A braided dreadlock set is a beautiful way to show off your style. To keep your set fresh, beautiful, and comfortable, proper care is essential. Below, you'll find the best way to wash, dry, and maintain your dreadlock set.
To wash
How often you wash your dreadset depends on your scalp and preference. My advice: wash it no more than once a week with a Dreadlock-friendly shampoo (like RawRoots shampoos). Ideally, don't wet your dreads too often. Do you have an oily scalp or prefer a bit more time between washes? Then use a dry shampoo and/or refreshing shampoo. spray.
Choose the right shampoo
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Residue-free : Always use a shampoo that doesn't leave behind silicones or (natural) oils. This prevents buildup that can eventually cause mold.
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pH 5.5 : This most closely matches your own scalp and hair. Not every brand lists this, but you can test it yourself with a pH strip or ask the manufacturer.
This is how you wash your dreadlocks
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While washing, focus on your scalp: massage gently but specifically with your fingertips.
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Let the shampoo rinse through the lengths of the dreads
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Rinse thoroughly. Continue rinsing until you're sure there's no residue left.
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Squeeze your dreadlocks to drain out as much water as possible.
Drying
Dreads retain a lot of water, human hair and wool slightly more than synthetic ones, so take the time to dry them thoroughly. Always ensure your dreads are 100% dry before going to bed. This prevents musty odors and mold.
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Use a large hydrophilic or microfiber cloth and squeeze out the excess water.
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Wrap your hair in the towel on top of your head and leave it for about 30 minutes. This will also prevent your dreads from falling out due to the weight.
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Then you can choose: let it air dry or use a hair dryer on a low temperature.
Tip: Once your hair is dry, run your fingers along your scalp and gently pull your dreadlocks apart. This prevents them from knotting together at the roots.
Keep loose ends nice
Many dreads have loose or open ends. To keep them looking their best, they need some TLC every now and then. Gently detangle with your fingers, a wide-toothed comb, or a tangle teaser. Use a light water-based spray, such as water with a little aloe vera, to reduce frizz and tangles and keep the ends supple.
Further care
In between braiding sessions
Did you take out your dreads? Then now's the perfect time to give them a good cleaning. The easiest way is to hand-wash them in soapy water with shampoo . Let them soak for a while to loosen any dirt and product residue, then rinse thoroughly.
Another option is to machine wash the set on a hand wash cycle (30°C) . Only do this if your set doesn't contain braids or wavy dreads, as these can lose their shape. Always place the dreads in a tightly sealed laundry bag and use a mild detergent. Then let the dreads dry slowly on a drying rack—never in the dryer, as this can damage the fibers.
Dreadlock Trim Care
Is your dreadlock set adorned with beads, wraps, or other accessories? Don't forget to take care of them. Whenever possible, remove jewelry from your dreads before washing them. This way, both the dreads and the accessories will stay beautiful longer.
This is especially important with wooden beads , which can dry out or crack if they get wet often, and with certain metal beads , which are prone to rust.
