Dreadlock Maintenance - a complete guide

Dreadlock Maintenance: A Complete Guide to Keeping Your Dreads Healthy and Strong

Whether you're new to the world of dreadlocks or you're a seasoned dreadhead looking for ways to keep your dreads in top shape, you’ve come to the right place! Dreadlock maintenance is important for hair and scalp health, and is crucial for aesthetics (especially if you are in a professional position or just like to look tidy). Furthermore, regular maintenance is worthwhile to ensure that your locs maintain their integrity over time.

How Are Dreads Made?

Dreadlocks are sections of hair that have been matted, twisted, crocheted, or formed into rope-like strands. The process of creating dreadlocks can be done by a professional loctician (highly recommended due to their expertise in sectioning and even knotting) at home using techniques such as combing, twisting, backcombing (and a trusty friend to help you with the back sections), or even by letting the hair naturally ‘freeform’ into locs over time. The dreadlock formation process can also involve using chemical products to perm the hair, although this method is less common and can be damaging.

As your dreads mature, the hair continues to lock, creating unique, textured patterns. This “messy phase” can last up to two years, meaning you may need more frequent dreadlock maintenance early on compared to when your locs are fully matured.

Essential Dreadlock Maintenance Tips for Healthy Locs

Caring for dreadlocks goes beyond aesthetic appeal. It’s crucial for maintaining the health of your scalp and hair. Here are the key components of dreadlock care:

1. Washing Your Dreads

Proper dreadlock washing is essential for keeping your locs clean and free from dirt, oil, and product buildup that can cause irritation and itching.

• Shampooing: Use a residue-free clarifying shampoo to ensure your locs stay clean and free from buildup. Avoid heavily fragranced or moisturising shampoos that can leave oils or creams behind.

• Washing Frequency: Depending on your hair type and lifestyle, wash your locs every 1-2 weeks. If you’re particularly active, live in a hot climate, or have a messy job, you may need to wash more often. Let your scalp guide you on this one!

• Drying: It’s important to thoroughly dry your dreads after washing to prevent mildew or odours. Air-drying or using a blow dryer on low heat can help speed up the process.

2. Home-Based Dreadlock Maintenance Techniques

To speed up the locking process, separate your dreads regularly and give them each a gentle palm roll. Palm rolling helps tighten the dreads and maintain their structure. You can also use a sea salt mist spray or Aloe Vera Dread Gel for better results. If you are unsure about how to do this, ask your loctician (or pretend you are lighting a fire before matches were invented!).

3. Root Maintenance (also known as Retwisting and Re-locking)

One of the most important aspects of dreadlock maintenance is ensuring that the new growth at the roots is aligned with the rest of the loc. This can be achieved by retwisting or crocheting the new growth into the loc.

• How Often: For younger dreads, root maintenance should be done every 4-6 weeks to ensure consistent maturation. As your locs mature, you may only need to perform root maintenance once every 3-6 months.

• Techniques: Common methods include twisting, interlocking, and crocheting. The best method for your dreads will depend on your hair texture. We do not recommend interlocking on caucasian hair. Always be gentle to avoid damaging the scalp and hair.

• Always Be Gentle: Always be gentle when performing your own root maintenance, and avoid doing it too frequently. It’s wise to advocate for your scalp health when visiting a new loctician too. If you are experiencing a lot of pain during your maintenance session or afterwards, let your stylist know. Over-twisting, interlocking, or over tightening can cause tension on the scalp, which in some cases may lead to hair breakage or irreversible thinning.

4. Dread Detox Soaks

A dread detox soak is an excellent way to remove deep grime and buildup. You can create a DIY soak using baking soda or buy products from reputable brands like Dread Empire. This process helps cleanse your locs and is particularly useful if you work in an oily or hot environment or if you've been around smoke or dirt.

5. Moisturising Your Locs

Dreadlocks can feel and look dry as the natural matting process prevents natural oils from distributing evenly along the strands. If this applies to you or if you have naturally dry hair, moisturising your locs can keep them hydrated and prevent breakage.

• Hair Oils: Use light natural oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, or coconut oil to hydrate your locs without causing buildup. Avoid heavy oils or products containing petroleum.

• Leave-In Sprays: Consider using a dreadlock-specific leave-in spray or make your own using organic Aloe Vera and water.

6. Managing Frizz

Frizz is a natural part of the dreadlock process, especially in the early stages. If you prefer a smoother appearance:

• Twist or Braid: For frizzy areas, you can twist or braid them to keep them tidy until they lock.

• Use Satin or Silk Accessories: Satin or silk scarves, pillowcases, or dread sleep sacks reduce friction while sleeping and can minimise frizz.

• Avoid Over-Manipulating: Constantly touching or pulling at your locs can worsen frizz.

7. Scalp Care for Healthy Dreads

A clean and healthy scalp promotes healthy locs. Regular scalp care helps prevent irritation and buildup:

• Scalp Massages: Stimulate blood circulation with scalp massages to promote hair growth and maintain scalp health.

• Tightness: Pay attention to the tightness of your locs—tight locs can lead to scalp discomfort and even traction alopecia (hair loss due to tension). If you feel excessive tension or find little red ‘tension bumps’ around the base of your dreads, loosen them and/or adjust your retwisting schedule.

Additional Tips for Dreadlock Maintenance

• Patience is Key: Dreadlocks take time to mature fully. Embrace the journey and trust the process!

• Avoid Excessive Heat: Heat styling tools like flat irons or curling irons can damage your locs. Use heat only for drying, and avoid excessive heat.

• Mind the Buildup: Regularly use residue-free products to avoid buildup, which can lead to dread rot (!)

• Maintain the Ends: If you have long, wavy, ‘mermaid’ locs, you’ll need to add a conditioning step to the loose hairs after washing, and comb these ends regularly. If you have rounded or blunted tips, these may need crochet maintenance, just like the lengths. Wispy ends are a popular choice as they look great with minimal maintenance, however even these tips may benefit from a little trim every now and then.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Dreadlock Journey

Dreadlocks are a unique and beautiful way to wear your hair in a permanent style. You can throw away your hairbrush, but they are not completely maintenance free! Consistent care will help your dreads to stay healthy and strong. By following a regular maintenance routine—including proper washing, palm rolling, root maintenance, and scalp care—you can ensure your locs continue to thrive and deliver the results you are after. Remember, every loc is different, so it's essential to tailor your maintenance routine to your hair type and individual needs. Embrace the journey and enjoy the beauty of your locs as they grow and evolve!