Forum Activity for @taye

Second thoughts

Introduce Yourself

My hair was to my lower back. It shrank for 2 years. It took 4 years to grow back to the original length. I have a lot of people that come up to me and ask about my hair. I tell every single one of them that the first year is hard. My hair looked awful. Scarves were my best friend. I just did not look at myself in the mirror.

The point is most people who start dreads don't make it past 6 months. They give up. They do not have a vision of what is to come. Their vanity keeps them from continuing the journey. That is why long dreads are not seen often but short dreads are everywhere. I see a lot more synthetic long dreads (extensions)than I do natural ones.

People are always going to stare. Dreads are different. Dreads are misunderstood. People look at me all the time. I could care less. Their opinions are not our business. Their opinion belongs to them and can not effect us unless we let it. You started your journey for your own reasons...not for them. You know the old saying....you can't please everyone...but you can please yourself This is what my hair looked like at around 6 months. It was a mess but I promise it gets better

keeping hair from dreading

Dreading Methods

A couple of my dreads started out as braids.....so you may want to comb them out once a week or so....at least. The bad thing about straight hair is that it WANTS to dread. Dreads do not need maintenance but straight air does. Just thought I would give you a heads up

☽☼ Valerie's Neglect Dreadies Timeline ☼ ☾*2 month update*

Member Journals and Timelines

lovely. Looks like they are knotting up quickly!!!

The One Hun-dread dollar bet

Introduce Yourself

How long is your hair? It could take longer than a year if it is short. Show her pictures from this site.

Update on my neglect.

Member Journals and Timelines

Don't cut the ringlets off. I think they are beautiful!!

Headband Giveaway Feb 2014

Dread Craft Show and Trade

I don't think anyone wants a used one from me. But I might be able to make another.

soaring eagle said:

taye if you got a drawerfull want to add a couple so a few ppl can get some?

Headband Giveaway Feb 2014

Dread Craft Show and Trade

Over the years I have collected, been gifted and made many hair bands, scarves and head wraps. I have an overflowing drawer full. So I would rather someone without any or someone with only a few of them receive your beautiful band. There are so many people starting out that have nothing to pull their knots back with. I remember a time when I didn't.

It is lovely!! I would be proud to wear it. I think your give away is a GREAT idea!!

New! Questions about Method, Maintenance, & dreads in the workplace.

Introduce Yourself

Welcome to the site Storm,

TnR is a starting method. A starting method is like an outline for a book. The basic shape is there but, all the context is missing. With TnR you do section, which will give you some control over the size of your dreads. It is important to remember that you base your sections on the scalp grid and not on the amount of hair. Your hair will knot up, shrink and thicken. Typically a 1 inch square will become a one inch dread. (If your hair is very thin, it may not be quite an inch).

TnR will loosen up in order to form these knots. The locks that I used TnR on did not fully fall out but I know other people whose did. Hair can not knot unless it moves. Hair has to tangle around on itself. It takes time. At least a year in fact. Knots are tangles. Tangles are messy. Be prepared for it.

I also like the look of unlocked tips. My hair does not want to do that though. My ends knot up first, form balls and then round out. That is just the way my hair wants to be. So you really don't have much of a choice....your hair will decide for you. With roots, It is normal and healthy to have an inch (or less when mature) of unlocked hair. In the early stages of knotting...you will probably have even more.

Putting your hair in a bun for work will hinder the progress. Hair needs to be moving in order to knot. I understand that you may need to look "professional." The way to deal with that is to leave your hair down the rest of the time. ONLY wear it up at work and that is only if you have to.

It is important to use a non residue shampoo. Walmart does not usually offer very good shampoos for anybody dreads or no dreads. But some carry a brand called "Kiss My Face". Their " Whenever" shampoo is non residue and has a pleasant citrus smell. Your local health food store should carry it if Walmart does not. It is the best, cheapest store-bought shampoo that I have found

I hope that helped.

Reassure me?

Dread Maintenance

Look at timelines on here for inspiration. You can see how the messy stages transform into beautiful knots!! I enjoy watching the progression from crazy mess to beautiful ropes. It reminds me of the "Ugly Duckling" story.

I did not make a timeline but, I do try to take pictures once a year to show the growth. On my page I only have one photo of the first year or so. It is because my hair was so crazy that I just did not take any. But take a look, The photo titled "baby dreads" was taken somewhere around 6 months to a year. You will see what I am talking about. My knots do not look anything like that any more.

So remember when you are feeling discouraged... you are a swan!!!!! It just takes time.

People Freaking Out Over My Decision To Dread!

Dreadlocks Journey Emotional Support

My brother says that I have dead animals on my head lol. I only see him for a week during the holidays each year. He makes comments about people staring at me all the time that we are out in public Christmas shopping.

I have an aunt that threatens to cut my hair. She laughs when she says it...but I wouldn't spend the night at her house....just in case.

Other than that...I only get positive remarks. I actually get complements a lot. I have had many many strangers come up to me to tell me how much they love my hair...or how beautiful they think it is. Strangers never approached me about my hair pre-dreads lol. So don't worry about those negative responses, You will receive lots of complements too!! Just wait and see.

Your cousin has some issues. Her thoughts and opinions are hers. She has a right to them. Her opinions are not your business nor your responsibility. The only way they can effect you is if you let them. Do you really enjoy being in such a negative environment on Thanksgiving? Spend your day of thanks in a good, warm and loving place !!!