Okay, forgive me if I'm asking a question that's already been answered here, I couldn't find it anywhere (though I did run into quite a few mentioning "prevention"). I've had my dreadies for 5 years, and I've always been careful, and never had any problem with mold. I was just playing with a friend's dreads recently and I noticed some mold growing at the bottom of her (pretty long) dreads. It looks as though after getting wet, the water all fell downward, and so those ends were wet the longest - the moisture must have aided the growth. Honestly, it doesn't look that bad - my first reaction was to think that it must be lint or something. It doesn't really smell either, just a little bit musty. I can imagine, however, that it must be a little creepy! Since I have no experience with mold growth, I don't know what to do. Is there anything we can do to curb the growth of the mold, and maybe kill it, without having to snip the ends??? I was thinking something really acidic, like a vinegar rinse, might help. I think she also may have used wax at some point a few months ago, and that's probably just locking in the moisture more. Anything you guys can recommend for wax removal? I feel so unhelpful here with my friend - she thought for sure having old dreads like I do, I would have all the answers for her. But I've always been sooo careful to dry mine quickly, and they're all-natural, no wax, ever. So I'm hoping you guys will have some ideas for me! Thank you!
Mine have been growing for 4 years and I have never encountered a mold problem. For prevention, I do a diluted Apple Cider Vinegar rinse once a month and rub with tea tree oil after washing. And always squeeze out all the water that I can and dry well. For someone who has already gotten mold, I would suggest a good wash in Apple Cider Vinegar. Dillute a several cups of it in water in a wash basin (like you would use for dishes) and dunk the whole head in and soak. Let it sit on the hair for about 15 minutes or so, then rinse thoroughly and DRY! As for the wax, I've heard people suggest boiling water and then dunking the dreads in a squeezing them out good. Apple Cider Vinegar is fantastic, though. I use it for everything. Did you know ACV can be used to kill off strep throat by gargling with a diluted sollution? I figure if it's strong enough to kill strep throat, it can probably kill mold, too. I hope I've been at least a little helpful; that was the best idea I could come up with. I wish your friend luck and I hope the locks won't have to be cut!
Thanks mountaingirl. I was leaning toward an ACV rinse anyway... It's been a while since I've done one for myself. I used to have a kick-ass recipie for one, if I can remember it... I think it was a cup of heavily steeped rosmary and stinging nettle tea, a cup of ACV, some vitamin E oil and tea tree, and lots of water. I'll mix up a big (and strong!) batch and try rinsing her hair this weekend. Thanks! Oh yeah - and about the other uses of ACV - did you ever read Paul and Patricia Braggs' literature on it? And that crazy old Jack LaLanne... he might seem like a loon, but I guess you can't argue with results!
yeah, my parents used to have a book on the uses of ACV. can't remember who wrote it, though. but my family has always sworn by it for everything. i swear, there almost nothing ACV can't fix!
