If you are one of the many people who has decided to rock a natural hairstyle, good for you! You may have dreadlocks, which is actually the oldest hairstyle known to Man. Loc grooming may seem like a tiresome task, but it is actually quite easy and very necessary for the care and protection of your hair.
Washing dreadlocks is the same as with natural hair. Once a week is generally enough but more than once a week is acceptable if an individual has a particularly itchy scalp. Tepid water is best for washing and the focus should be the scalp, with any excess lather running down the locs. Natural shampoos are always best for this type of hairstyle and shampoo bars are particularly popular. Shampooing helps to keep dreads tight and also promotes growth, but newly twisted locs should get a couple of weeks to set before being shampooed.
Rinsing is one of the most important steps that must be carried out after shampooing. Mix water with apple cider vinegar and use this mixture as a after-shampoo rinse. The mixture will rid the hair of any shampoo residue, which could make the scalp itch and also affect the strength of the hair itself.
Conditioning should always be done with natural products. Butters and oils need to be applied right after shampooing and again after three or four days. Olive oil, shea butter, jojoba oil and rosemary oil are all good choices for locs.
Make sure your hair dries completely after shampooing and rinsing. If your locs don't dry thoroughly, they can begin to smell musty from mildew. They will also lose strength from being damp. You should not use a normal towel to dry your locs, as it leaves behind lint. Look for a microfiber towel instead and don't be afraid to sit under a dryer if you need further help drying the locs.
Taking care of the scalp is probably the most important part of caring for one's locs. Massaging the scalp is of great benefit, stimulating the blood flow and also hair growth. This should be done about three times a week with a light, hydrating oil. Keep some salt water in a spray bottle to spritz on locs whenever they need a little tightening. It will also keep them clean until the next wash.
New growth should be twisted into already existing locs to keep the hairstyle neat. Other ways to treat new growth are by doing the palm roll or by using a latch hook which will tighten up the roots. You should always sleep with a headscarf on to protect your locs, preferably silk.
Brooklyn, NY is notorious for its natural hair experts. Those versed in the grooming and maintenance of dreadlocks are commonly referred to as locticians. Shaquora R'Bey is a popular loctician who has dealt with celebrities like Stevie Wonder. She is available for a personal consultation at her salon in Brooklyn.
Washing dreadlocks is the same as with natural hair. Once a week is generally enough but more than once a week is acceptable if an individual has a particularly itchy scalp. Tepid water is best for washing and the focus should be the scalp, with any excess lather running down the locs. Natural shampoos are always best for this type of hairstyle and shampoo bars are particularly popular. Shampooing helps to keep dreads tight and also promotes growth, but newly twisted locs should get a couple of weeks to set before being shampooed.
Rinsing is one of the most important steps that must be carried out after shampooing. Mix water with apple cider vinegar and use this mixture as a after-shampoo rinse. The mixture will rid the hair of any shampoo residue, which could make the scalp itch and also affect the strength of the hair itself.
Conditioning should always be done with natural products. Butters and oils need to be applied right after shampooing and again after three or four days. Olive oil, shea butter, jojoba oil and rosemary oil are all good choices for locs.
Make sure your hair dries completely after shampooing and rinsing. If your locs don't dry thoroughly, they can begin to smell musty from mildew. They will also lose strength from being damp. You should not use a normal towel to dry your locs, as it leaves behind lint. Look for a microfiber towel instead and don't be afraid to sit under a dryer if you need further help drying the locs.
Taking care of the scalp is probably the most important part of caring for one's locs. Massaging the scalp is of great benefit, stimulating the blood flow and also hair growth. This should be done about three times a week with a light, hydrating oil. Keep some salt water in a spray bottle to spritz on locs whenever they need a little tightening. It will also keep them clean until the next wash.
New growth should be twisted into already existing locs to keep the hairstyle neat. Other ways to treat new growth are by doing the palm roll or by using a latch hook which will tighten up the roots. You should always sleep with a headscarf on to protect your locs, preferably silk.
Brooklyn, NY is notorious for its natural hair experts. Those versed in the grooming and maintenance of dreadlocks are commonly referred to as locticians. Shaquora R'Bey is a popular loctician who has dealt with celebrities like Stevie Wonder. She is available for a personal consultation at her salon in Brooklyn.