Care For Prelock Hair

Locks form the best with an established maintenance plan.

When growing dreadlocks, it's very important to start a hair-care routine from the beginning. There are two ways to start the process. You can let them form naturally--by neglecting to comb your hair or use conditioners--and your hair will begin to lock on its own. Or, you can try a backcombing and knotting process that can be completed in one sitting, A routine will keep your locks clean, healthy, and will help them to form more quickly. Some locking experts, such as those at mydreadlocks.com, recommend frequent visits to a salon with an in-house loctician for the best possible results.

Instructions

Forming your dreadlocks

1. Wash your hair often. Once a week is normal when trying to form dreadlocks. Some claim that washing your hair as little as possible is the way to go, but washing your hair removes the natural oils that the scalp and hair follicles produce. The drier your hair is, the quicker the locks will form.

Wash your hair with a shampoo bar. Avoid drugstore shampoos and conditioners as they contain moisturizers that will hydrate your hair and loosen the locks. Purchase unscented or lightly scented natural shampoo bars either online or from a beauty supplier. These products will cut back on potential buildup.

Gently towel dry dreadlocks after a shower. It is also advisable to use a blow dryer, as it is essential to dry your dreadlocks as quickly as possible. As the locks tighten, the moisture is more likely to become trapped and can produce bacteria and mold.

2. Wax your dry dreadlocks. Never add wax to dreadlocks while they are still wet. Use small amounts of wax at a time. Apply wax from the root of the dread to the tip every two to three days, as needed. While sleeping, wear a hat or put a towel over your pillow to avoid saturating it with wax. Depending on your progress, you should keep up a waxing ritual for the first two to six months.

3. Roll each lock from root to tip every two to three days. This will help the locks stay together and form more quickly. The rolling motion consists of rolling the lock between both of your hands as if starting a fire.

Monitor your locks to make sure that they are not growing together. Separate them by hand if this begins to occur.

Purchase products, such as tightening gel, from natural haircare companies. They are designed to form your locks more quickly.

As your hair continues to grow out, use a fine-tooth comb to backcomb the roots of each lock.

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