::Maintaining Dredlocs

Maintaining Dredlocs is an art. Here are some basic tips and suggestions for loc wearers.

Tools and Techniques

Herbal shampoo
Hot oil treatment
Herbal or acid rinse
Re-rolling, cultivating, or manicuring
Styling (texturing to include crimping, curling, braiding, etc)
Watering or spritzing
Did You Know? Spritzing your locks with water helps keep them clean. The weight of the water helps the lock drop down in length and brings lint to the surface. Keeping it wet is one of the keys to lock growth and promotes the natural curling of the hair.

General Tips

Always remove lock debris, lint, and excess oils embedded in locks. These particles have the potential to smother and suffocate the core of the lock over time.
Avoid using heavy petroleum or waxy oils. Petrolatum and mineral oil are man-made products, which are not meant to absorb into hair, skin, or scalp. Light oils, which contain natural moisturizers, are best. They break down easily, and don't cause buildup in the scalp or locks.
Did You Know? Pomades, hair grease, Vaseline, or other petroleum-based hair preparations are not good for your locked hair, since they are very difficult to wash out. They do not break down in hot water. They coat the cuticle, preventing it from opening during any cleansing regimen. The weight of these products will clog the pores in the scalp, inhibit natural flaking and cleansing, and cause sebaceous glands to malfunction. All of these effects will lead to horrific dandruff and scalp problems.

Oils for Locs - Your hair will thank you

Rosemary Oil - Stimulates growth, antiseptic, good for dandruff, excellent for shine on dark-colored hair.
Sage Oil - Astringent, stimulates growth, kills bacteria, said to have the ability to darken graying hair.
Jojoba Oil - Smoothes and conditions curly hair, good for dry scalp.
Sweet Almond Oil - Contains vitamins E and F, good for itchy scalp, mild and easily absorbed.
Avocado Oil - Rich in potassium and sulfur, contains vitamins A, D, and E, easily absorbed.
Evening Primrose Oil - Moisturizes and conditions the hair.
Birch Oil - Antidandruff, effective in treating inflamed scalp.
Calendula Oil - Extracted from the marigold flower, light astringent, soothes scalp and eczema problems.
Try mixing any combination of these oils in a base of olive oil, which is wonderful for the hair! The lighter the better (extra virgin).

Repare and Conditioning

For deep conditioning and prevention of hair loss, try applying a generous amount of olive oil before bedtime. Cover the hair with a plastic cap and scarf (from H4D, of course!), let it soak in overnight and wash it out in the morning. Try it for 8 days if you are experiencing hair loss.

Maintaining at Home

Almost everything you need to have healthy hair you can find in your pantry at home. Try these gentle, inexpensive and easy recipes for the hair.

When shampooing your hair, add one cup of baby shampoo to the ingredients below for your hair type:

Dry hair - 2 tablespoons olive or almond oil or 1 egg.
Oily hair - 2 tablespoons lemon juice or aloe vera gel.
Normal hair - ¼ cup beer or flat champagne.
Dandruff - Rinse with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in 1 cup warm water.
FEED YOUR HAIR – HEALTHY HAIR FROM THE INSIDE OUT

If you are not eating well, your hair will be one of the first things to suffer. Essential fatty acids help prevent hair loss and keep the hair shiny and thick.

Thanks to www.h4d.com for this wonderful information. They have great hats and accessories for dreadloc wearers!!!