How To Naturally Grow Dreadlocks Fast For Those With Afro Hair

How Often Should You Wash Dreadlocks, And How Do You Wash Them In The Shower?

Some people think dreadlocks are never washed. That is far from true!

When your dreadlocks are young, you should wash them once a week or once every two weeks. Mature dreads can go several weeks between washing.

To wash them, use a shampoo specifically made for dreadlocks. Work the shampoo from your scalp down your dreads until you get a nice lather.

Rinse by putting your head beneath the head of the shower, letting the water run down your dreads, so that you don’t have to handle them with your hands.

Make sure you dry your dreadlocks completely. Use a blow dryer on low.

How Often Should You Retwist Your Dreads, And How Should You Do It?

Every 3-4 weeks, you’ll need to retwist your dreads because of new growth. Retwisting more than this will damage your hair.

After washing your hair, divide your dreads into four equal sections. Clip up three of them while you work on the fourth.

Hold each dread tightly and apply locking gel or cream. Use a rattail comb to twist your hair, starting from the scalp and twisting down the new growth until you reach the dread.

Alternatively, twist your new growth by palm rolling the dread.

Repeat for your entire head, and then blow dry your dreads, giving extra attention to the roots. Clip your hair up that night before going to bed in order to keep the new dreads tight, and cover your head with a silk scarf.

Dreadlock Swimming: Can You Get Your Dreads Wet? And Is Chlorine Bad For Them?

Although loose natural hair can suffer breakage in chlorine, dreadlocks, even young dreads, are far more resilient. That said, you should still protect them with a large or extra large dreadlock swimming cap.

After you swim, make sure that you squeeze the water out of your dreads. This is easy when your dreads are young, as they don’t hold water very well, but once you have mature dreads, you will need to wring and blow dry them.

Avoid swimming for the first month after you get your dreads, but by the second month you’ll be able to move freely in the water. For the first six months, put rubber bands on the tips and roots of your dreads when you swim in order to keep them from partially unraveling.

Can You Wash Dreadlocks With Apple Cider Vinegar Or Baking Soda?

Apple cider vinegar and baking soda are great clarifiers – they strip all of the dirt and buildup from your hair. You might think your hair is clean, but clarifiers show you otherwise.

Apple cider vinegar and baking soda are great for dreadlocks. Mix 3/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of baking soda.

Pour the mixture into a sink or bowl full of hot water. Put your hair in the bowl and gently work your hands down the dreads.

You’ll be shocked by how much dirt comes out into the water.

Repeat once, then condition your dreads heavily because clarifiers strip all of the moisture out.

See the process in action.

How Do You Take Down Dreadlocks Without Cutting Them?

Maybe dreadlocks just aren’t for you. Don’t reach for the scissors just yet – you can comb them out and save your natural hair.

That’s the best solution for taking dreads out.

Wash and condition your hair to make it soft and easy to untangle. With the end of a rattail comb, gently pick at the dreads, starting from the ends and working your way toward the scalp.

You’re going to lose a lot of hair, but don’t worry – that’s just the natural breakage that has been occurring in your hair since you first got dreads.

Afterward, clarify your hair with apple cider vinegar in order to get out wax buildup and then condition with tea tree conditioner. You might want one that you can keep in for a while.

Add a moisturizing hair masque of your choice and sit under the dryer.

Which Loc Youtubers Should You Follow?

While you grow your dreadlocks, you’re going to need inspiration and guidance. These beautiful black locinistas have got you covered.

JungleBarbie makes tutorials on how to moisturize and style your locs, as well as how to get a flat stomach, eat healthier and live the life you’ve always wanted to live.

Chescalocs doesn’t update as often as we’d like her to, but her styling tutorials are everything.

Patty Phattty will teach you everything you need to know about styling your hair, taking care of your skin and doing your make-up. She’s got you covered.

How to Naturally Grow Dreadlocks Fast for Those with Afro Hair

Dreadlocks are a classy, versatile style that are easy to start and fun to maintain. Whether you have silky hair or coarse hair, short hair or long hair, this style might just be for you.