Many people are jumping on the natural hair trend, which is a wonderful thing. Dreadlocks have been around since the beginning of time and are actually the oldest known hairstyle in the history of mankind. Loc grooming is not as difficult as it may seem and the following tips will help for the various stages of growth.
You should wash your locs at least once a week, the same as you would with any other hair style. You may find that once a week is not enough, particularly if your scalp itches. The temperature of the water should be between warm and cool and you should shampoo at the scalp alone, allowing the soapy suds to run down the length of the locs. This is all that is necessary to wash them. Try to use a natural shampoo for the best results or look into getting a shampoo bar, which is very popular for this type of hair. Shampooing your locs will help to keep them tight, as well as encourage the hair to grow. If you have just twisted your hair into a dreadlock style, wait at least one to two weeks before you go ahead and wash.
Rinsing after shampooing is a very important step. It will help to get rid of any residue that may have been left behind from shampooing. This residue can actually damage the hair and make it look dull. Residue can also cause your scalp to itch. Mix together apple cider vinegar with some water and run it through your hair to eliminate all residue.
To condition one's locs, natural products are always recommended. Oils and butters should be applied after shampooing and then again after a few days. Some examples of good products to use on this type of hair are jojoba oil, olive oil, shea butter and rosemary oil.
Drying the hair is just as important as rinsing. Locs that are not properly dried can actually accumulate mildew and begin to smell after a while. They will also get weaker as a result. Using normal towels is not recommended for this type of hair. A microfiber towel is always best. To speed up the process, a dryer can help if air drying takes too long.
Taking care of the scalp is probably the most important part of caring for one's locs. Massaging the scalp is of great benefit, stimulating the blood flow and also hair growth. This should be done about three times a week with a light, hydrating oil. Keep some salt water in a spray bottle to spritz on locs whenever they need a little tightening. It will also keep them clean until the next wash.
Be sure to take care of any new growth to maintain the hairstyle and keep it neat. Twisting loose hairs into already formed locs will help them to integrate into the style. There are other methods that can be used on new growth, such as the palm roll or a latch hook to tighten roots. Sleeping in a headscarf is recommended for added protection.
Hairdressers skilled in the grooming and maintenance of dreadlocks are called locticians. There are many of them located in Brooklyn, NY. Shaquora R'Bey has catered to stars with locs like Stevie Wonder. She can be easily contacted for an appointment.
You should wash your locs at least once a week, the same as you would with any other hair style. You may find that once a week is not enough, particularly if your scalp itches. The temperature of the water should be between warm and cool and you should shampoo at the scalp alone, allowing the soapy suds to run down the length of the locs. This is all that is necessary to wash them. Try to use a natural shampoo for the best results or look into getting a shampoo bar, which is very popular for this type of hair. Shampooing your locs will help to keep them tight, as well as encourage the hair to grow. If you have just twisted your hair into a dreadlock style, wait at least one to two weeks before you go ahead and wash.
Rinsing after shampooing is a very important step. It will help to get rid of any residue that may have been left behind from shampooing. This residue can actually damage the hair and make it look dull. Residue can also cause your scalp to itch. Mix together apple cider vinegar with some water and run it through your hair to eliminate all residue.
To condition one's locs, natural products are always recommended. Oils and butters should be applied after shampooing and then again after a few days. Some examples of good products to use on this type of hair are jojoba oil, olive oil, shea butter and rosemary oil.
Drying the hair is just as important as rinsing. Locs that are not properly dried can actually accumulate mildew and begin to smell after a while. They will also get weaker as a result. Using normal towels is not recommended for this type of hair. A microfiber towel is always best. To speed up the process, a dryer can help if air drying takes too long.
Taking care of the scalp is probably the most important part of caring for one's locs. Massaging the scalp is of great benefit, stimulating the blood flow and also hair growth. This should be done about three times a week with a light, hydrating oil. Keep some salt water in a spray bottle to spritz on locs whenever they need a little tightening. It will also keep them clean until the next wash.
Be sure to take care of any new growth to maintain the hairstyle and keep it neat. Twisting loose hairs into already formed locs will help them to integrate into the style. There are other methods that can be used on new growth, such as the palm roll or a latch hook to tighten roots. Sleeping in a headscarf is recommended for added protection.
Hairdressers skilled in the grooming and maintenance of dreadlocks are called locticians. There are many of them located in Brooklyn, NY. Shaquora R'Bey has catered to stars with locs like Stevie Wonder. She can be easily contacted for an appointment.