How to wash dreadlocks for the first time

by Natasha - MyDreadlocks.com Admin
(Montreal, QC)

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In this guest post, Kim of iRockLocs shares
her tips on how to wash baby locs using a stocking cap.
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Some people have fallen into the myth that dreadlocks can't be washed for the first few months.

Hair is skin. You wouldn't go months with out a shower, would you? So why should your hair go months without a wash? Water is essential to hygiene and the locking process.

The baby stage is a fragile stage, especially for dreadlocks started by way of comb coils, but washing is not impossible.

There are several ways to wash baby locs. Depending on the length and type of starter locs you have, you may choose to clip your locs or rubber band sections instead of the stocking cap method.

1. Clean your scalp if there is significant flakes, dandruff, or build-up. This can be done with cotton swabs and an astringent like Witch Hazel or Seabreeze.
   
2. Cover your head with a stocking cap.
   
3. Thoroughly wet your hair.
   
4. Choose a shampoo that is translucent and residue-free. Squirt a generous amount of shampoo into your hands and lather. Apply shampoo on top of the stocking cap and massage your hair/scalp gently.
   
5. Rinse thoroughly through the stocking cap. Be sure to rinse all traces of the shampoo and squeeze your locs until the water runs clean.
   
6. If your scalp does not feel clean, repeat the shampoo and rinse as many times as needed.
   
7. Remove the stocking cap and wrap in a towel if there is still lots of water.
   
8. Retwist any locs that have unraveled.
   
9. Allow your hair to air dry, or blow-dry if necessary. It is important to thoroughly dry your hair to prevent mold and mildew.
   

It will be hard to resist retwisting your entire head: believe me, I know. Your hair does not have to have the fresh twist look all the time. You do not want the consequences of over-twisting either.

Remember that clean hair is healthy hair and dreadlocks should be clean and healthy! What are your tips for washing new locs?

About the author: Read how Kim washed her locs the first time at iRockLocs.com.