Hi everyone! I’ve amassed a few more tips for how to maintain dreads. This post is a second instalment to my original post: Dos and Donts for Locks (Part 1). I highly recommend reading that before you read this.
Watch the video or read the text below for Part 2
Do: wear a satin or silk sleeping cap/bonnet
This is a general tip that applies to all hair. I have tried sleeping without a satin bonnet, and when I woke up I actually did feel the difference in my locks. They felt stiff and required more spritzing to ‘wake them up’; so I really don’t recommend sleeping without one. They also help to keep the locks off of your face when you sleep, which is great if you struggle with acne. I particularly like drawstring bonnets, which are more difficult to slide off in your sleep.
Amazon link to drawstring bonnets(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Do: apply oil after washing your locks
Adding moisture to your locs is easy but keeping them moisturized proves to be a bit more challenging. One of the simplest ways to do this is to seal in the moisture provided from washing your locs using oil. (Please note that this tip is for mature locs only!) I personally recommend our Peppermint Rose Hair Oil.
Do: scalp massages
I massage my scalp right before I wash my locs, in order to reduce the amount of dirt, buildup, or dry scalp sitting on the surface. I find that makes cleansing my scalp easier. I also massage my scalp every other day for about 2 minutes when I moisturize my locks. While there is no direct link between scalp massages and hair growth, there have been claims of increased hair thickness. Scalp massages stimulate blood circulation; the more blood to the scalp, the more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. In addition, since the blood vessels are more dilated, some research indicates that it could help hair products absorb better.
Don’t: use hot water to wash your locs
Hot water can strip your hair of moisture and the natural oils that your scalp provides. It is best to use warm water while washing and then do a final rinse with cold water in order to close your pores.
Don’t: wear a shower cap
If you shower with hot or warm water, this is one of the easiest ways to moisturize your locs. Just put your hair up using a hair band and let the steam add moisture to your locs as you bathe.
Don’t: retighten/retwist your locs too often
Constant manipulation slows down the locking process. Not to mention, it could cause hair thinning due to the constant strain on the roots of the hair. The constant strain could also hurt your edges, and push your hairline back.
Related posts:
Dos and Don’ts for Locks (Part 1)
How to maintain locks with long waits between retightenings
Self-retightening tips: interlocking
Until next time!
~Jay
Hi Jay
You suggest not to wear a shower cap but wouldn’t the shower cap aid in creating moisture or steam whilst taking a bath/shower?
Hi Hammersmith! Great question. I find that in the short amount of time it takes to shower there isn’t enough time for the heat to build up inside to make using a shower cap effective. So having the steam go directly to the hair is better.
is it oke to braid over the locs?
Hi! Yes, it is okay to use braids when you use locs. I had faux locs on mine where they put braids on first then wrapped it with hair. However, there are some things to be weary of when you do it. Check out this post: https://mylocksjourney.com/faux-locs-on-locs/