Moisture retention reduces dryness, breakage, hair loss, and dullness in locs. Maintaining well-hydrated dreadlocks requires balancing scalp moisturization and oiling. One effective way to lock in this much-needed moisture is by using natural oils like coconut or almond on your scalp and hair strands.
How often should you do an oil treatment on locs? Apply oil 1-2 a week. Oil your dreadlocks once or twice throughout the week. It depends on how easy your scalp gets dry. Keeping your scalp oiled is important when you have locks. Oil should be used one or two times a week.
One of the main things not to do with your dreadlocks is use creamy hair products such as conditioners and shampoos that are not suitable for your type of hair or locs. They will leave unwanted residue or build up in your hair that can cause a lot more damage than you think.
The most vulnerable stage is the starter loc. So here are the fundamentals to taking care of them : ⭐1️⃣ Moisturize your locs properly. Once your locs start to feel dry, use a light leave-in moisturizer, or water sealed in with a LIGHTWEIGHT oil. *Shoot for moisturizing your locs 3-4 times a week or as needed.
Avoid getting your hair wet or washing it with any products in the first two to four weeks, as you may loosen some hairs and negatively affect the neat appearance of your dreads. Once about a month has passed, you are free to wash your dreads as needed.
Viscous Oils
Viscous or heavy oils, such as castor oil or olive oil, can be challenging to remove from your locs, leading to product buildup. In colder weather, this buildup can be more noticeable and make your locs feel heavy and less manageable.
Brushing your loc when they are dry, before you shampoo, is ideal for reducing lint, frizz and buildup. I often focus on the end of my locs due my my hair length and my ends being the place where I primarily collect lint. How Often Can You Brush? As often as you desire.
Don't forget to sleep with a silk or satin bonnet and pillowcase to keep hair from rubbing against materials (like cotton) that may be too rough on hair, resulting in breakage and unraveling (when you're just starting).
Using hair grease or heavy oils in locs can lead to buildup and potentially weaken your locs over time. It's generally recommended to avoid heavy products like grease in locs. Instead, opt for lightweight, natural oils like jojoba, coconut, or argan oil if you feel the need to moisturize your locs.
You know you've reached the mature stage (about 15 to 18 months) when your locs are finally long enough to lie flat or hang down. Faulk asserts that "maturing occurs when your locs are firm and there's no more reforming," so you won't have to re-twist your new growth as often during this period.
Oil your scalp once or twice weekly depending on your strands, to moisturize and nourish the hair follicles, preventing excessive dryness and frizz. Those with oily scalps will benefit from less frequent oiling,using oil treatments every two weeks to prevent the overproduction of sebum.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, coconut water offers many incentives to promote hair growth, enhance hair health, and add lustre to your locks.
In conclusion, oiling your scalp with locs is essential for maintaining moisture, health, and hair growth. However, the frequency of oiling depends on individual factors like hair type and wash day frequency. Starting with once-a-week oiling is recommended until you learn your hair's needs.
Most commonly it can be a result of a poorly done color treatment, side effects of certain medications, an unbalanced diet, stress, and even genetics. "Over-processing, aka excessive hair dye applications on locs, can lead to breakage due to the thinning caused by chemicals in color systems and bleach," she explains.
You'll want to avoid using heavy conditioners and shampoos. Cream-based products can also weigh your hair down and leave behind a filmy residue. Over time, leftover residue will build up and attract lint and discoloration to your locs. Opt for a lightweight oil to hydrate your locs and restore shine.
Constantly re-twisting your hair can place pressure on the scalp, and eventually traction alopecia. However, leaving it unkempt for long periods is just as dangerous to your locs. If you're waiting too long between twisting your dreads, you'll notice your locs becoming a lot thinner.
The Smell is a Dead Giveaway
If there is a foul odor coming out of your locs, then chances are there's mold in there. If you're still not sure, the smell is comparable to how a wet towel that isn't laid out to dry properly smells after a few days.