#dread advice

[naturallyknotted]

Found you on Google and you seem to know your stuff. I'm about 2 weeks into going the narural route, stopped combing, wash with bs and acv rinse, and generally don't touch it except to move it out of my face. My question is when at this stage and its still knotting up should I wash like normal or use a no touch/soak method of washing? Also when I wear a hat/tam (needed for work) should I sort of flip all my hair under the hat or let it hang out under the hat? Thanks, peace and love

Oh wow, that’s wonderful!

With natural method it isn’t so much touching that is an issue, but rather detangling knots that are forming. I think scrubbing at your scalp before you rinse out the baking soda step of your regimen would feel nice, help keep your scalp healthy, and wouldn’t harm your progress at all – in fact it may even help with knotting up.

Regarding your hat/tam needs. Either option is fine. Having your hair up inside a hat for a day will provide friction to help with forming knots, and having it loose will help knot up at the roots. If the hat is on the snug side you can make a loose bun and slip the hat on back to front, just make sure the bun isn’t too tight or identical every time and you’ll be fine.

I’m glad you found us here, Come back any time with more questions, I’d love an update about how your journey is going!

Rain

[pulling-up-my-roots]

I was thinking of dying my dreadlocks all one colour, does anybody have any tips? I'm really unsure on the best way to dye all of them evenly!!

[oldworlddreads]

Heya babe, I'm thinking about doing some half dreads, how is maintenance different from regular dreads? I'm very new to this so how would I create them as well? Good vibes and sunshine:)) xoxo

Half of my hair is dreaded and I have found that upkeep is a little more difficult than having a full head of dreads. Dreads have a tendency to reach out and pull in loose hairs that don’t belong, especially while you’re sleeping. You generally have to pay a lot of attention to what your dreads are doing, and separate the hairs that don’t belong on a regular basis. When washing make sure to keep any conditioners away from your dreads! 

[oldworlddreads]

Hi! I was thinking about locking my hair, but was wondering if I could start the locks with double-ended extensions? I've seen them cut in half and just dreaded into existing dreads so that they become permanent, but I'm wondering if I can go from unlocked hair to locked hair with the extensions? And, if not, how long after I dread my hair would I be able to install the extensions? I'm trying to avoid the awkward stage of growing my hair out and new, short dreads! Thanks for your help!

It’s possible to dread your hair and immediately add extensions, and people definitely do it, but I always recommend letting your dreads mature before adding extensions. Your dreads will inevitably become looser and change shape after first being put it. Adding extensions immediately runs the risk of the extensions falling out, and also can put too much weight on your scalp. Unless you have experience dreading hair, and know how to use a crochet hook, I would say your best bet is to let your dreads mature and tighten for a little while, and then add extensions. :)

[hippyanarchist]

I WANT DREADS MAN!

I want dreads but.  A) i don't have long enough hair. B) no one to help me with them  C) parents may or may not kill me. D) I'm white.

[oldworlddreads]

hi! i was wondering what your hair should be like before dreads ? like i heard dont condition or brush it and only shampoo the roots. but idk so i was jw what to do before dreading.

well super healthy hair is not the easiest to dread, though it’s definitely possible. it just requires more upkeep. hair that has been processed a lot (with heat, bleach, dye, etc) dreads far easier than hair that is taken care of that’s for sure.

so if you’re planning on dreading soon don’t use any conditioners, hair masks or other obvious things that make your hair soft! 

though i would suggest brushing it if you want neat, even dreads. if you don’t brush it you’ll probably just have random clumps of hair for a while.

[naturallyknotted]

Hi! I am trying dreads again! I only have 5 to test out the waters again and see if my type A personality can handle it this time... Mainly my question is--and the reason why I combed them out in the first place--is there supposed to be a giant mat under all the dreads? Some people say that if you rip them all the way to the scalp it weakens them and you should leave a mat for support. I don't want it to grow out a giant mat/dread though with all of them connected! What is your experience?

Yeah so you don't want that mat of hair at your scalp. You do want to keep separating and ripping down to the scalp, it shouldn't make the dreads weak at all. so no worries there. If you don't separate that matting of hair you'll end up just growing out a big old beaver tail, and while interesting is not the look you're going for (if my assumptions are correct). 

Also, if I may speak to this "type A personality" you mention...

Despite my introverted ways I have type A tendencies as well. Control "freak", order, busy busy busy.... It really helped me to learn when to let things go, and that it is okay if something isn't completely within my control. I've become more patient and laid back, and really like how I've changed as a person. Just some food for thought. (-: