I have dreads...Now What???
So, You’ve Got Dreads? How Exciting! 🎉🌿
Welcome to the dreadlock journey—you’re officially part of an awesome community! Now, let’s make sure your dreads stay clean, dry, and well-maintained so they can thrive.
Settling In
Fresh dreads (or dread extensions) need about two weeks to settle. Your scalp and hair have been through a lot, so give them time to adjust!
🚫 Avoid regular hair ties—they can create weak spots. Instead, go for soft elastics, scrunchies, or a spirolock.
🌀 Skip the tight updos—constantly tying your dreads in the same spot (like a messy bun or ponytail) can lead to bumps and uneven locking.
🎩 Limit hats & beanies—wearing them too often can cause baby dreads to buckle.
For the first few weeks, let them hang loose and settle naturally—you’ll thank yourself later! 🔥
Washing & Drying: Yes, You Do Wash Dreads! 🚿✨
About two weeks after installation, it’s time to start washing your dreads! Use a residue-free shampoo and skip the conditioner—conditioner untangles hair, and that’s the opposite of what we want! From now on, avoid it completely (though later on, mature dreads can handle a little conditioner or oil if needed).
Dreads hold water longer than regular hair, so drying properly is super important. Wash in the morning and never go to bed with wet dreads—unless you want to risk dread rot and that awful wet towel smell (trust me, you don’t). After washing, gently squeeze out excess water, then sit in the sun or use a blow dryer to help speed things up.
My go to is Redwin Tea Tree Shampoo or Coal Tar Shampoo—affordable, easy to find at most supermarkets, and bonus: it helps keep nits and other nasties away! I’ve also got some great budget-friendly options available 🌿🔥
https://lokktologydreads.com.au/collections/dread-care
Wash smart, dry right! 🚿✨
The golden rule? Only wash when you have time to dry your dreads properly. Personally, I go for once a week—but do what works for you! On non-wash days, I rock an extra-large shower cap to keep my dreads safe from unwanted moisture.
As they start drying, run your hands through them to gently separate any that might be trying to join forces (aka congo-ing). Be gentle! This is also a great time for an optional palm roll while they’re still damp—totally up to you! 💆♀️🔥
Dreads are a journey, not a destination! 🌿✨
They’ll never stay as perfectly neat as they were on day one—and that’s a good thing! Over time, they’ll thicken, kink, and settle into their own unique shape (and yes, extensions can slip too). Expect a few rough patches along the way, but trust the process—your dreads will only get better with age!
That first year is key! Baby dreads need a little extra care and a solid routine to help them lock up. But as they mature, you’ll find yourself needing less frequent maintenance—letting them do their thing naturally! 🎉
Image installation day and 3-year journey.
Dreads are fuzzy—own it! 🌿✨
Fuzz is just part of the journey, so learn to love the perfectly imperfect look. Every set of dreads has it, and honestly, that wild, natural texture is what makes them uniquely yours! 💛
Dread maintenance 101! 🌿✨
Maintenance is all about pulling loose hairs back into the dread at the base, but don’t overdo it! Doing this too often (less than every 4 weeks) can actually weaken new hair, cause breakage, and lead to even more fuzz—the opposite of what we want!
For baby dreads, a maintenance session every 6 weeks is a good rule of thumb, but it really depends on how neat or loose you like them. Just a heads-up—maintenance can feel a little pinchy or even painful depending on your scalp sensitivity.
Give your mature dreads (1+ years old) a deep cleanse and refresh with a dread soak 2-3 times a year! This helps break down build-up, rinse away pollution, and leave your dreads feeling lighter, fresher, and smelling amazing!
The magic formula? A 30-minute soak in a blend of bicarb, essential oils, and tea tree, followed by an apple cider vinegar rinse to rebalance your scalp’s pH. Trust me—your dreads will feel brand new afterward! 🚿✨
$90 for a 1.5-hour dread soak session.
Additional Dread Care Tips
- Swimming: Chlorine can loosen and damage dreads, so be sure to wash them after swimming in pools. River and lake water can introduce bacteria, so wash thoroughly afterward as well.
- Ocean Swimming: Saltwater is a natural friend to dreads, but it can dry them out and make them brittle, so always wash them after a big ocean swim. Consider investing in a large swim cap.
- Sleep Care: To reduce fuzz and wear-and-tear, sleep with a satin pillowcase or satin hair bonnet.
- Non-Wash Days: On non-wash days (I wash once a week), use a shower cap to keep moisture out of your dreads, especially if showering at night.
If worst comes to worst, dreads can be brushed out—but fair warning, it’s a long and tedious process, so it’s best to avoid if possible!
Most importantly, enjoy the journey—your dreads are as unique and ever-evolving as you are! 🌿✨ If you ever need maintenance, extensions, or just some solid dread care advice, I’m always happy to help. Reach out anytime!
Connie xx
Jatadevi Saraswati