Dreadlocks, also locs or dreads, are super suitable for people with curly and thick hair. It is not rare to find celebrities with dreadlocks such as Willow Smith, Stevie Wonder, Jaden Smith, Shakira, Lady Gaga, etc. Like other hairstyles, you should take care of dreadlocks to keep it in great condition. These helpful tips will show you how to care for dreadlocks hair and maintain.

How to care dreadlocks hair at home

Dreadlocks take time to tighten and mature but good maintenance will keep your hair beautiful and looking super stylish.

Wash dreadlocks  

The key to maintaining dreadlocks is to keep your hair clean. Gently massage the shampoo directly into your scalp, and let the shampoo sit on your dreadlocks and scalp for 1-2 minutes. It will work effectively to clean your hair and remove buildup or dirt from your locks.

Then rinse with water. Repeat the process 2-3 times until you see a lot of foam. And your hair is clean.

— Don’t be rough.

— Use residue-free shampoo

— Wash your hair at least once per week to allow your scalp to produce natural oils.

— Never soak your dreads completely for more than a few moments at a time.

— With dry hair, you should make an appointment with your hairstylist to talk about your hair status. They will give you advice and how often you should wash your hair.

Massage your scalp and condition your dreads

Both your hair and scalp need moisture. Hence, you should massage your scalp for about 5 minutes as you apply a leave-in conditioner to maintain your hair. This is not only relaxing but also stimulates your scalp to produce natural oil. You would be surprised how the simple act really helps you gain the beautiful locs you desire.

Rinse your dreadlocks completely and dry your hair

As you’re rinsing well, squeeze your dreads to remove the shampoo and let the water wash it away. Dry your dreads by using your hands to squeeze out any excess water trapped in the locks.

Then use a microfibre towel to dry your scalp and dreadlocks.

— A microfibre towel is best because it soaks up the moisture. If you want to get your hair completely dry, use a hairdryer on a low setting.

— Don’t style your dreadlocks if they are wet.

You can do these steps at home without visiting the hair salon.

How To Maintain Your Dreadlocks Healthy

Dreadlocks maintenance is one of the most important things to keep your hair stay healthy. You must keep moisture in roots or you will suffer major hair damage.

Retwist your dreadlocks if necessary

You should retwist dreads when they begin to loosen. If you know how to care for dreadlocks at home, you can do it yourself by rolling or wrapping them in whichever method you prefer. However, if you are new with dreadlocks, the best way is to visit your hairstylist to maintain your lock.

• Never retwist your hair too much. A fresh look is good but if you do it too often, it can cause damage to your hair.
• Don’t twist your dreadlocks when they are dry.

Keep dreadlocks moisturized

How can you prevent your dreads from breaking? Your dreads break when the hair is too dry. To prevent this, you can use a leave-in treatment once or twice a month to keep your dreads moisturized. In addition, avoid over-styling your hair is a way to maintain your dreads.

Use natural hair care products

Another tip on how to care for dreadlocks for black hair is to use natural hair care products. Instead of using products that have harsh chemicals or leave a residue, the wearer should look for natural products for dreadlocks. Use a mild clear shampoo or even a moisturizing body wash to make your locks smell extra nice. Special hair care products can help you have good scalp and keep your dreads clean.

Hair experts recommend using a leave-in conditioning spray.

Don’t use a normal conditioner because it will cause product buildup and make your hair look dirty.

Avoid using heating styling tools on your dreadlocks

Dreadlocks will lose their tight shape if you use heating tools, such as a blow dryer. Let your hair air-dry instead of using these tools.

If you have had your dreads for 6 months, you can use low heat on dreadlocks. You have to set your tools on the lowest setting.

Wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf when you go to sleep

While you’re sleeping, your pillowcase can pull dreadlocks, causing the hair to break. Dreads tend to shed a lot, so protecting your hair and scalp is crucial. You should cover your dreadlocks in a silk scarf to protect and prevent hair breakage.

The silk or satin scarf will slide smoothly across your pillowcase and won’t pull on your hair.

— A silk or satin pillowcase can help your hair avoid breakage and tangles.

— Never going to sleep without protecting your hair.

If your dreads are new, you even need to wear larger shower caps or swim caps that are big enough to cover dreadlocks. This hairstyle is tight right after installation, but it will be a little messy when new growth appears. To maintain dreadlocks by yourself, let’s try to follow for good.

Read more: How to Sleep with Hair Extensions: Everything You Should Know About 

Waxing — an important step to care dreadlocks

You only apply the smallest amount of wax and it should be done every 6-12 weeks. In case your hair becomes dry and course, you can consider increasing the frequency of waxing.

— Remember only use wax when your dreadlocks become loose or dry.

Also, you can use gel to wax because it is a good way to control your loose hair. Actually, waxing is also among the best tips on how to care dreadlocks hair by yourself, but you have to use it moderately.

In addition, find a hairstylist is also a good way on how to care dreadlocks and maintain.  Indeed, it is very important to see a hairstylist who can give you some advice and recommend healthy products. A good hairstylist with dreadlocks can offer you small and important things like your current hair condition and dreadlocks. Before twisting your natural hair, talk to him or her about your hair status and hairstyle you want to make sure that they really know your dreadlocks well.

The bottom line

We hope that after the post, you will have more useful information about how to care dreadlocks. To get more information on hair extensions as well as hair care, keep updated on our Layla Hair website.

You can find us on our hotline: (+84) 989 633 424 (Mobile/WhatsApp/Viber/Snapchat). We are willing to be of service!