Hey guys!
I used to be on this site a few years ago when I decided to try out dreads. First I tried to crochet my own, hoping for the "instant dread" effect. They were nasty, so I combed them out and tried T&R but eventually I felt my hair was just shrinking up too much for the length I started out with, and I combed them out after about 4 or 5 months.
Now my hair is longer and I feel like I'm better prepared for the emotional ups and downs that dreads can bring, you know the "Oh my god I look like crap!" to the "I love how my hair just does what it wants!"
This time I'm considering the natural process. My hair is currently just around armpit length, bleached and dyed purple and teal. Part of me feels I need to let it grow A LOT more before I'd be comfortable with all the inevitable shrinkage. I already only wash it a couple times a week already, so my color stays bright so that wouldn't be too hard of an adjustment.
My main concern is that I live in an extremely conservative area and have a 10 year old daughter. She's very secure in her momma's funkiness but I worry about embarrassing her during the long awkward dreadie phases. It's definitely something she and I would have to discuss and plan to have scarves and hats on hand. Luckily (I guess), I'm a single mom and disabled veteran. I support us on my meager VA payments so working and juggling dreads isn't an issue.
I know my dreads will do what the please, but of course I dream of these long, soft, fat locks just circling my head. Patience has never been one of my strong suits. Committing to this is also committing myself to changing for the better...
Looking forward to poking around a bit and meeting everyone! Love seeing your dread journeys!
Sarah
updated by @cb: 01/13/15 10:05:15PM