Dreadlocks?

Question

Ok so i'm thinking of getting them, first a couple of questions:

1. Can you wash them? - If so what shampoo etc can you use...
2. Can you dye them once you have them?
3. If you want ot get rid of them I assume you have to cut them out, whats the longest I could keep my hair when tring to cut them out. Will I end up with a skin-head?

Any advice will be well appreciated! thank you :) xXxXxXxXx

Ok after a bit of research I've been told that you CAN wash them but it's best to use specific- made for the job- shampoos. I still haven't found anything on dyeing them though...

Answer 1

ok firstly you CAN wash dreadlocks once you have them there are even special products to clean and condition them try, http://www.dreadheadhq.com/ there are a lot of myths surrounding dreadlocks usually out of date information spread by people that never had them. so check out that link and www.dreadlocks.com for a few tips and tricks ;0) my gf had hers taken out without cutting off all her hair too at a regular hair salon and although it didnt do the condition of her hair much good it did sort itself out after a few months.

Answer 2

HOW TO CLEAN:
Resist the temptation to shampoo a new set of dreads for at least two weeks. Your scalp will eventually acclimate to the new schedule. When your locks are secure, consider a wash every four days to two weeks, depending on how your scalp feels. Choose a low-lather shampoo that will leave no residue or film behind. Wash your hair with tepid to lukewarm water. Hot water may melt any wax you've used to secure your twists. Look for shampoos that tend to the new needs of your scalp. Many people with dreadlocks experience dry and itchy scalps, as well as dandruff. Consider products made by other "dread heads." These products will be formulated to cater to your specific needs.Skip the conditioner. Its emollient nature may loosen your locks. Consider slipping a nylon stocking or hair net over your head before you wash. This will help keep all your locks in place and keep them from unraveling. Shake your clean head, then squeeze excess water from each lock to begin the drying process. Blot water with a bedsheet, as towels may leave bits of fuzz in your hair.
Let your hair dry completely, then begin the wax and twist process again. Comb each lock back toward the scalp to achieve the matted texture needed to optimize the twist. (www.ehow.com)

Dye normally doesn't hold in dreadlocks because of the wax used to create them. As the hair grows, it will start to look untidy, so the longer you can live with it looking like this, is the longest you can let it grow before cutting the dreads out. You won't look like a skin head unless you cut them out the week you put them in.

Answer 3

Not knowing you, but looking at your avitar, Im assuming you are caucasian. White hair does not dread up like black (people's) hair-it has a different texture that lends itself well to dreading up.

Im white and I had mine in braids one summer. It was really long and I had it braided, nothing added, and I left it like that for 2 weeks. I washed my scalp only (not the braids-its your scalp that gets dirty and oily) with regular shampoo, just a tiny bit tho-because its hard to rinse and it gets itchy. Every time I washed it or slept on it, it got fuzzy.

Also, your hair may break where the rubberbands are at the end, if you use them. If you dont use them and just try to braid it to the end, if you have the white hair texture-they will slip out and your braids/dreads will fall out from the ends..

I dont know about dying them...since they will be all bunched up, all the hair is close together...it wont be able to get saturated deep in the dread or braid. Dye isn't as liquidy and thin as water and its hard for the water to completly saturate it as well.

When I took mine out, they just unbraided, they were a little tangly at the top of my head, but no need to cut them. If you had braids added...if they stay, then they will be all tangled and dreaded, you may have to cut them. If you add braid hair, you also may not be able to dye it well.

Id talk to someone in a salon.

Answer 4

I have never had them myself, but I am almost sure that you don't wash them, but only get them wet and put oils in them.
You can dye them just like any other hair.
You can comb them out with lots of detangler/conditioner and a whole lot of patience, but the hair is usually really damaged. That's why people usually have them cut out.

Answer 5

They are good for ferrets ! I had them once for 6 months and as my ferrets live in my hat they really enjoyed gnawing at my dreads. But that was in the good days before I got cursed with being a Mongolian nomad? If you get dreads get 2 ferrets,theres a strange comfort to be had from them nibbling at your head wear!

Answer 6

you can wash them with specific shampoo,

yes, you can dye them, quite easily actually just dont be too rough when putting the dye on,

you can take them out quite easily, depending on if you use wax on your hair and if so what kind,

hope that helped you

Answer 7

dreadlocks done at the hairdressers you can do what you like. they can give you all the proper info, but if you want proper dreads you can't wash your hair with shampoo or put any products in either.

Answer 8

I wish I could help but I'm dreadfully clueless on this subject. Good Luck to you.

Answer 9

No you can't wash your or comb them. Dread locks as you must know happends when you dont wash or comb your hair and your hair clumps together. To me i wouldn't even want to get them because who would want to look at a girl who has nappy hair?
But thats just me.
XX I don't recomend them but if you want to i have listed aboveXX

Answer 10

yeah i want to get dreads too,
but i have the same questions and concerns hanging over my head,
good luck with em!