, you're going to need a lot of patience.
TRESemme
General Questions
Nope, not good. It'll leave residue and gunk in your hair. If you want to help things a long a bit, dreadlockshampoo.com has some excellent products. A locking gel, and accelerator spray and locking shampoos. They all smell amazing. They're all natural, made from organic ingredients, vegan friendly.
Olive Oil Soap Bar
Dread Products
You can't have soap with out saponification. That's what happens when the oils and lye/water start to thicken and get to where you can put the goop into molds. Some oils and other ingredients will leave residues in hard water, I'm not sure which tho. This soap looks pretty good. Would probably leave less stuff behind in hard water than the baking soda. Plus olive oil is excellent for your skin.