Dreadlocks are often neglected by their caretakers, and because of this, they’re referred to as “neglected locks.” They require very little work and attention but can provide a lifetime of enjoyment if properly cared for. While taking care of dreadlocks isn’t difficult, caretakers must know how to take care of dreads so they can ensure the longevity and performance of such wonderfully unique hairstyles.

Dreadlock Care and Maintenance General Tips:

Good personal hygiene is extremely important. Make sure you shower daily (as with any hairstyle) and clean your hair as frequently as you feel necessary throughout the day. This will keep not only your hair clean but also your scalp. Dirty or clogged pores or a dirty scalp can lead to fungus and bacteria, which can cause your dreadlocks to smell. There are many good anti-fungal washes on the market, but simple home remedies also work just as well. For example, using a baking soda paste will not only keep your scalp clean and healthy but will also remove product buildup. Vinegar is another common solution used to kill off any fungus or bacteria present in the hair. It works very quickly and effectively, so if you think you might be suffering from some type of infection, try using a vinegar soak first.

Picking at locks is highly discouraged! Picking at locks can damage them more than anything else, so be sure to keep your hands out of your hair. Don’t pick it out if you do get anything stuck in them (like loose-leaf or grass clippings)! Instead, try using the tip of a safety pin to remove most blockages.

Deadheads do not wash their dreads! This is perhaps one of the biggest mistakes made by dreadlock owners who are unaware of this fact. Shampooing every few days will strip the locks of all-natural oils, making them dry, brittle, and weak, which can lead to matting and loss of volume very quickly. They should be washed only when they start to smell bad or if some type of product buildup occurs (see tips on baking soda). To prevent the dreads from smelling bad, try to keep your hair as dry as possible. You can do this by avoiding wearing a hat or scarf if you know there will be several hours where it may stay damp, such as on an airplane ride.

Braid any loose ends. This helps Dreadlock Care and Maintenance fullness and prevents them from becoming too thin or straggly at the bottom because of constant rubbing against a pillow or a seatbelt during a flight. It isn’t necessary to braid all of them, but it helps prolong their life if you braid the longest ones every night before going to sleep.