Dreadlocks are a very comfortable and practical hairstyle that allows you to surpass limitations in color, length and volume. But even with dreadlocks, there are some limitations involved in keeping your hair healthy and looking the neatest it can be. To keep dreadlocks healthy and beautiful for as long as possible, it is worth avoiding the following:
- Exposure to high temperatures
Synthetic dreadlocks or kanekalon extensions should not be directly exposed to high temperatures, as the material is most often not heat resistant, and the extensions can be deformed by melting. You should avoid using hair dryers in hot mode and curling irons, and when going to baths and saunas you should protect your dreadlocks with a cool wet towel.
- Using conditioners and masks
Hair masks and conditioners should not be used with dreadlocks, both synthetic and natural. It is very difficult to wash such thick and viscous products out of braided hair, so in most cases hair conditioner or mask will remain in the hair after use, and later will lead to unpleasant smell, dirt particles sticking to the hair, dreadlocks hardening and trouble with unbraiding. Such products are only good for unbraided hair, but for dreadlocks they will be a major contaminant.
- High hair tension
Tension puts a lot of stress on the scalp. If you braid your dreadlocks too tightly without loosening the tension at the root area, irritation, itching and even dandruff may develop as a result. It can also lead to accelerated hair loss.
To create hairstyles with natural and synthetic dreadlocks, you can use not too tight elastic bands, spiralock dreads or fix your hair without the use of accessories. It is important to always make sure that the tension is relaxed a bit.
- Bleaching natural dreadlocks at home
Bleaching products are harmful to the hair structure because of their corrosive effect. If you use bleaching agents not carefully enough and not wash them out of the dreadlocks in time, very thoroughly, then due to the severely damaged hair structure dreadlocks can break off, split or become severely deformed. If you need to bleach your dreadlocks before applying hair dye, it is better to turn to a trusted professional.
- Washing natural dreadlocks before bed
Each time after washing you should dry your dreadlocks thoroughly, as otherwise moisture can lead to an unpleasant odor. Moreover, dreadlocks get deformed at the roots, they become flat if you lie with a wet head on a pillow. You can use a hair dryer on cool setting to dry your dreadlocks faster.
