Can dreadlocks be washed? Yes, and you absolutely SHOULD wash them regularly. When washing dreadlocks, the main focus should be on the scalp. We like to say, “as long as your scalp is clean, your dreadlocks will be too!” We recommend washing weekly with a low/no-residue shampoo to keep your dreads and scalp free from buildup of oils, dead skin, and sweat that can accumulate naturally. 

Can dreadlocks be combed out? Yes! As long as aftercare directions are followed and all maintenance is done by us, dreadlocks started with the crochet-method used at Ogden Dreads should be able to be combed out. However, there are some products and methods of maintenance that can be damaging to your dreadlocks and the overall health of your hair and scalp. So we can’t guarantee you can comb your dreads out if you use products we don’t recommend, don’t follow certain aftercare instructions, or if you get maintenance done elsewhere. 

 What kind of shampoo should I use? Residue-free shampoo is best to use on dreadlocks. Often, people think that natural shampoos are best. While this is partially true, there are still many ingredients in natural shampoos that can be harmful to dreadlocks(like salt or coconut oil). We like Tea-Tree Tingle from Trader Joes, but any residue-free or clarifying shampoo will work. 

Can I use conditioner on my dreadlocks? Conditioner is a big no-no when it comes to dreadlocks. Conditioner will build up in dreadlocks which is a main cause of mildew and other unpleasant smells. If you have extensions, or long loose ends, you can use conditioner in the hair that is not locked up, just make sure to rinse well! 

How long does my hair need to be to start dreadlocks? Some hair textures(extremely curly, fine-textured) can be started with as little as 2-3 inches of growth. For straight-textured hair, we like at least 6 inches of length to start dreadlocks. 

Will having dreadlocks lead to hair loss?  When started and maintained correctly, dreadlocks will not lead to hair loss. Maintenance should be tight without pulling on the scalp and should be spaced out at least 3 weeks to give hair time to grow. Too-tight or too-frequent maintenance can lead to traction alopecia, so because we care about our clients and the health of their hair and scalp, we may refuse requests for too-frequent or too-tight maintenance. 

How do dreadlocks thicken up? Humans shed 50-100 hairs daily! With dreadlocks, shedded hair stays in the dread rather than falling to the floor or getting stuck in the shower drain. This leads to dreads thickening up over time since we never really lose any of the hair we shed. 

 What does “mature” mean in reference to dreadlocks? Dreadlocks go through a lot of changes in the first few years. Brand new dreads are skinny and stiff, but with regular washing and maintenance, they will gradually thicken up and become more compact. There will be less loose hair sticking out from the body of the dreadlock and they will get fewer and fewer lumps and bumps. This process takes a few years but after about 18 months most clients’ dreads will be nearing maturity! 

Do I have to palm-roll my dreads? Only if you want to! Traditionally, palm-rolling has been used to counteract shrinking and to give dreadlocks a nice cylindrical shape. Regularly scheduled crochet-method maintenance achieves the same effect, making palm-rolling unnecessary.

How do I maintain my dreads? - Regular washing, palm rolling, and re-tightening the roots as needed are key. 

What method do you use for starting dreads? - Popular methods include two-strand twist, freeform, and the "neglect" method. I like to use a crochet hook to make the dreads after sectioning the hair.

Will my dreads shrink? - Yes, most people experience some shrinkage due to the hair naturally curling and tightening into locs. Your dreads will stop shrinking and start to grow in length after 5 years.

Can I swim with dreads? - Yes, but make sure to wash and rinse them thoroughly with clean water afterwards. 

What is the best hair type for dreads? - Naturally curly or coarse hair tends to lock more easily. 

Can I dye or bleach my dreads? - Yes, but it's best to do so before starting the locking process. Bleaching is highly unrecommended because over time all the bleached hair will disintegrate and you will lose length.

How long does it take for dreads to mature? - This depends on hair type and maintenance, but can take several months to a year for your scalp to get used to the dreadlocks. After a year they will continue to shrink and tend to reach full maturity at 5 years and start to grow longer. 

Is it cultural appropriation for white people to have dreadlocks? - It's important to be respectful of the cultural origins of dreadlocks when considering this hairstyle, but I consider it cultural appreciation, not appropriation. Dreadlocks have been used throughout history by people all over the world, including Vikings!