Why is it important to keep dreadlocks hydrated?
The short answer is hydrated hair = strong hair!
The short answer is hydrated hair = strong hair!
When we lock up our hair it’s important to keep an eye out on your dreadlock ends to see if they’re becoming dry.
Dry hair becomes weak and is much more likely to snap which will cause your dreadlocks to weaken over time and snap off - giving themselves trims essentially.
The snapping zone will be most common at the shoulders due to friction/movement or at the spot where your hair tie most regularly sits.
Maintaining the hydration in your hair will help to keep your dreadlocks growing out strong and long!
Many factors can lead to dry hair including
Lack of conditioner use
Not using the correct shampoo
Sun exposure
Dying / bleaching
Blow drying
Air born debris
Chlorine or Salt Water
Also - humans with naturally light coloured hair are also more susceptible to their hair drying out due to sun damage.
Thankfully there are many easy ways to prevent your hair drying out!
Dry hair becomes weak and is much more likely to snap which will cause your dreadlocks to weaken over time and snap off - giving themselves trims essentially.
The snapping zone will be most common at the shoulders due to friction/movement or at the spot where your hair tie most regularly sits.
Maintaining the hydration in your hair will help to keep your dreadlocks growing out strong and long!
Many factors can lead to dry hair including
Lack of conditioner use
Not using the correct shampoo
Sun exposure
Dying / bleaching
Blow drying
Air born debris
Chlorine or Salt Water
Also - humans with naturally light coloured hair are also more susceptible to their hair drying out due to sun damage.
Thankfully there are many easy ways to prevent your hair drying out!
Use a dreadlock safe shampoo
Typically dreadlock safe shampoos are organic which will prevent any unnecessary build up. They also will likely have a hydration component in the formula such as essential oil, hemp seed oil, coconut oil etc which will lock in the moisture while you’re washing your hair!
Lunalockshop dreadlock safe shampoo link below
Use an organic leave in conditioner
I know conditioner is a no no word in the dreadlock world due to it’s likelihood to cause build up & issues with your hair locking. However an organic leave in conditioning spray such as the Lunalockshop Hair Repair spray is perfectly dreadlock safe and will help hold moisture in the locks. Sprays like this are best used on towel dried locks and they also work well as a heat protectant when blow drying.
Lunalockshop Hair Repair Spray link below
Perform regular deep soaks (recommend every 3 months) to ensure all build up including every day dirt is removed from the middle of the lock. Clean hair is happy hair!
Lunalockshop Deep Soak Powder link below
When dying or bleaching your hair ensure you get every single ounce of product out from your locks so that it doesn’t dry the hair out further. This will be done by doing multiple shampoo rounds or by completing a deep soak before shampooing to help draw out the product with in your dreadlock. After washing out all the product it would be wise to use a leave in conditioner spray or hair repair spray to help retain the moisture lost in the process.
Swimming
Chlorine
Chlorine is very damaging to hair and it will dry it out if it sits in your locks to dry. Simply give your locks a good rinse after hopping out of the pool so that the hair dries in fresh water not chlorinated water.
Salt water
Yes salt water will help your dreadlocks form and lock up. However if left in the locks it will also cause the hair to get very dry on the ends and also can lead to build up in the locks. Swimming in the ocean is awesome for your dreadies but when you’re done remember to rinse them off! For some extra TLC - spray your ends with an organic leave-in conditioner or hair repair spray to help retain the moisture.