How To Maximize Moisture for Dreadlocks with Proper Care in All Growth Stages?

Cleansing and Moisturizing Products

Dreadlocks are also referred to as locs or dreads. It's a great chic and elegant protective hairstyle that needs care, especially maximum moisture, to keep looking healthy. So, if you are new to the world of dreadlocks, you must know some necessary and basic info that will help you deal with them greatly.

Therefore, in this blog, we are discussing:

• Proper care for dreadlock in all growth stages

• How to give maximum moisture to dreadlocks

• What to do to keep the dreadlocks healthy and shiny

So, let's start.

Stages Of Dreadlocks Growth and Tips for Proper Care:

There are five stages of dreadlock growth. It takes 18 to 24 months to complete all these growth stages. People mostly find the beginning stages challenging in taking care of dreadlocks.

1. Starter:

Starter or baby dreadlocks begin with two-strand twists, and comb coils. This stage lasts from 3 to 6 months, depending on the hair type and how fast it grows. At this time, dreadlocks must be in a freeform style. If you create sections, make sure these are not very small because if dreadlocks get extremely dry, they can break off.

How To Care for Starter Locs?

• Let your dreadlocks grow without manipulation.

• Don't use hair products.

• Use oil after water to moisturize your dreadlocks, once, twice a day, or whenever needed.

• Don't shampoo at least the first two weeks, then wash once a month to avoid unraveling.

• Don't deep condition the starter dreadlocks; it also can unravel them.

2. Budding:

In this growth stage of dreadlocks, you will notice that your starting pattern starts growing puffy or fuzzy. You should gently retwist the dreadlocks at this stage while making sure the original scalp partings are there to spin and establish each dreadlock. Moreover, after shampooing, the tops of the coils will matt together. This stage lasts 6 to 12 months.

How To Care for Budding Locs?

• Clean and cultivate the hair regularly. However, apply shampoo gently so you don't unravel the twists.

• Avoid re-dividing your dreadlocks or being very intense when retwisting.

• Do light retwisting and prevent frequent retwisting to avoid dreadlocks' breakage and thinning.

3. Teen:

In this growth stage, dreadlocks start to form their shape, sprout all over the head and go in whatever direction they want. That's why people find dreadlocks hard to manage at this stage, but you can preserve the dreadlocks and make various hairstyles with headbands, scarves, and headwraps. The best part is dreadlocks reveal a lot less in the teen stage, which lasts 12 to 15 months.

How To Care for Teen Dreadlocks?

• Only buy water-based products because otherwise, dreadlocks will have product build-up.

• You can make pressure hairstyles like rope twists.

• Keep your hair moisturized to keep them good-looking.

4. Mature:

When there is no reforming in your dreadlocks, and they are long enough to hang and lie flat, then dreadlocks are in the mature stage of growth. This stage duration is 1 to 2 years. It can take over a year for this stage to come. The dreadlocks will be firm, face no unraveling, so there will be no need to retwist new hair growth.

How To Take Care of Mature Dreadlocks?

• Apply conditioner and shampoo hair as your regular routine as you did before dreadlocks.

• Practice palm rolling to avoid frizz and unraveling.

• Use water-based products and moisture as needed.

5. Rooted:

This stage comes several years later or comes after 18 months and stays onward. In this, dreadlocks stay firmly in place, get heavier, and look more slender.

How To Take Care of Rooted Dreadlocks?

• Use natural oils (coconut, argan, or avocado oil).

• After 1 to 2 weeks, deep condition the dreadlocks

• Detox them.

• Get regular trims to avoid deterioration.

• Wrap in a satin or silk scarf to avoid dryness and breakage with friction when sleeping.

• To avoid unpleasant odors, dry them thoroughly.

How To Give Maximum Moisture to Dreadlocks?

At every stage of dreadlocks growth, giving maximum moisture to dreadlocks is crucial. It includes hydration and oiling.

Oil is for sealing and water is for moisture.

If you only apply oil without misting your hair with a water based spray, you will seal the dryness in your dreadlocks, and they will stay dry.

First, hydrate your dreadlocks.

-Mist your hair with water or rose water.

Second, apply moisturizing oils

-like coconut or argan oils.

Third, apply sealing oil

-like Jamaican black castor oil or castor oil, grapeseed oil, or jojoba oil to have long-time maximum moisture. Also, stay away from oil-based creams.

What To Do to Keep the Dreadlocks Healthy and Shiny?

In addition to routine moisturizing, you need to maintain your locs by palm rolling, and/or interlocking them on a consistent schedule. Use a satin pillowcase or a scarf when you are laying down, and keep your hair clean by shampooing on a regular bases. After your locs have matured it may be necessary to maintain your locs by also detoxing them to release any built up product. This service is not recommended for locs less then a year old.

These processes can be tedious without proper instruction and patience, and the results are may not be satisfactory after spending hours on your hair. I recommend you must seek professional help from a trustable salon like us, Loc'd Affinity. We will show you how to properly maintain your locs and gain more confidence that you can always have fabulous locs. We are established in Lake County, Gurnee, IL. Visit us to have a pleasant experience and flatter your style. To know our exact location, services, and customer review, click here or message us for any questions.