Ok, that's encouraging. Another question...sorry, this might be the last one, at least for now...is it a bad idea to occasionally put a bandana or scarf on my head while I'm waiting for the dreads to get established? Would be nice to keep my hair out of my eyes sometimes, or if I need to be presentable for something while my hair is transitioning. I really appreciate the help.
Thank you...seems my instincts are completely wrong...lots to learn. I will switch to the baking soda wash and just pat my hair so that it's not dripping wet. Thanks for the help. What do you think about starting with it as short as it is? Should I wait until it's longer, or carry on?
soaring eagle said:
thats why it will never dread when you wash with normal shampoo and towel dry that way
switch the the baking soda or dreadlockshampoo stop towel drying (rubbing any tangles out of existence) those changes and you my see some actuion in just a week
Mairi Campbell said:Ok well that's fair enough...you did come across a bit strong. I went back and reread my post to be sure, and I did not imply that I expected fully formed, perfect dreads in a week. I was just surprised to not even find a tangle after a week in the sea wind. Anyway, let's put that behind us. You asked me a few questions which I did not wish to discuss with you at that time. I am washing it with normal shampoo, and towel drying it vigorously then leaving it be. I would appreciate any tips you might have. And I have another question: I am hoping that with my hair being on the short side, that even though it will take longer to start locking, that maybe it will make stronger dreads? Or would it be better to wait until it is longer so that it locks more easily? Or does it make any difference? Thanks in advance, and peace and blessings
I was just reading about the baking soda rinse! Great, thanks so much for the help...will let you know in a few weeks...or months..or whatever..haha....how it's going 
Jules Victoria said:
Start doing the baking soda rinse (see "dreaducation" - no ACV follow up for the first few weeks) and just pat dry, no vigorous rubbing.
It'll dread much faster this way
Mairi Campbell said:Ok well that's fair enough...you did come across a bit strong. I went back and reread my post to be sure, and I did not imply that I expected fully formed, perfect dreads in a week. I was just surprised to not even find a tangle after a week in the sea wind. Anyway, let's put that behind us. You asked me a few questions which I did not wish to discuss with you at that time. I am washing it with normal shampoo, and towel drying it vigorously then leaving it be. I would appreciate any tips you might have. And I have another question: I am hoping that with my hair being on the short side, that even though it will take longer to start locking, that maybe it will make stronger dreads? Or would it be better to wait until it is longer so that it locks more easily? Or does it make any difference? Thanks in advance, and peace and blessings
Ok well that's fair enough...you did come across a bit strong. I went back and reread my post to be sure, and I did not imply that I expected fully formed, perfect dreads in a week. I was just surprised to not even find a tangle after a week in the sea wind. Anyway, let's put that behind us. You asked me a few questions which I did not wish to discuss with you at that time. I am washing it with normal shampoo, and towel drying it vigorously then leaving it be. I would appreciate any tips you might have. And I have another question: I am hoping that with my hair being on the short side, that even though it will take longer to start locking, that maybe it will make stronger dreads? Or would it be better to wait until it is longer so that it locks more easily? Or does it make any difference? Thanks in advance, and peace and blessings
Good to know! That gives me some perspective. I think it will take a while. Someone else commented that it seems people with spiral curls (like me) seem to take longer. Just wanted to know! Thanks
Mons said:
Ditto what Jules said! Each persons hair is different.
I've had dread for just over 2 years, I have a couple sections of loose hair that have just started knotting up over the last month. 2 years of long straight soft hair, it was really frustrating.
My oldest sons now ex-girlfriend, she quit brushing the last weekend of May this year (not even 5 months ago!) She's got a full head of natural dreadies that are just amazing. Granted, her hair is long and fairly curly.
Just a couple examples for you
I don't think jumping all over me for my question was completely necessary. I am not stupid....I know it will take time, I just wondered what was the timeframe, on average, that one would begin to see any change happening. Sorry I asked now.
soaring eagle said:
haha a week?
ok some hair dreads in a week
more in 3 weeks
more in 3 months
some in a uear
no all hair will dread
but only about 5% dread in a week
plus its short
longer hair dreads faster
to even ask this question after only days (a weeks 7 days 168 hours
have you ever planted a tree? or any seed at all for that matter?
did you sit there for hours waiting to see it pop through the soil? were you disapointed when you had to sleep and it hadnt popped up yet?
or did you just trust that it would happen at some point datys weeks even months later
if youd ever been pregnant did you roll over after conception and stare at your watch waiting to see how long it took for a head to pop out?
or..for that matter a week into pregnency would you as "do some babies refuse to be born and just stay in there forever?"
these things all take to]ime ..to assume that it will never happen when hardly any time at all has passed is silly
but
what are you washing with
how
how re you drying
etc
lets spot any mistakes so maybe you'll find a dread in another week or 3 or 5
theres no schedule
some dont find a knot or tangle for quite awhile
others it only takes hours
stop expecting..wait and see
Thank you for the helpful tips and encouragement, and also the nice description of the process. Much appreciated
Jules Victoria said:
You can help it along by wrapping your pillow in a wool sweater or vest. That's what helped mine start. Otherwise be patient.
It will not happen overnight or in a week or maybe not for a while.
You'll start to see it section.
Then it will mat a little (especially where you sleep on it), which you will separate into smaller sections.
It will progress even when it looks like it's regressing. It will change weekly, and then daily and you will love every knot and loop and swirl and telling your story to people who are interested.
Enjoy every minute of it and before you know it a little baby dread is forming and then another and another and another and...
BOOM!!!
You're a dreadhead
Maybe it's too short (jaw length layered bob) but after a week of just washing it, no combing, no hair products, no finger combing, and spending my whole day out in the wind and sun for a the whole week, I do not have one single tangle. My hair is naturally pretty curly and fine..I thought it would lock easily. I know it takes a couple of weeks, but I thought I would have at least a few tangles by now. Is it too short? Do some people just have hair that won't lock up?
Geez...we are all skinned! haha!
As soon as I can, I will, I promise....but right now I would get a big "declined" if I tried. In the meantime, sending love and light and energies of prosperity and abundance to you and to all member here! Big love
