Natural Dreadlocks - Maintenance, Questions, General Talk

[Jaxzer]

Seeing that we have a grooming thread, thought I'd start one for natural, organic locks. Started mine a year ago after two years of hair growth (Brazilian, naturally curly, wavy hair). Congos are starting to go nuts with one having sucked in four locks. Love the constant changes every day and can't wait for them to mature.

[Ragnus]

My only question is how do you go back once you have the full look going?

[FNH]

My only question is how do you go back once you have the full look going?

shave it I think

[vagus]

Really dude? Pictures! Hahaha!

[Vandole]

I'm pretty sure I would have been willing to put money on this thread never happening on this forum.

Bravo.

[archibaldcrane]

I was clicking it repeating "please don't let him be white, please don't let him be white, please don't let him be white"

but now that he's not (totally) white, i'm a little sad that he's not.

[AoE]

Aww shit nigga. Right down my alley. Ill post more info later. I am excite.

[AoE]

Sorry to double post.

I had mine in for 6 years before I cut them and I took 2 years before I decided to start over but if anyone has questions let me know.

I hate the beginning stages of locks (I have nappy hair so I can't really speak for anyone with hair that is more loose) because it looks ugly as fuck to me. Unfortunately that is the part you have to deal with before you get to the awesome stage. (Caterpillar > Butterfly) This is also the part where the people don't wash their locks myth probably comes from because you can't really soak and scrub your hair for a few months. You CAN wash it if you want but you need to retwist it right away, do it awkwardly which is a pain in the ass. I'll post pictures if anyone wants although the few people who actually wanted to know how I look have probably already seen them.

[Jaxzer]

Absolutely no retwisting, wax, or crocheting as they can be extremely damaging over time. Wax is a recipe for dread rot and perhaps the biggest misconception of all. And yea contrary to popular belief, you can wash locks whenever necessary as long as it's a non-residue shampoo. Also, always make sure your dreads completely dry. Never sleep with wet dreads. Part of the reason people believe dreadheads don't bathe is because the knotting up stages are truly a mess. Once they reach maturity it's a sight to behold.

[Rhyis.]

Dreads are only acceptable when you go full Marley.

[Jaxzer]

Leave some dreads to congo by not separating and you'll end up with some massive ones as well