Some questions on getting started
Dreading Methods
I recommended t&r completely! It's how I started my hair about 15 months ago, and while I might advise that you should have someone section your hair (depends on what you want your dreads to look like in the end) before you t&r, it's great for getting a fair bit of definition early on. Remember though, you're only laying the groundwork for dreads; It was really hard to tell exactly what was going on with my hair until 6-7 months in! I say that if you have some t&r that comes mostly undone, just leave it! I have a few dreads at the nape of my neck that I really worried about in the first few months... the t&r was hastily done, and I was afraid it would completely fall out! Today though, they are some of the nicest locks on my entire head!
Just t&r, wash, and separate, that's really all there is to it! For the first few months, experiment on what works well for you... shampoo, baking soda, shampoo bars, your options are endless! Just remember, that if you're going to use a store bought liquid shampoo, dilute it in water... as in, pour a bit into a cup, then fill the cup with water and stir the shampoo around until dissolved. It makes it much easier to distribute, as well as easier to rinse out. I've gone through a ton of different washes and for now I'm finding that a good shampoo used for a few weeks with a baking soda rinse once a month does WONDERS. Like I said, just experiment with a few things, and see what works for you!
As far as separation is concerned, try to separate right out of the shower! The hair is still very elastic and breaks easily. If you try to separate after your hair has dried, I suggest using a small, one blade razor (like ones that you would use to trim your eyebrows) to cut some of the more stubborn hairs. Just be very very careful! It's easy to get a bit razor happy and end up thinning out a dread too much!
I wish you and yours the absolute BEST in your journey... buckle up, it's one hell of a wild ride!
