Oils on dreads + washing

I just dreaded my hair again after a 1 year break without dreads. They came out really nice, and this time i want to make sure I do everything right with them (as I've screwed up a few times in the past). So, I wonder if it's okay to use oils on the dreads, like those you can buy at hair salons, for example moroccan oil treatments or argan oils? They smell so nice, and I have seen some pictures of dreads with oils in them, and i think they look more healthy But I'm not sure if it's good for the dreads..

Also, how often should I wash my dreads? I've heard that only rinsing the dreads with water without any soap is the best, but I dont know if its true.

Any thoughts/experiences on this? All answers highly appreciated!

updated by @steenvick: 01/13/15 09:46:48PM

Hi Lenore. You need to keep your sections clean in order for them the loop & knot and dread. If your hair or scalp is oily, they knots will slip out and severely slow down your process. The more you wash, the faster they dread. New dreadies should wash every 2-3 days for the first few months. Use this recipie for no thouch washing: mix 1/2 cup baking soda to 5 cups water, pour on head and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse it well, then rinse again to make sure it is out. Then you will balance and condition the hair by mixing 1 capful apple cider vinegar to 5 cups water, pour over head and leave on for 1 minute only. Rinse very well. There is no scrubbing with this method and your scalp and hair love it. You can put just a few drop of essential oils in your hair, but just a few in the beginning, or else your knots will slip out. When dreads are mature, then you can use up to 30 drops. For the aroma, I would only use 4 drops right now.

Keep your fingers out of the hair except to separate the sections when needed, as body oils from the fingers will slow down the process also.

The dreaducation page at the top has wonderful tips on washing, essential oils etc...makes great reading. Happy 2nd journey & Cheers

Thank you very much for the reply! I will do just that

the Barrellady said:

Hi Lenore. You need to keep your sections clean in order for them the loop & knot and dread. If your hair or scalp is oily, they knots will slip out and severely slow down your process. The more you wash, the faster they dread. New dreadies should wash every 2-3 days for the first few months. Use this recipie for no thouch washing: mix 1/2 cup baking soda to 5 cups water, pour on head and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse it well, then rinse again to make sure it is out. Then you will balance and condition the hair by mixing 1 capful apple cider vinegar to 5 cups water, pour over head and leave on for 1 minute only. Rinse very well. There is no scrubbing with this method and your scalp and hair love it. You can put just a few drop of essential oils in your hair, but just a few in the beginning, or else your knots will slip out. When dreads are mature, then you can use up to 30 drops. For the aroma, I would only use 4 drops right now.

Keep your fingers out of the hair except to separate the sections when needed, as body oils from the fingers will slow down the process also.

The dreaducation page at the top has wonderful tips on washing, essential oils etc...makes great reading. Happy 2nd journey & Cheers