So, you’ve just embarked on the exciting journey of having dreadlocks! Whether you’ve opted for the Divine Hand & Hook method or another professional crochet technique, you might notice your new dreads feel quite tight and firm initially. This is perfectly normal and actually a sign of well-locked dreadlocks. This initial firmness indicates minimal future maintenance. However, if your dreads were created using methods like backcombing, twist and rip, or a looser crochet approach, they might feel softer, suggesting they require further locking by an experienced loctician to achieve lasting structure and health.
Let’s delve into the most effective ways to care for your new dreadlocks, ensuring they mature beautifully and remain healthy.
[](Dreadlock creation and maintenance using the Divine Hand and Hook method for tight and healthy dreads.)
If your newly formed dreadlocks lack that initial tightness, it often implies a need for more palm rolling to encourage locking. However, palm rolling is a time-consuming and less effective method for tightening dreads compared to professional crochet techniques. For those with Afro hair who haven’t used the crochet method, the care advice might differ from what’s presented here.
The following guidelines are applicable across all hair types and cultures. However, if you have Afro hair and your dreadlocks were created using the crochet method (rather than twisting, rolling, waxing, or braiding), this advice is especially relevant. If your dreads are still soft after being created with methods other than Divine Hand & Hook or high-quality crochet, they likely need more locking work to become firm and healthy. High-quality crochet work is the most effective solution.
Understanding different dreadlock creation methods is crucial. Methods that don’t incorporate thorough crochet locking often require frequent palm rolling and extra maintenance to achieve tightness. While some might prefer looser dreads, many dreadlock enthusiasts seek a more permanent and low-maintenance solution.
Rest assured, the initial rigidity of Divine Hand & Hook dreadlocks will soften after the first wash and over time. They will become more flexible while retaining their core tightness. This is a positive sign, indicating well-locked, low-maintenance dreadlocks, especially with proper care following these simple guidelines.
[](Close-up of newly created crochet dreadlocks showcasing the neat and tight locking technique.)
Essential Rules for New Dreadlock Care
The First Rule: Delay Washing
Ideally, avoid wetting or washing your new dreadlocks for the first month. This allows your hair to adjust to its locked state before introducing moisture. You might be wondering how to manage without shampoo for a month, especially if you’re used to frequent washing. However, proper hair preparation beforehand should have removed chemical residues, reducing your hair’s dependency on shampoos. In its natural state, hair cleanses itself surprisingly well.
We understand this “no-wash” period can be challenging, sometimes leading to an itchy scalp. To alleviate this, consider using a scalp spray daily like “Love Ya Scalp”. This product offers a quick, dry cleanse, revitalizing your scalp and dreads without disrupting the locking process.
Minimizing Water Exposure Initially
If a month without washing seems too long, aim for at least two weeks. Water is a primary culprit in causing new dreadlocks to become fluffy. It saturates the dreads, leading to slight frizz. Waiting longer allows your dreads to solidify their locked state, making them less prone to fluffing.
Caution: If your dreads were created using methods like backcombing, rolling, and wax, wetting them within the first month can cause significant unraveling and fluffiness, compromising their tightness and shape.
Washing Dreadlocks Properly
After the initial waiting period, you can wash your dreadlocks one to four times a month using a 100% natural shampoo or a shampoo bar like the Lemon Myrtle and Macadamia oil Loc Bloc. Focus on cleansing your scalp thoroughly while being gentle with the dreadlocks themselves.
[](Demonstration of applying dreadlock shampoo bar directly to the scalp for effective cleansing.)
Scalp Itch Prevention and Care
Utilize “Love Ya Scalp” spray to maintain a healthy, itch-free scalp, prevent dandruff, combat bacteria, and even deter lice. The essential oils in the spray help cleanse and revitalize the scalp. Ideally, spray it onto your scalp twice a week and massage it in. “Love Ya Scalp” can also reduce the frequency of full washes, as one of its essential oils acts as a cleansing agent for your dreads. You can spray it throughout your dreadlocks for a refreshing cleanse, potentially extending the time between shampoo washes to once every two weeks or even monthly, especially beneficial during colder months when drying time is longer.
Preventing Damp Dreadlock Odor
Wet your dreadlocks only when necessary, such as during swimming or your regular wash days (once every two weeks to once a month). At other times, use a shower cap to keep them dry. Tight dreadlocks retain moisture longer than loose hair and can develop a musty smell if left damp for extended periods, similar to damp clothes left in a washing machine. Avoid unnecessary wetting to prevent this.
Drying Dreadlocks Efficiently
Wash your dreadlocks preferably in the morning on a sunny day to maximize drying time. After washing, wring out excess water, pat them gently, and wrap them in a microfiber towel turban to absorb moisture. Microfiber towels are excellent at quickly drawing out water. Allow them to air dry naturally, using sunlight and wind to speed up the process. Ensure dreadlocks are completely dry to prevent mildew or odor.
Sleeping with Dreadlocks
When sleeping, arrange your dreadlocks behind your head, towards the wall, to prevent them from being squashed. Excessive tossing and turning can contribute to frizz. Some people prefer wearing a stocking cap while sleeping to minimize frizz, which is optional depending on personal comfort and preference.
Daily Dreadlock Protection
If you work in environments where your dreadlocks are exposed to dirt, dust, grease, grime, or paint (such as construction, kitchens, outdoor work, or bush environments), protect them! Wear a beanie or a wide dreadband to shield them from contaminants. This simple step will significantly reduce buildup and keep your dreads cleaner for longer. A cost-effective tip is to repurpose women’s black leggings (size 14 or larger) by cutting the legs into rings of varying widths to create comfortable and stylish headbands.
[](A person wearing a dreadlock headband made from repurposed leggings, demonstrating a practical and protective style.)
Preventing Dreadlock Merging
Regularly check your dreadlocks, about once a week, especially at the nape of your neck, to ensure they are not merging at the base. If you find any joining, gently pull them apart. Consistent attention from the beginning will prevent dreadlocks from fusing together as they mature.
Dreadlock Maintenance Schedule
Plan for regrowth maintenance approximately every 3 months if you prefer a consistently neat appearance, or every 6 months for a more natural, slightly fuzzy look at the roots. For those who enjoy DIY, consider learning DIY dreadlock maintenance techniques.
Embracing Low-Maintenance Dreadlocks
Enjoy the simplicity that comes with well-locked Divine Hand & Hook dreadlocks. They require less daily attention compared to conventionally styled hair. This is a key advantage over dreadlocks created using methods like backcombing and rolling with chemicals or wax. If your dreadlocks were created using these methods and are proving high-maintenance, seeking a skilled crochet loctician or exploring DIY maintenance courses can help tighten them and reduce daily worry.
Enjoying Life with Dreadlocks
Having low-maintenance dreadlocks frees up time from extensive hair care routines, allowing you to focus on personal growth and other pursuits. Embrace the freedom and simplicity!
Answers to Post Comments:
Hayward Armstead (Friday, 10 April 2020 12:20)
Question: How do I maintain all the frizz in between going to my loctician for maintenance?
Expert Answer: To manage frizz between maintenance appointments, the most effective method is to learn to use a 0.6mm crochet hook. Gather the frizzy hair and gently rub it with your fingers to further tangle it. Then, wrap the frizz around the base of the dreadlock, over any new regrowth. Using the crochet hook, work parallel to your scalp (horizontally), inserting the hook through the dreadlock at three different angles to lock in the frizz. Continue this process until the area is neat and tight. This technique is explained in detail in DIY Natural Dread Maintenance Courses.
