Hey, So I've done a fair ammount of reading on this forum but still have some questions regarding my specific situation. First off my hair is currently only about 4-5" long. It's not curly or frizzy but isn't super straight either. I'm looking to start dreads and was wondering when the best time and the best way to do it. I've been thinking of any of the non-wax methods. I'd like a "head-start" over the neglect method but I'm not sure if it will be benefitial to my hair length. So do I wait till it grows or just start now and let the dreads come as my hair grows? I'm also going to South east asia for a couple months in May and see this as an opportunity to get some over abuse via the sun and ocean on my baby dreads, another reason I'm looking for a jump start. My girlfriend has kindly offered to help dread my hair in whatever fashion I choose, I've also been told I can get it done in Asia for relatively cheap. Any reccommendations as I have no idea if the methods they would use but do like the experience aspect. Finally, I've always had relatively greasy hair in the mornings and I associated this with washing my hair daily. After doing some reading on here, I started only washing my hair with water and haven't had a reason to do otherwise in 3 weeks. My hair doesn't get greasy anymore, should I start moving to a Dr. Bromners or Alberto shampoo? And If so when relatiove to any other scheduling you guys reccommend. Thanks ahead of time for any help, Just looking to get a head start so I can start seeing the dreads grow instead of just hair grow.
Welcome Personally, I make dreads as a part time job, and I would wait until your hair is a few inches longer to start (if you don't plan on going neglect). Everyone is going to have their own opinion on this so it really comes down to you and how much patience you have. You could start them now, but odds are most of them will fall apart within the first few weeks. Depending on your patience, or lack there of, this could lead to you getting upset and frustrated with them. In time they will lock up on their own, but you will loose quite a bit of length, and it could be awhile before you start seeing more ideal looking dreads. BUT...if you don't mind waiting, and having a messy mop..then go for it! As for washing, it is different for everyone. Do whatever works for you. I use the knotty boy bar on my scalp once a week, as well as a mix of tea tree oil/sea salt/ hot water mix on days where my scalp starts to itch. It took some time and experimenting to find what worked for me. I had problems with Dr. Bronner's but many people don't! My scalp is pretty average. I've never had dandruff or greasy hair, so maybe someone with your scalp type will pipe up! Anywhooo sorry for the novel, good luck
