How soon and often should you wash?

I started back combing last week and am gradually adding on. How soon should I wash them, how often, and what is the best thing to use?

 

When I first backcombed mine, I didn't wash them for around a week and a bit.

It's pretty gross, but helped them start I think.

I've read others that washed theirs once a week with no problem.

Just don't use wax

 

Well all those questions are debateable.

I believe most would agree the best thing to wash with is a residue free shampoo. Alot of people also use baking soda. I just rinse with water occasionally I think the main thing is just to make sure you find whatever works best for you and make sure you rinse your hair really good afterwards to get it all out.

I am an avid believer that after backcombing you should wait atleast a month to wash but alot of people believe otherwise and say you can wash whenever and how often you desire. So just do whatever works for you

 

http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/search.php?searchid=960922

Click the link!

Sorry I'm to lazy/tired to explain it myself. I'm sure plenty of other people will add things though

 

wow a month with out washing?
thats a little ridiculous.
i waited 1 week after my hair was backcombed.
now i wash like 2-3 times a week.
just when ever it feels dirty or itchy.

EDIT: any residue free shampoo will work.
just get something u like the smell and feel of.

 

The link doesn't work

 

Not really. I go months without washing and my hair is nice and dry and has no oil to it all. Only time I ever wash to be honest is when I did something that made me sweat heavily, or if I go to a party and my hair smells like cigarette smoke.

 

not to rag on u at all but i just looked at ur pictures in ur album, ur hair looks kinda dirty.
unless it was wet at the time the picture was taken.
not the dreads, but all the loose hairs, they look dirty.

 

oh that sucks, it works for me, maybe cause your a guest or something? Oh well, pretty much what Pat said, the only difference of opinions is how often really. Like Pat said it's whatever works for you, you'll work this out after a while. I personally love using tea tree oil with baking soda, and occasionally instead dr bronner's, and do it about once a week, but that's just me...

 

lol those were taking right after a rinse

and I have been neglecting/natural for 4 years now so I think all those loose haiirs are to be expected

 

loose hairs are the bomb diggity.
but looking dirty isnt.
but its good to hear that ur hair was just wet and not dirty.

 

I just had a look to, looks fine?
His hair anyways.

btw.. is that a Behemoth shirt in your second pic

 

dont wait a month..ick
i never backcombed but went natural, and washed whenever i felt the need (or could when treaveling, which wasnt always as often as i needed..lol) \

weekly seems best for most but not all

rule of thinb is if u get oily wash use thyme to control oiliness and slowly work up to about a week going 1 day beyingd what feels right till u reach a week

if u are dry or itchy
wash when the itches drive u nuts or sooner
more ogften wont hurt u

once or twice a week is fine for most
and theres no reason to wait more then a week at 1st

washing helps them dread
waitting to wash helps compress the newly foermed knots u get after washing

dreads happen by washing to create knots then compressing the knots ane repeatting
too lil of eatimttyh will hurt ya
too much wont (unless u overcongo)
if u wear a hat alot that compreses um u cxan wash lil more often (theoreticly)

 

Indeed it is :cheers2:

They rule

 

If it makes you feel any better I don't think they look dirty, you probably don't care though either way I expect.....

 

I may seem carefree but it's nice to know people don't think I look dirty lol

Thanks man

 

I don't really think your in any place to be saying someone else looks dirty

 

1. i waited about a month from the time i started backcombing till the time i finished to wash the first time. no big deal. i often wait a month btw washings (and by washings i means rinsings, see 2)

2. i do not use shampoo and my hair feels and smells cleaner than my friend who uses shampoo...
i just rinse well with water about twice a month and massage my scalp really well.
in the summer, i dont pay attention to my hair at all. it gets rinsed when swim in the ocean, which is every day or two. sometimes i like to rinse with fresh water because the sea salt can lead to mild itchies.
my hair is less greasy and dandruffy than when i used soap and is always clean, never smells.

3. im sure pats hair is just as clean as mine.

 

oh thats only because ive never used the shower in my life.
i try to keep a thick layer of dirt on my skin at all times.

 

Awesome. Thanks every everyone, it's much appreciated. scatteredleaves, I've been browsing other threads and yours are the of the most enchanting dreads I've seen.