✦ DREAD AFTERCARE ✦

Once you’ve obtained dreadlocks, it is crucial to come back within 4-6 weeks to tighten anything that has come loose (no need to worry, this is normal). It is recommended once a month for the first 6 months, and as needed after that. Maintenance is important in the first six months to help the dreads form correctly and reduce shrinkage. You will experience new growth between maintenance that will need to get professionally tightened into your dreads. Allow your dreadlocks to mature over time. Avoid rushing the process, as healthy dreads develop gradually.

Washing should be done at least once a week or every other week, depending on your hair type or lifestyle. Be sure to use residue-free shampoo when washing, do not just “wet” the dreads as just wetting your dreads can still trap sweat, dry skin or products you may have used whereas the shampoo will help break up anything trapped inside the dreads. Be sure to wash your dreads in at least 3 sections (please ask your artist for more info). Over washing can cause the dreadlocks to loosen, especially if they are new. Always use a residue-free shampoo specifically formulated for dreadlocks. Residue can build up and lead to odors, irritation, and difficulty in tightening your dreads. Make sure to thoroughly dry your hair. Ensure that your dreadlocks are completely dry after washing to avoid mildew. Use a microfiber towel to squeeze out excess water, then allow them to air dry or use a low-heat setting on your hairdryer. Never leave dreadlocks damp.

You may experience residue in your dreads over time. It is a white/gray substance found near the roots or inside dreads. Applying an apple cider vinegar mixture and/or doing a deep cleanse / detox on a routine basis will help break up the residue. Using an apple cider vinegar solution to remove any product buildup can keep your dreads clean, we suggest doing that every other wash. We highly recommend doing a deep cleanse / detox every 4-6 months. 

First, wash your hair with residue-free shampoo. Then we suggest filling up half of an empty 16 oz. bottle with ACV and filling the rest of the bottle with water to help dilute the mixture. To reduce the vinegar smell, you may use 10-15 drops of an essential oil like tea tree, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, orange or citrus (make sure to test out all essential oils and vinegar to make sure you are not allergic to it). Shake the mixture, then apply it to your roots. Continue your shower routine, allowing the ACV to work into the scalp for 5-10 minutes then rinse out well.

We do not recommend using: wax, pomade, or conditioners. Your dreads will form naturally and stay clean without using those items. Many people will say to use wax, food, or certain products to speed the dreading process, but these things will hinder their development. Salt sprays have been used to speed up the dreading process but use caution as these may make dreads shrink and dread too fast, causing loops and lumps. Clean and dry hair dreads the quickest.

For your sleeping routine, cover your dreadlocks with a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or sleep on a satin pillowcase to minimize frizz.

You are welcome to get the ends of your dreadlocks trimmed if necessary to remove split ends and keep them looking fresh. We suggest letting a dreadlock professional trim your dreadlocks as it may require brushing loose the ends and re-maintenancing them back to a natural look.

Dreadlocks can get dyed, however, it is crucial to not let the dye get stuck inside the dreadlock as the chemicals can damage the dreadlock over time. We suggest getting your dreadlocks dyed by a professional that knows how to saturate the dreads properly with the dye.

Be mindful of getting a routine haircut with dreadlocks if you have a hairstyle that requires haircuts. Sometimes, over time– some hairs that are connected to a dreadlock can get cut by accident causing a ripple effect to thin the dreadlocks out near the haircut line. Let your hair stylist know to be mindful about the dreadlock sectioning.