Some people use just the BS method. Others use normal residue free shampoo and once in a while use the BS wash for a deep clean.
It's up to you.
The pics are a little washed out, but from what I can see, you shouldn't have any trouble locking.
I just like pushing this forum, cause it hasn't seen much activity in a bit. Do a search for "top secret". It'll be one of the first if not the first to pop up.
As for starting. What do you mean you hope to start the natural method "soon"? To start the natural method, you just start. Toss out your comb, get a residue free shampoo for Dreadlockshampoo.com, or Dr. Bronners, or use the Baking Soda/Apple Cider Vinegar wash. There's all sorts of recipes for the amounts you should use all over this site. It's easiest to make a big batch of 1 cup BS to 1 gallon water and the same ratio of ACV to water. And WASH WASH WASH. 2-3 times a week for the first few months.
When you are first staring, use a liquid soap. It's gentler on your hair. As they mature to a point where scrubbing harder wont undo your locks, you can, if you want, switch to a bar.
ONLY FOCUS ON YOUR SCALP. This is very important. You do not have to wash your hair. Scrub your scalp, and when you rinse, it will run through your hair, cleaning it.
When you dry, do not run your head with a towel. This undoes knots that are trying to form. Just take a towel, wrap it around your hair and squeeze until excess water comes out. Then let it air dry. As they mature, you can use a blow drier to speed up the process. As they mature they take longer and longer to dry.
There's nothing special you need to buy or own except for the soap. Don't listen to people who talk about using wool pillow covers or wearing tams to sleep. Neither arenecessary. In fact, tams tend to fall off at night anyway.
You might find that a few are growing in flatter than others. Don't worry. They tend to flatten out over time.
If the process seems to be moving really slow, you can always put some beads in your hair to help the sections along.
And separate. You won't need to for a little while, but after a few weeks, they might start to tangle into larger chunks than you want, just rip them apart as you see fit. Usually every 2-3 washes.
It'll help us if you can post some pics of your hair too. Then we'll get a better idea of whether you have thick or thin hair. The more info, the better we can help you
I'd mix the oils with the Jojoba. Pure essential oils, in most cases, are caustic the the skin. Jojoba is an applicator oil. It lets the oils spread out more by cutting down the concentration.
Welcome. Phoenix, already said it, but I'll reiterate. Growing locks is a wonderful test in patience. Don't give up on them. We've all been where you are, so we all know the different stages you'll go through. The unraveling, the stagnant phase, the itchy phase, everything. Don't be afraid to post questions or concerns you've got.
And the patience you get from your locks will transfer over to your life in the terms of how you deal with problems with your kids, job, etc.
Good luck. Keep us posted
When you work out in the heat, you sweat more. The top of your head can get pretty gross feeling from the salt that accumulates. Just make sure you wash often. The salt can actually really help the process.
But like Eagle said, just carry around a bottle of water and pour a little bit over your head here and there to cool downperiodically
have you tried oils? Tea tree and Rosemary are good for Dandruff. Mix a few drop in with your soap for a few washes, and you should be good to go. Also, a spray bottle with some Tea Tree, Jojoba oil, and water will help moisturize your scalp
I just though of it. You know what would also help... Get a second spray bottle and again fill it with pure water, but mix a little sea salt into this one. A little while before you shower, spray your scalp with this mixture. It'll suck a lot for a few seconds because salt on wounds is never fun, but it does help clean them and sanitize them. When you wash, rinse really well. get all the salt out. You'll feel much better. the salt will clean the sores and leave your head feeling kind of tingly, but not so itchy. Do this ever time you wash for a week or so. By the end, the itchies will be gone and the scabs will be healing right along.
Stick with your locks. We've all been through itchy phases. It's part of the process. They do end
If you're scratching that much, you're creating scabs. That's probably adding to the itch. scabs itch when they heal. Get a little spray bottle and fill it with pure water, if you can't get the oils (the oils would be much better, but I understand if you can't). Put the bottle in the fridge. That'll chill it down so when you spray your head, it'll be a nice cool soothing feeling. It probably won't work when you put oils in, because oils tend to coagulate in cold temps, but for plain water it's perfect.
Some things are just so obvious, but you never put 2 and 2 together. I didn't realize, either, that BS strips colour. Good to know.
And welcome. Dreadlocks are just so much fun to have and play with. It's a great feeling to be able to explain to others how they work and grow on their own.
I hope you hav a good experience
That's the response I always give, too. Whenever people ask me how long they took to look like they do, I tell them I've been working on them for 5 years. Never how long they took to look mature
