DREAD LOCKS; Q & A
How to Maintain Your New Dreads
- Important facts about getting dreads.

Things you should know about getting dreadlocks….

DEVELOPMENT
Dreadlocks are not an instant hairstyle like getting a new haircut. If you let them come together on their own, they may
look frizzy and messy for approximately 6 months. With the back combing method they will take the shape of dreads
and even kinda look like dreads but they won’t really be dreads until they mature and tighten, they will just be very
knotted hair. These dread lock saplings will be pretty delicate and need to be palm rolled to keep them tight. Rubbing
the dread clockwise against the scalp will help the new growth incorporate into the dread body.
Dreads formed by back combing will tighten and smooth out as they mature. Using a good soap and wax is key to the
development of the dreads. Well maintained dreads can reach maturity in as little as 3 to 4 months! The hair
continues to dread as it grows in some cases by itself, but, in most cases it will need a little help. You can wear a
rubber band on the root of stubborn dreads to help them lock up. Rubbing the root of the dread clockwise against the
scalp also helps. If hair really resists you can sew your dreads together to keep them tight and let nature take it's
course from there.

SHAMPOOING THE DREADS
I recommend a good dread shampoo, Dreadhead makes an excellent product. You don't want to use a shampoo that
is conditioning or will cover the hair with something slick or that will get the tangles out (that would make all your dread
work all for not). Every time you shampoo your hair in the beginning it will shrink up a little more as the hair naturally
tightens in the dreads. I recommend shampooing once a week and avoiding conditioner. In the beginning you can
shampoo your hair with a nylon stocking (or women's hose) on your head this will keep your dreads in place and
secure while you shampoo.
Some people will tell you to use oil on your dreads once they have matured. Use oil sparingly and unless you want
your dreads to turn brassy on dark hair avoid using coconut oil on them they will turn your dreads orange.


TWIST, ROLL, TWIST
Nope not a new dance step, this is the must do when training your dreads. Until your dreadlocks mature you'll need to
play with them as much as possible. You could just let them do their own thing, but the more you twist and tangle the
roots and the ends the faster they will grow into tight healthy knotty dreads. Using a good wax that does not contain
petroleum will help grab the stray hairs and keep them snug to the body of the dread. So there is some work involved,
especially at first. Have your kids, partner, and friends play with them, heck have a dread bash and have people come
to just fondle your head. Remember be patient dreads will not come in overnight, don't work them to hard or twist to
hard, this could leave you with undesired results.