How often can I wash my hair
Dread Maintenance
Of course! Washing every other day is perfectly fine. That is how often I wash my baby dreads and how I have done it in the past with no problem.
Of course! Washing every other day is perfectly fine. That is how often I wash my baby dreads and how I have done it in the past with no problem.
You will see the best and most progress from the areas that loosen up. Last dread journey, I did T&R on my whole hair. Most of the back came mostly to completely undone and ended up locking up quicker than the T&R locks. Early on, I had tried to T&R a couple back up that came completely loose, but then they would fall back apart. There will never be progress on those until you let them be, trust me!
The ones that look braided will look that way for a while. I had several like that, and they didn't start to look less braidy until about 10 months. It might take longer or shorter for you, so just be patient.
Good luck! The more you mess with them, the less they have a chance to progress.
I have no skill with web pages or anything, but I have some free time currently. Once Feb-March rolls around, I won't be as much of a help because I have another little one on the way. I can't be on my computer a LOT because I take care of my 20 month old, but I am home almost all of the time, so I can pop on my computer here and there throughout the day.
What kind of help do you need currently with the new site?
Nonononononono!!!!! Using baking soda as a paste is reallllly bad for your hair and scalp!!!!!
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/forum/topics/super-clean-dreads-safe-for
When he says use baking soda (not powder etc...) he means don't use baking powder, make sure it is baking soda.
Wear a bandana lightly, so your hair isn't restrained too much. Just don't wear it too often, because it does indeed slow down progress.
Under no circumstances should you sleep in a hat, unless you don't care about your progress significantly slowing down. You have the most progress while sleeping. That progress is due to tangling that occurs from the hair being down and loose and able to knot up. Putting a hat on would prevent that from happening!
Even if you have starter dreads, they need to be down and free while you're in bed to continue matting.
Locs go through phases similar to humans as they grow up...
You have the 'baby dreads' phase. They are delicate and you have to be much more careful with them at this stage. Washing and separating is all you have to worry about.
Then you have your 'teenage dreads' phase. This is when your dreads are rebellious, crazy, and exciting! They will loop, zig-zag, frizz, all that fun stuff! Don't fear this phase, it is special. Once dreads straighten out, you will miss this phase. Again, wash and probably more frequent separating at this point!
Next is the 'adult dreads' phase. This is where dreads are getting more mature, but still aren't quite fully mature. Zig-zagging and loops start to settle down.
Finally, the 'mature dreads' phase. This is where your dreads are fully mature. Less loose ends and roots. Beautiful, noble, calm. <3
The ONLY maintenance you have to continue is washing your dreads and separating when needed. Nothing else.
Baking soda is only in powdered form. You should be washing your baby dreads 2-3 times a week.
That is why I started over!!!!!! People REALLY need to be aware of the importance of natural sectioning. It is emphasized here, but I don't think people just starting out really get why it is so important. I ended up getting a lot of hairs ripping at the scalp due to forced sectioning on my t&r dreads. It became too painful, and nothing seemed to help except taking them out. I tried to alleviate the pain for 2 months and figured I was better off starting over, because they were only almost a year old. I want dreadlocks for the rest of my life, and I didn't want to live with ones so forced.
I started a handful of t&r locs this time around, but I let them section naturally first for 2 weeks. Also, most of my hair is left to dread naturally. Only the front of my head and a few on top are t&r.
mikayla roman said:
I am starting over due to a couple things. The main reason is my scalp keeps getting pulled on by baby hairs that are tight because I didn't section. I over washed them quite a bit which I also regret. They were twist and rip to neglect, which I will be doing the same thing over again with that. I will definitely section this time and take better care of them! :D
Loose roots are necessary and completely normal. Baby dreads should have 1-3 inches of loose roots. Mine are easily two to four inches of loose roots before the formation of baby dreads. Don't stress, you're only 3 months in.