Forum Activity for @opaulao

How can I encourage congos?

Dreading Methods

that's a really good idea! I'll try that on a few and see how it works. I just really want a way to keep the ones I want together but away from others Thanks!! Sister Rags said:

They'll go together on their own, like others said. I've congoed some by using hemp string in an "X" pattern along the dreads; it does tend to encourage congoeing, but mostly I did the wraps for some color & decoration & if they congoed, it was a plus.

How can I encourage congos?

Dreading Methods

Oh I never thought of that ... I'm glad you brougt this up.. I have actually been worrying a bit that my roots wouldn't dread quickly.. Now I have some hope that they will Iain said:

I didn't notice even having to separate mine for a few months before they really started to come together, the fact your noticing yours so early on is a good thing though since you know your roots will lock up easily,
rubber bands are a pain in the butt, imo just use a peyote stitch if you have one, it was the most simple easy way to let mine combine at the roots. (even a bead that fits nicely)

never tried twisting them around each other to the point where they held though so idk if that'll work. Buuut something else to consider is how easily your roots seem to congo as they mature, I had a few that snuck up on me that combined be4 I noticed (smaller locks)

SE's answer pretty much sums it up simply tho :P

How can I encourage congos?

Dreading Methods

You're right SE... I guess I'm still entertaining the idea that I am in any way in control of my hair.. I just need to let it do what it wants

How can I encourage congos?

Dreading Methods

So Ive had my t&rs for arount 2-3 weeks and Ive decided to let some Congo.Today after my wash I didn't separate them and They have already started to grow together at the roots. Now I don't want to have one huge dread so I was wondering-could I loosely braid/twist a few together so they can continue to eat eachother? I was also thinking about using rubberbands but I don't know if that's a good idea.
updated by @opaulao: 02/14/15 08:34:16AM

Sea water

Dread Maintenance

That's exactly what the salt water is supposed todry them...and the frizzy loose hairs will eventually dread too...When I wash my hair it gets very soft and fluffy. So after every wash(and in between washes) I spray with salt water and it drys them and makes them a little stiffer, which is ultimately what I want.If your hair gets too dry though, you might want to spray less often or use some moisturizing oils when you wash.

Question about Rip and Twist method.

Dreading Methods

Yes but you have to be patient. They won't start locking for at least a month. Then it will take time. Just let them be and, with time, they will be "perfect"(for you)

elloo from a soon to be re-dreaded ... head !

Introduce Yourself

Welcome Rob!! It really sucks that you had to go through all of that. You were probably allergic...you might want to find out what you were allergic to to avoid anything like that from happening again with other products.It's good dreads don't need anyIf you want to start them with twist and rip, once you've done that you really shouldn't have to do much.I did mine twist and rip a couple of weeks ago and the first thing that happened is that the roots came very loose... I tried to "fix" them and did some back combing to tighten them but it just kept coming loose. So I just had to accept that nothing I do will lock them. They will do that themselves Good luck with them..there is tons of info in the links over >>>>> there:)

I've a MAJOR dilemma resolved!!

General Talk

I agree with Lisa. But you also have to think abou the salon. Do you think they would be happy with you sending away your and their customers to reaserch free methods of dreading? They too are in it for the bussiness and not too many people would go to salons to get dreads that will be frizzy and unravel anyways. They most likely want perfect dreads then and there.

Dry dreadlocks

Dreads Hair and Scalp Health

You could use some natural aloe vera, or if they are mature enough that they wont come undone, you could maybe use a little bit of normal conditioner but that would probably leave a residue. I think aloe vera would be a good choice

Will The 'Chunks' Fill In?

General Questions

if the dreads are really tight on the scalp, the sections will be very visible. Once you let them naturalize the hair that will grow will probably hide the sectioning some