... and I want to get rid of the smell. One source of this, that I just discovered, is that the shampoo I use (nettle shampoo, 100% organic according to the bottle, residue-free and all that jazz), smells like cum. Horrible. I figured, I should probably switch shampoo, but also, how could I improve the smell otherwise? I've thought of adding a little lemon juice to the shampoo would do the trick, but really, some advice before I get started would be nice. ... and here's an hours-old photo for good measure (puppies are a little over a year old now!)
I'd ditch that shampoo , do Lemon juice or ACV rinse- & dry really well- especially those big heavy looking wraps? -but I am FAR FAR FAR from any sort of expert They look awesome .. LOL at least look much better than I imagine they smell
I would advise stop using shampoo, switch to using either just water or water and baking soda/bicarbonate of soda. As far as what you can do now I would soak them with water and baking soda/bicarbonate of soda with some tea tree oil, these ingredients will help a lot to get rid of nasty smells. You also have some large wraps on there, do they stink more there? Maybe they are not getting dry enough and enough air under there? Oh and nice dreads btw. Edit: ACV it as well, and here's the link to various deep cleanse methods: http://www.hipforums.com/newforums/showthread.php?t=368444&f=209
I had that problem a while back deep cleanse and acv seem to do the trick. I dont know the ingredients by memory but i believe deep cleanse is 3/4 cup baking soda 2 tbs lemon juice (i use grapefruit) 2 tbs sea salt 10 drops tea tree oil I add Witch Hazel and some Lavender (Not necessary) Mix in bowl with warm water and saturate dreads for 30 mins Rinse and repeat if you like
great looking dreads, I agree with merrivale and wonder if the wraps are the problem? How often do you wash and do you go asleep with wet dreads?
My dreads smell like wet dog while they're drying but it goes when they are dry. So unless you have the wet dog smell constantly all I can say is learn to live with it and wash on days you won't see anyone. If you have the smell when dry too, maybe try making a spritzer with water and essential oils to get rid of it. On the rare occasion mine get smelly when dry I apply some solid perfume.
The wet dog smell is due to you not drying your hair properly, like if you go to sleep with them damp or put a tam on while damp, if they don't dry completly before they get slept on or put in a hat etc you can get mold and stuff, swap shampoo to something either dready designed or what ever mixtures people here vouch for and then make sure to dry them fully, blow dry and heavily towl rub gets it done, and then once they feel totally dry shake them to get the excess water out of the tips
If they are getting mold theres a thread herbs for your head the antii mold ones i think are 3/4 cup a white vinagar 1/3 cup water and a lil lavendar oil or 3/4 cup thyme simmer 20 minutes strain then soak i maybe lil off thats from menmory which isnt great always
whose cum have you been smelling? lol i wasn't really aware that it had a smell.... they look cool i like you wraps. try drying them in the sun? like hang out outside for four or five hours after washing.