Dreadlocks is the coolest hairstyle to ever exist. This hairstyle has survived for thousands of years and would continue to stick around for many more. This blog talks about dreadlocks, their making, maintenance and some special and useful tips.
Table of Contents
What are Dreadlocks?
Dreadlocks are actually rope-like clumps of hair formed by the hair getting matted together. This hairstyle is believed to have been linked historically with Aztec, Greek, Buddhist, Senegalese, and Rastafari cultures. Although they are recently believed to be associated with African culture and identity, people from different races do not hesitate from sporting their hair in dreadlocks.
How to make Dreadlocks?
Well, the most natural way to make dreadlocks is the neglected method. The method involves neglecting the hair completely by forgoing brushing, combing, and cutting the hair altogether. However, it takes years for such dreads to get mature.
There are also other ways to make attractive dreadlocks in a more uniform manner and are less time consuming. While backcombing is the most popular of these, dread braiding and twisting are also some methods to give a try.
Maintenance of your Dreadlocks
Washing and maintaining dreadlocks is not a difficult task. However, there are a few things that need consideration when washing and maintaining dreadlocks. Some important ones are:
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Use a Residue Free Shampoo to Wash your Dreadlocks
Make sure to wash your dreadlocks with a residue free shampoo as any leftover shampoo can lubricate the hair thus causing them to loosen up. Also, this residue can build up in your hair in the form of mold.
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Don’t wash them during First Week
During the first week of being made, your dreadlocks are very delicate. Washing them at this stage could make them loose or even unravel them completely. Therefore, it’s better to get yourself a big shower cap and stick your dreadlocks in it when in the shower during the first week.
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Consistent Waxing and Palm Rolling
Whenever you see that your dreadlocks are getting loose, apply some dread wax and palm-roll them. This would tighten them up again. You might require to do this every week or so during the initial stages of the dreads.
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Check that the dreadlocks are completely dry
Whether you blow dry or air-dry your dreadlocks, it is important to ensure that they are completely dry, especially right down the centre before the next wash. Leaving them even slightly wet can actually cause them to stink.
Tips
After you are acquainted with the maintenance methods of your dreadlocks, hereare some more useful tips to care for your dreadlocks.
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Salt Water Spray
Salt water is known to work wonders in tightening dreadlocks. You can prepare the solution and store it in a spray bottle. Spray it over your dreads whenever you find them lifeless or loosened.
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Sleep with a Headscarf on
Doing this would prevent the dreadlocks from picking up various types of lint and fuzz from the pillow.
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Go for Natural Hair Products
Try to go for natural hair products to avoid chemicals or the left behind residue to maintain good health of your dreadlocks.
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Conditioning Spray
A bottle of dread conditioning spray comes to your rescue when you feel your scalp to get itchy and irritated.