DREADLOCK MAINTENANCE FAQs ~
DREADLOCK MAINTENANCE FAQs ~
Q. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MAINTENANCE?
A. Whenever you feel like a tidy up!
Whilst baby dreads need extra maintenance to help them keep their form in the early months, mature dreads can last much longer between maintenance. Some people like 2-3-monthly maintenance appointments, others only once or twice a year.
Q. HOW LONG DOES MAINTENANCE "LAST"?
A. The nice, tight, frizz-free look will last a week or two, or until your first wash.
But the effects of professional maintenance are long term. It helps to aerate your scalp, keeping it healthy and avoiding fungal infections or dandruff. It also helps maintain the structure of the cylindrical lengths reducing flat spots. And maintenance also prevents matting at the scalp, which can cause discomfort, bacterial infections, and alopecia.
Q. HOW LONG DOES A MAINTENANCE APPOINTMENT TAKE?
A. 2-3 hrs for a full head, or 1-2 hours for half head is the average.
Separating, matt removal, repairs and decorating will add extra time.
Q. HOW MUCH DOES MAINTENANCE COST?
A. Locticians & dreadlock artists usually charge an hourly rate or flat fee, dependant on their level of experience, if they're qualified or have a Certification, or whether they have a shop front or home based business.
In Australia, you can expect to pay between $50-$150/hr.
Lokktology Dreads has had only 2 price rises in 7years, and my rates are $70/hr.
Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MAINTENANCE?
A. Normal maintenance is usually done on the base/roots to tuck in all your regrowth.
There is a huge trend at the moment where people are loving their natural look- texture, lumps and bumps down the lengths. Once these are removed, they rarely return.
If you prefer the uniform, straight look then you'll need length maintenance too- just let your loctician know.
Q. HOW CAN I KEEP MY DREADS TIDY BETWEEN MAINTENANCE?
A. You can regularly separate them to prevent matting and conjoined dreads.
Palm rolling helps to keep the lengths tight and smooth.
Twisting your dread at the scalp gently in a clockwise direction may help contain your regrowth and keep a neat appearance.
Wash regularly, at least once a week, and dry thoroughly.
Wear a sleep bonnet or use a satin pillowcase to avoid frizz.
Q. IS MAINTENANCE PAINFUL?
A. The tightening of bases and tucking away loose hair at the scalp with a crochet hook should be done at least 1cm or half a fingernail away from your scalp for a pain-free experience. Tension, a pulling sensation and tightness is normal and will only last a day or two.
You should NOT be leaving your appointment with a super sore head or a massive headache, or if you can't lay down without pain, or if you need to take a panadol for relief, this is not normal! Super tight maintenance (especially on caucasian hair) is not necessary and does not mean that the outcome will be "better" for you and your dreads.
Q. CAN I DO DIY MAINTENANCE AT HOME?
A. Of course! I promise you won't ruin them (as long as you dont interlock/root flip).
The worst that can happen is you'll mix up your section lines, not do it properly, or get a sore arm from reaching up & around. Hook stabs are also common so be careful and work slow.
Just remember, a good loctician can fix anything so don't be shy if you give it a go and need help.
Q. HOW DO I FIND A LOCTICIAN NEAR ME?
A. There are heaps of state-based Dreadlock Facebook groups helping to link clients with locticians in their area.
Or you can ask in your localcommunity groups where other clients will recommend their loctician- there are dreadheads scattered EVERYWHERE!
You can also send a message to any loctician asking if they can recommend anyone in your area- we all love to support each other as well as help anyone with their dreadlock journey!
Dreadlocks Society has a super popular worldwide Loctician Registry on their website too.
When choosing a loctician, please remember to do your research- look at lots of before & after photos, reviews, and ask them questions!