that doesn't mean you should wash them every single day though.
if you do that, you'll strip your hair of it's happy oils, and since you can't use conditioner any more, you are more prone to drying out a bit.
i am happiest with washing my hair every 3rd day or so, along with using my Happy Noodle Spray in the mornings.
products:
only use residue free shampoo!
this is very important. if you go back to using the shampoo you used before you had dreads, all the additives you didn't realize were there will start to pack into your dreads. this is bad, because this is one way dreads start to smell bad!!!
there are a lot of products out there that you can use on dreads. most of them you can find online, but there are alternatives in places like walgreens.
easier to find:
- Bronson's Magick Soap.
- Baking Soda Rinse.
put a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into a glass and add hot water while you're in the shower. stir it up, and pour it over your scalp. it's best to wait about 5 minutes before rinsing it out.
[i do this once a week or so.]
help! i can't tell i'm washing them right!
fear not! you probably are still nervous and are being gentle with your dreads. at first i wasn't as rough with them, but i found some good advice that said you have to scrub your scalp and hair like you used to. it helps with the dreading process, because it helps keep all your babyhairs growing into your dreadlocks.
if you still think you're hair isn't getting clean enough, do a baking soda rinse [like i explained above. you should also do a rinse like this if you've been having problems with dandruff or itching].
don't forget!
rinse, rinse, rinse!
better safe than sorry!
go ahead and dry them in a towel, but for gods sakes don't leave the towel on your head all day. that's what makes mildew grow in your hair!
and while we're on the subject, the faster your dreads dry the better. heat is the best thing for your dreads. sit in the sun, or use a blow dryer, but don't lay down or smoosh your wet locks.
palm rolling your hair after your shower is the best way to make sure your dreads are tight and strong.
beads? wraps?
it's definitely easiest to wash your hair when you don't have beads or wraps in it. your hair gets cleaned faster and more evenly. that doesn't mean if you leave in a bead or a wrap for a wash or two it will ruin everything.
i'm sure if you spend a really long time on a cool wrap, you can keep it in for as long as you want.
