I'd like to start dreadlocks. My hair is naturally frizzy/curly. I'd rather do the neglect method and allow it to dread on its own than backcomb it. I'd rather not use any products. My question is how to maintain it while it naturally dreads. 1. How do I shampoo it at this stage and are there any shampoos available at Whole Foods or at a regular store (I don't own a car, but live near a whole foods) that I can use? 2. Can I pull it back very loosely with a scrunchie? Can I wrap a bandana around it? 3. About how long should it take to start forming dreads on its own? My hair is past my shoulders. 4. I read about a sea salt and lemon juice spray, will that help me if I spray my hair with it at intervals? 5. Are there any good reasons why I should NOT use the neglect method? Thanks
I'm currently using the neglect method and I'm thrilled so far with the results. I'm only about a month into my journey but I've got a couple nice dreads forming and I'm super excited about it. I leave my hair down as much as possible but I've got 3 small children so sometimes I pull it back in a pony or I slap a nice wool hat/tam on my head to keep it out of my face. I would imagine you'd have a nice selection of natural soaps to choose from at the WFS. I'm just using a natural tea tree oil bar soap. I also rinse with apple cider vinegar from time to time. I put about a 1/2 cup ACV in a big cup, then top it off with shower water, dump that over my head, massage it in, then rinse it out. ACV really gets any residue in your hair out, including hair dye, so if you've got dye in your hair, a lot of that dye will come out so beware. ;
or becuase you work a job were backcombed dreads look better than neglect when you have to meet new customers..........................................................
Ok, day 2 of dreads. I got Dr. Bronner soap for the first hair wash tomorrow. Any last minute advice?
Almost a week. My hair looks very messy, I'm mostly keeping it wrapped in a head scarf. First day after shower, it looked bad. By the second day, I could leave it down and it didn't look particularly offensive. The top layer is frizzy, the bottom looks good - I wonder why that is? - dimrod80
it's been just over a month for me and i'm getting dreads on the top layer first. seems logical to me, the top layer gets messy easy from the elements, sleeping, and your head scarf, and the underneath is protected from the top. looks like you have nice dreading hair
Thanks, I've always been told by people who have dreadlocks that my hair is perfect for it, which is part of the reason I've finally decided to give it a go. This is also a good time in my life to do it because I telecommute and am going back to school next year so I don't need to worry about my bosses/co-workers reactions or interviewing for a new job in the near future.
Almost a week. I washed my hair again last night. Hopefully the worst is over. It's a bit frizzy in some areas, but lots of curls are becoming more defined and it looks good enough that I am sans headscarf today.
