Dont Use Wax On Your Dreadlocks
Wax retains moisture inside your dreadlocks and makes it very hard for them to fully dry.
It also attracts dirt, dust and lint. It is very challenging to remove wax on dreadlocks. This is why we recommend you to not use dreadlocks on your dreadlocks.
Click here to learn more why you should avoid using wax.
Wash Your Dreadlocks Regularly And Effectively
We recommend you to wash your hair at least once a week with a dreadlock shampoo.
Washing your dreadlocks with water only or vinegar only is ineffective.
If you have dandruff, if you work out or if you work in a dusty environment, you might need to consider washing your dreadlocks more often.
Washing your dreads will remove the excess of sebum, sweat, dirt, residues and pollution. Some shampoos will also leave a nice smell to your dreads.
Shaving Is The Only Way To Remove Dreadlocks
Yes, shaving is an option if you feel the need to get rid of your locks but there are other ways to do it without giving up your hair.
Shaving is just an easy and effortless way to get rid of locks. The alternative is to comb them out and this takes lots of time as well as muscle.
To make combing out dreads easy, you first have to soak them in a type of conditioner and then cob each loc out one by one. You will lose some hair as well as length but it still leaves you with a head with hair.
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Do Dreads Pull Your Hairline Back
Do dreadlocks cause receding hairline? To simply answer, yes, dreadlocks can cause a receding hairline. Make no mistake that there are other factors to hair loss, however, locs definitely speed up the process. Over time, the constant tension rips the hair from the roots which cause the hairline to recede.
Use A Deep Cleansing Shampoo
A deep cleansing shampoo should remove effectively any smell on your dreadlocks. If the smell is persistant, you might need to do a few rounds of shampoos to remove it permanently.
After your shampoo, dont forget to dry your hair either by chillaxing under the sun or with your air dryer.
Our Deep Cleansing shampoo contains apple cider vinegar that will help you remove any residue and smell out of your dreadlocks.
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Smelly Dreads: Naturally Removing Mold In Dreadlocks
Your heart may skip a beat if you suddenly realize you have mold in your dreadlocks. The next thing that pops in your mind is whether you will have to cut your dreads off or if theres a way to save them. Fortunately, if this unfortunate circumstance was to happen to you, theres definitely natural ways to remove mold from your dreadlocks without side effects.
Sometimes people may think they have mold in their locs, but it could just be some lint or dead skin cells stuck inside the woven hair. Sometimes theres buildup from washing your hair, especially if youre not using a non-residue shampoo.
When you have dreadlocks, there will be a lot of changes, as you may already know. One of these changes is to avoid using regular shampoo in your hair and switch to a non-residue dreadlocks shampoo, or any other type of shampoo that doesnt leave build-up in your locs.
Difference Between Dreadlocks Buildup and Mold
Most times you can tell the difference between moldy dreadlocks and buildup. One of the most telling signs of mold, is your hair smells moldy when its wet. Another sign of dreadlocks mold, is if you cut off a small piece of locs and open it up and you find green smelly powdery substance in it.
Buildup can be white and powder also, but it usually doesnt smell when you wet it. This is not much of a concern, as you can easily fix this problem. Mold can also be removed, but with a little more effort.
Moldy Dreadlocks Natural Cure
Prevention of Dreadlocks Mold and Mildew
How Do You Get Mildew Out Of Your Hair
remove moldmildewhairthe hair
. Similarly, you may ask, can hair moldy?
Mildew is a surface fungus, often gray or white in color, and often found in damp or moist areas. It gives off a musty smell, and it can be found in your house, on fabrics, and yes, even your hair and scalp. This often occurs in hair and scalp when wet hair is left unable to dry for extended periods of time.
Additionally, can shampoo get moldy? YES, shampoo absolutely goes bad. Usually after about 12 months or so, depending on how many natural vs. unpronounceable ingredients it contains. I generally find that better-quality shampoos turn sooner than the drugstore brands, which I suspect are formulated for a longer shelf life.
Furthermore, how do you get mildew out of dreads?
The four ingredients you need on how to get mold smell out of dreadlocks is warm water, baking soda, tea tree oil, and essential oil. The baking soda will gently ?exfoliate ?your scalp and locs and turn the solution into an alkaline state. This helps to easily remove foreign elements in the hair.
Can wet hair grow mold?
Mildew comes from moisture that is trapped inside your hair shaft and doesn’t completely dry. You have to allow your hair to dry preferably with heated air as oppose to air dry hence the mold spores will be attracted to your damp hair and will make home in your ponytail, bun or style.
Read Also: Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test Mold
Rinse Your Hair With Baking Soda Or Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are ideal to get rid of stubborn build-ups or the nasty smell on your hair.
Soak your hair with the mixture of either baking soda or vinegar with water, and/or with some additional tea tree oil drops several times until you feel the mold is completely removed.
Dont forget to dry your hair after rinsing.
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Ways To Get Rid Of Mold In Dreadlocks
Because of the tangled and matted look, dreadlocks are considered a dirty hairstyle. Therefore, there are many rumors about dreadlocks, that contain bugs, lice, or mold.
So, what is the truth? And what can you do if one day you figure out those annoying bugs are visiting your head?
This article will help you unravel these questions and provide you with essential information to keep your beautiful crown as clean and healthy as ever.
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Do Bugs Live In Dreads
No, bugs dont live in dreads as long as you properly care for them.
In fact, dreadlocks also require regular wash, so your hair is still as clean as other hairstyles. Your locks are no different from loose hair, and the chance to have bugs visiting your locs are equal.
In case you apply crazy things into your locs like peanut butter, cream, or beeswax without completely washing and rinsing it out, your hair might attract bugs or other insects.
In this case, it might be a bit harder to find the bugs under the thick coat of dreads.
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Try A White Vinegar Soak
If you suspect that your bad loc smell is coming from mold, a vinegar soak may be in order. The vinegar will kill the mold in your dreads in addition to the smell that it leaves behind.
All you need to do is pour 1 part distilled water with 1 part distilled white vinegar into a large bucket or bowl. Pour it over your dreadlocks and scalp a few times over a bucket. Then allow the mixture to sit in your hair for 15 minutes.
Afterward, you can wash your hair as you usually do, then ensure that you dry your dreadlocks completely, leaving no moisture behind. If you still smell that moldy odor, you might have to do this vinegar soaking method for the next few washes until the smell completely subsides.
While there are ways to neutralize bad smells in dreadlocks, a lot of times, youll have to wash your hair to eliminate the overall odor.
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What Else Can You Do To Care For Your Dreadlocks
Above, I highlighted some of the things you can do to prevent dread rot from forming in your locks. But here other things that you can also do to ensure overall healthy locks that you will enjoy wearing. They include:
- Since Washing is a necessary step in caring for your locks, choose a suitable shampoo and conditioner. To do this consider the nature and needs of your hair. A good shampoo cleanses without much damage to the scalp and hair. The conditioner you choose must have the ability to restore the PH balance in your hair after the use of shampoo.
- Drying is the most difficult part of caring for locks, especially if they are thick and long. Take time to find what works best for you be it a blow dryer or a portable drying cap or even air-drying. Once it is all dried up remember to moisturize.
- To deal with new hair growth, regular twisting is important. This should be done after 4 to 8 weeks for a neat look.
- Trimming is necessary at some point. Once you start to notice pieces of hair detach from the locks as it grows, then it is a sign you are due for a trim.
Dont Go To Bed With Wet Dreadlocks Or Let Your Dread Air Dry All Day
Have you ever done a load of washing and you forgot the clothes in the machine? The morning after the clothes have a funky smell and you decide you wash them again?
Well, this is similar for dreadlocks. Your hair will start to develop mildew, also known in the community as dread-rot if they stay wet too long.
This is why we recommend washing your dreadlocks early in the morning and sit under the sun for a little while .
Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer and set it on medium heat.
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How To Kill Mould In Dreads
by Linda Mitchell / in Style
Typically associated with the Rastafari movement, dreadlocks, also known as dreads, are spirals of matted or entwined hair. The dreadlock hairstyle requires proper maintenance and specially formulated hair products as your spirals of hair continue to grow and strands entangle themselves. However, too much maintenance can lead to mould and mildew issues if your dreads are not given enough time to thoroughly dry out on a regular basis. In addition, certain products can leave behind residues that also wreak havoc on dreads by encouraging bacterial, mould and mildew issues.
- Typically associated with the Rastafari movement, dreadlocks, also known as dreads, are spirals of matted or entwined hair.
- However, too much maintenance can lead to mould and mildew issues if your dreads are not given enough time to thoroughly dry out on a regular basis.
Make an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. Vinegar kills mould and can help balance your hair’s pH levels. Additionally, a solution like this will aid in removing residue often caused by hair products. Combine 80 ml of apple cider vinegar into 1 litre of water. Thoroughly mix the solution and pour it into a plastic bottle that you can seal with a lid. Use this solution to inhibit mould growth once or twice per month.
- Remove mould from locks by using a clarifying shampoo.
- Apply an essential oil, such as tea tree oil, to your hair to inhibit mould growth.
TIP
Related
Locks Are High Maintenance
Getting your locks to the point that they are mature is the challenging part. However, once they are fully matured, which takes 3 to 12 months depending on your hair, it takes less effort to care for them.
Like any other hairstyle, it requires regular cleaning, moisturizing, and touch-ups. Just make sure to get the right information and the right products and you fill it easier to wear locks than your natural hair.
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What Are The Benefits Of A Deep Cleanse For Your Locs
The main benefit of removing buildup from your locs is their appearance. No more of that whiteish-gray tinge left behind in your locs making them look dull and lifeless.
Heres a quick tip, if the whitish-gray tinge is there when your locs are dry but disappears then wet, its probably buildup. But if its visible even when wet then its probably lint. In which case, you can read this article to learn how to get rid of lint in your locs.
The other benefit of getting the gunk out of your dreads is the weight. All of that product buildup weighs your hair down and if your locs are long, this can really add up. Think of how much lighter your dreadlock bun will be without all of that product buildup weighing you down.
Another benefit is that you restore your hairs natural shine. No need for expensive styling products . Now you can reap the benefits of your scalps natural oil production and get your glow on.
The sebum your scalp naturally produces is what moisturizes your hair and this, combined with loc brushing will give you drop dead gorgeous results.
Additionally, when your hair is able to retain moisture, it stays supple and less prone to breakage caused by brittle locs. The whole process of detoxing your locs can tame frizzy locs, soften your hair and stimulate hair growth.
However, were not off the hook just yet. Its time to complete your deep cleanse dreadlock session with a clarifying shampoo and hot oil treatment .
How Do You Keep Mold Out Of Dreads
How to Prevent Mold in Dreadlocks
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Tips To Maintain Your Hair With Dreadlock:
1. Wash your dreadlocks every one to two weeks. They will need more frequent washing when they are brand new because of the natural oils in your hair.
2. As far as shampoo goes, pick something gentle and preferably all-natural. Then, massage the shampoo into your hair, starting at the roots and working towards the ends.
3. Rinse thoroughly because any residue left over will attract other hairs to clump together. Some people recommend adding apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to remove build-up that regular shampoo doesnt take care of.
4. Now that youve shampooed, you make choose to condition your hair. This is not necessary unless you feel that you need extra moisture. You can even skip it entirely if your dreadlocks are brand new and still lock up properly after washing thoroughly.
5. Follow your routine with styling products, detanglers, etc.
6. If you are using dreadlock wax, do not make using an excessive amount of this product a habit. Applying too much will only create problems for yourself in the future.
7. Try to avoid getting your hair wet for at least 6-10 hours after washing, but there is no problem with showering before then.
Neglect Is The Key To Get Nice Dreads
For some hair textures, neglecting the hair by not combing it can result in dreads, but not the most appealing ones.
Keep in mind that it takes years for hair to properly loc and the neglect method means having unkempt and untidy hair all this time.
So, if healthy and great-looking dreads are what you are after, having a care routine is essential.
Proper care will save you from conditions, such as dread rot which is not only embarrassing but also takes effort to get rid of.
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Rinse Your Scalp With Apple Cider Vinegar Mixture
To help keep bacteria and mold from forming in your dreads, try doing an apple cider vinegar rinse after washing your hair.
All you need to do is pour one part apple cider vinegar and one part water into a spray bottle and spray it all over your scalp and locs. Allow the ACV mixture to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out. You can do this rinse once every couple of weeks to stave off unwanted odors in your locs.
If you dont want to make the mixture yourself, you can buy a pre-made ACV spray. If you go this route, follow the directions on the packaging for the best results.
How Can I Prevent Mold And Mildew In My Dreads
As you shower, make sure that you keep your dreadlocks moving to get out all of the soap that is sudsing up. If you find that there is still some soap left behind after a few repetitions, give them a quick rinse with some room-temperature water.
You can also try using a spray bottle to mist your dreadlocks with some water before you begin the process of moving them around, as this will help to release any suds that might be lingering in the locks. Finally, ensure that you are shampooing and rinsing your locks every time you shower, as this will help keep them from becoming too dirty.
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Are Dreadlocks Hard To Maintain
Maintaining dreadlocks is very different from maintaining other natural hair styles. Dreadlocks dont need to be brushed and dont require regular trimming. Like other natural hair styles, dreadlocks need to be kept clean. Residues act as a lubricant making it very hard for the hair to lock and the locs to tighten.
