dreadlockssite 3.0 beta testers needed
General Talk
SE,
I just made a new account on the page. Where are bugs reported? There doesn't seem to be a way to change the password or access account settings.
SE,
I just made a new account on the page. Where are bugs reported? There doesn't seem to be a way to change the password or access account settings.
I test software and sites for a living and I would be glad to help you out, soaring eagle.
Also, I check out your link. Are the shampoo bars good for newer dreads or should I go with the liquid? I'm thinking of ordering one but with shipping and taxes the cost ranges from about $15-$20.
I've been using the BS method with the following ratio in this link:
http://www.dreadlockssite.com/forum/topics/baking-soda-and-sea-salt-ratios
My hair is pretty short, so I've realized that a little BS wash goes a long way. If I'm washing every week, I only need 1/2 cup of water and about 1 tbsp of BS. If I skipped a week or two, I either use 3/4 cups of water and 1.2 tbsp of BS or 1 cup of water and 1.5 tbsp of BS. I also add rosemary and lavender/tea tree oil to my rinse. I use 3-6 drops of the first and 1-2 drops of the second. For the past 3 months I have also added peppermint oil to my rinse. It's pretty strong, so I don't use more than 2 drops.
After I've rinsed off the BS I then pour a hair rinse of white vinegar and water on my head, turning around in the shower so I can get to each part of my head. I would use ACV but unfortunately the useful kind with the mother triggers my allergies because I am allergic to raw apples (stupid school lunches...). When I'm measuring that I currently use 10 mL of white vinegar and 490 mL of lukewarm water. So that is my current washing routine. I do not add oils to the scalp or hair because my hair seems to have trouble keeping in moisture (it's low porosity) and I thought using them on my scalp or hair would lead to build-up and make it harder for my hair to dread.
So i've been washing and separating every time I was for a year. The good news is that some locs eventually formed. I understand that the loose hair is a part of the process, but here are the issues I've run into recently.
a) Dry hair and scalp, particularly when the heat is on. I'm thinking of getting some coconut oil but I'm not sure if my locs are mature enough to handle it. Today I put a spray of cold water, 5 drops of rosemary oil, and 5 drops of peppermint oil as a temporarily solution but I want something that will keep my hair mosturized. I live in the South (GA), but it can get really cold and dry down here during the winter.
b) Bangs. I think these formed because I kept separating my hair in the front, thinking that it would lead to locs which would stick upwards, but instead they fell in front of my face. This is pretty annoying, but I looked at this video to see what could be done about it, but if you guys have any ideas feel free to add them.
c) Loose balls on the ends. I have a whole bunch of them in my hair and I'm not sure what to do. I personally have no problem with them because I figure they are a part of dreading if you are taking the organic/freeform method. Unfortunately, my parents do not care to understand this. My father has begun yelling at me about my hair. I do not want to cut nor do i want to take my locs out if I do not have to. I would tell them off but I currently live with them and I do not have another place to go to right now.
d) Mass of hair. I think that ties into c). My hair has some defined locs on the sides, but most of the hair just looks like a mix of locs and loose hair that just won't dread and I'm not sure what to do about it. I have no problem with it, but I'm tired of being given shit by some of my relatives for my hair.
Here's some prevalent stereotypes I was exposed to after hearing my mom complain about my dreads yet again (she's from Ghana):
a) Witchcraft/Sorcery ( I think this just means people who follow the traditional religions of the various 'tribes' (don't like that term much; find it Eurocentric) which is funny considering the role Christian missionaries played in colonialism and how they fund oppression in the present day.)
b) Mental illness
c) Marijuana
What I don't understand is that locs as a way of wearing hair (and the religious/spiritual aspects of it) have been around for generations and yet today if you wear locs people think you're crazy or just trying to be counterculture. It's really annoying and shameful.