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WASHING
PERMANENT DREADS
When you first get your hair loc’d, it is best to not wet or wash it for approx 8 weeks.
Once this ‘no wash’ period is complete, washing is a vital component of a healthy crown.
When I was first loc’d, I personally washed my locs once a month, however with the help of an experienced loctician, I soon realised this was leading to build-up within my dreads, creating unwanted density and poor scalp health.
I now wash my dreads every 7-10 days and advise people to do the same. You can push it to 2 weeks but will need to spend more time to ensure they are well-cleaned. This advice will change depending on lifestyle factors - for example, if you work in an field where your locs are exposed to dirt/dust, it is advised to wash more often, similarly if you are sweating alot.
In between washes, it's a great idea to refresh your dreads & scalp with an anti-bacterial/fungal spray.
THE PROCESS:
Washing dreadlocks requires a different process then loose hair. You need to think of your locs as a sponge - focus needs to be on patting, squeezing and scrunching the product through the dreads for absorption and rinsing the product out - which is SO important to avoid buildup.
STEP 1: SOAK :Completely saturate your dreadlocks - this can take time depending on how thick and mature your locs are.
STEP 2: SCALP WASH: Get in between your sections and massage the scalp with product. This will get rid of grime/oil and stimulate your hair follicle for healthy hair growth. Rinse all product out well.
STEP 3: LENGTH WASH: Ensuring your locs are still very wet, you can grab 4-6 dreadlocks at a time and apply your product with a squeezing motion down the lengths. Take your time with this step, get meditative and intentional with it.
STEP 4: RINSE: Rinsing is vital to ensure no product is leftover in your locs. The same squeezing/scrunching technique can be used here. Rinse thoroughly, and then rinse again.
POST WASH:
→ A microfibre towel works best to squeeze out excess moisture. A cotton shirt or towel works well, but a normal bath towel is also fine, just avoid an overly fluffy towel, as this can transfer into your locs. Wrap your locs for 20-30mins, then air dry.
→ Palm roll your locs with a salt spray when damp for neat uniformity and to encourage the knots to track downwards. I will educate you on this process, plus the process of separating your locs during your consultation.
→ It is best to air-dry your dreadlocks naturally, however we do not always have the time for this. You can use a hairdryer on low heat, from a distance if need be. IMPORTANT: you never want to go to bed or tie up your dreadlocks when they are wet.
→ If your scalp needs relief from itching, you can apply Aloe Vera or Green Tea.
Reach out with any questions!
xoxo, Eve.
HOW TO WASH MY PERMANENT DREADLOCKS