Ok, so I know where they are. I just can't seem to get on board with the new site. Right away, I could not figure out how to upload pictures so I just gave up and deleted myself from it. I feel like I had just figured out this site, then the new site started up. Guess I just take a little time with change. I miss everyone! Loves to to you all on this site!
So sorry about your loss Jerseygal! I can't imagine! It sounds like you have beautiful intentions with your hair, and you should definitely allow yourself to bloom in them! My advice is to find ways to rid yourself of the stress in you life. Find release in personal freedom. Seek spirituality. Or take up hula hooping! Silly as it sounds, it is such a beautiful place to be in. I am a hooper and there is so much expression in it. (tons on YouTube...) Pray for peace and forge onward sister. The time that you make for yourself to heal and relax in peace might just help your scalp to recover (and I am sure there are some vitamin supplements to aid). WE hope to see photos of your progress here.. 
Olivia
I like the reference to kudzu vine. I can't say I've heard that before!
Kerry LoCo said:
I have to separate mine daily because they cling together like kudzu vine. I'm afraid if I skip a couple of days they'll all congo into one. LOL
Have a blessed time at the Gathering! May new relationships be earnest and forging in personal growth!
You have a lot a great info given to you there. Definitely wash just as much as you did before (except probably not 7days a week tho). I typically wash mine every other day, but on days when I have to wash on days back to back, I really love how they feel.. They really do dread up faster when you keep them clean.
I am constantly separating my dreads. Every day, several times a day. Maybe I obsess too much, but I check them everytime I think about it. Sometimes while driving and stuck in traffic!
Lastly, don't use the aloe vera while your hair is in the early stages. It can cause your newly forming sections to loosen. It will tame frizzies, but it is really only advised for established, mature dreads.
One other piece of advice given often on here, no re-twisting on your loose ends. They just loosen back up and the "process" has to begin again. Trust me. I am kicking myself for doing mine. The sections that I did re-twisting/ripping are the last to start to knot.
Lastly, if you every get to the point when you feel that they aren't working for you, unless you want a shaved head--just know that you don't have to cut them off! They can be combed out, and you are back to your undreaded hair!
While it saddens me to hear about someone moving on away from their own dreadies....I really do think this video was well done. So whimsical yet emotional and freeing all at the same time!
My husband started letting his hair grow out to begin his dreadlock journey. My own are 6 months old that I started with tnr. Our hair/scalp types are completely different, so we need some advice on washing. I use and love the baking soda/ACV rinse. I am mixing in some tea tree oil, lavendar oil, and rosemary oil into the BS mix. The ACV rinse is just a capful to 5 cups of water and I have no issues with any of it so far.
His scalp is heavy on the oily side ( mine is on the dry side ), and he is concerned about how he is going to wash his hair once he starts getting sections. His hair is only 2 inches long, and he has been washing with Dr. Bronners for the last month or so. I wanted him to get used to not using a shampoo that leave residues. On a side note, I thought I read something about a way to help balance oily skin.
He thinks that the trouble with doing a "no touch" method is that it won't properly clean his hair. He works in the field and can get pretty dirty all over. He is quite accustomed to scrubbing his scalp vigorously to get clean!
I suppose we could continue to use the Dr. Bronners...
Tips? Advice? Experiences?
thanks
Before I started my dread journey, I always was distracted by the way my hair sat so flat on my head. It seemed like it just clinged to my noggin, and was kinda lifeless. It seemed like it had no body to it. Now...I am absolutely loving the texture! The density is different and substantial. I literally can't stop touching it. I know that's not a good thing. And actually one downside: I find myself obsessing over my hair now more than ever. that's one thing I don't like. Before, i never really spent a lot of time looking at my hair in the mirror. At this point I am always checking it in the mirror--but it is mainly to see the progress of the dreadies since I am only 6 months in. Hopefully that will lessen as they come into themselves.
That's great Barrel Lady! My family complains all the time about my loose hairs! They (the hairs)are particularly annoying when they attatch themselves to my shirts and insist on tickling my arm until I track it down. I still have quite a bit of loose hairs,,,and I think because I am not brushing them away, they really take their time leaving my person.
I am glad to hear that they will eventually get swallowed up...
Here's something awesome about starting them now: By the time you are 20...maybe everyone your age will think that dreadlocks are cool, or they may even become interested in them. You will have really beautiful mature, long, established dreads that they will all wish they had!
