This question comes up quite often in dreadlock forums and chat groups, and the answer is easy. It is completely up to you whether you choose to cover your locs at night or not. Based on my experience, however, I would highly recommend it. There […]
When starting locs, one of the biggest questions is: How do I make sure they turn out the thickness I want? Some people prefer small, delicate locs while others love a fuller, chunkier look. The outcome depends on several key factors, and once you understand […]
That annoying itch on your scalp is more than just a tickle. It’s a sign that your scalp is trying to tell you something. If left unchecked, it can cause frustration, discomfort, and even scalp issues over time. When it comes to locs, there are […]
Thinking about coloring your locs this summer? Before reaching for hair dye, it’s important to understand what it does to your hair, how it affects locs specifically, the impact of sun exposure, and what alternatives exist if you still want to change up your look. […]
If you have locs, you already know that washing them every single day isn’t realistic. In the summer, though, the heat and humidity make our scalps sweat more, which raises the question: how often should you be washing your locs during this season to keep […]
Sweating is a normal and healthy process. Sweat is made up of about 99% water, along with salt and other trace elements. It helps regulate body temperature and maintain balance in the body. On its own, sweat is not a problem. The issue begins when […]
Have you ever stepped outside and your locs instantly started puffing up, getting frizzy, or feeling weighed down and heavy? This could be due to humidity. If you’ve ever asked yourself how humidity affects your locs, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll break down […]
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with loose hairs in dreadlocks, you’re not alone. Loose strands, especially at the front or between your locs, are one of the most common topics in the loc community. Some view them as a nuisance; others appreciate them […]
Swimming with locs can be refreshing and fun, but it’s important to know that chlorine, saltwater, and even moisture itself can cause long-term issues if your hair isn’t properly protected. From dryness and breakage to scalp irritation and even mold, locs require extra care around […]
One of the most tedious tasks that comes with having dreads isn’t washing them, but drying them. Dreads are like sponges or worse. They take a VERY long time to dry. Before I had my hair dreaded, showering was not something I planned ahead of […]
Summer is a beautiful season—sunshine, beach days, and outdoor fun. But while you’re soaking up the sun, your locs might be soaking up a bit too much heat. The sun, dry air, sweat, and even your wash routine can lead to brittle, dry, or frizzy […]
Summer brings sunshine, warm weather, and outdoor adventures, but it also creates a challenging environment for dreadlocks. Increased sun exposure, heat, and humidity can dry out the hair, irritate the scalp, and make it more difficult to maintain moisture. Whether you are swimming, hiking, or […]
When it comes to maintaining healthy, thriving dreadlocks, there’s more to the equation than just washing and retwisting. One of the most crucial—and often underestimated—parts of any loc care routine is the use of oils. But not all oils serve the same purpose. While oils […]
Think your locs can handle the sun? Think again. Just like your skin, your hair is vulnerable to sun damage. Too much UV exposure can dry out your locs, weaken your strands, and irritate your scalp. But here’s the good news: with the right natural […]
Aloe vera is an incredibly nourishing succulent. It is used in traditional medicine for healing wounds, treating burns, reducing inflammation, and as a digestive aid. It’s also popular for treating skin conditions, such as acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. One of the major problems we dreadheads […]
The use of rose water for hair and skin care dates back to the ancient Egyptians- that is, more than five thousand years ago! Honestly, it’s very likely that they used rose water on their dreadlocks too. After all, the first archaeological evidence of dreads […]
Have you ever wondered why your locs feel dry no matter how much you moisturize them? Or why do certain products seem to sit on your hair without doing anything? The answer often comes down to your hair porosity. Understanding porosity can completely transform how […]
Dreadlocks are made up of knotted strands of hair. Many people believe that in order to get dreads, they have to constantly be doing maintenance and adding products to them. This is true to a small degree, but you can’t get too crazy. Dreads require […]
If you have dreadlocks and love to travel, you already know how important it is to keep your locs clean, moisturized, and protected—especially when you’re far from home. Whether you’re catching a flight overseas, going on a weekend road trip, or planning an extended stay, […]
Do you ever feel like your beautiful dreadlocks are a literal pain in the neck? You’re not alone. Many people with locs experience neck discomfort, but the good news is that there are simple ways to manage and even prevent this. Whether you’re new to […]
Hair loss is a topic we often don’t think about—until it becomes a reality. For those with locs, the concern becomes even more pronounced, given the unique care and maintenance locs require. In this post, I’m diving into why hair loss happens in dreadlocks and, […]
Maintaining healthy and residue-free dreadlocks can be a challenge, especially with so many hair care products on the market. Whether you prefer DIY recipes or store-bought options, ensuring that your products are safe and effective is essential for the health of your locs. In this […]
I recently received the following email which inspired me to write this article. Hello!!! Looking for some good advice about the care and maintenance of mature locs. I’ve had locs for about 8 years. They come just below my waist. They are becoming heavy. As […]
Proper nutrition is essential to the overall health of the body. The body is amazing in its ability to heal and restore itself, however, it needs the right foods in order for us to see and feel those improvements. Hair is the second-fastest-growing tissue in […]
There’s an idea floating around that dreadlocks are virtually maintenance-free. This couldn’t be further from the truth — at least in the beginning of your dread journey. Mature dreads are much easier to care for, but baby and teenage dreads require some extra lovin’. When […]
There are different methods to start your new dreads, such as the interlocking method, twist and rip, backcombing, crochet method, finger coils, and two-strand twist method. Each of these methods has pros and cons so we’ll talk about those to help you determine which method […]
Dreadlocks are a beautiful and timeless hairstyle, but they come with their unique set of challenges. One of the most alarming concerns that those of us in the loc community face is the possibility of mold growing in their locs. Yes, mold! 😱 If you’ve […]
Dreadlocks are negatively associated with hippies, marijuana, a lack of hygiene, etc. If you have dreads, I’m sure someone has given you an unpleasant stare or a piece of advice that you never asked for. I love it when I’m approached by someone and they […]
If you’re thinking about starting your loc journey, one of the first questions you might ask is: Which hair type locks the fastest? While every hair journey is unique, the texture and type of your hair play a major role in how quickly your locs […]
Dreadlocks go through an incredible transformation as they mature, and understanding these stages is key to embracing the journey. Whether you are new to locs or have been growing them for a while, knowing the stages of dreadlock maturity helps you manage your expectations and […]
If you’re looking to give your locs a more natural, effortless look, transitioning from blunted loc ends to wispy ends is a great option. Wispy ends create a softer, more relaxed look and can even make your locs appear longer, especially in the early stages […]
Maintaining healthy dreadlocks requires proper care, especially when it comes to managing moisture. One common question that comes up in the dreadlock community is, Can you get your locs wet every day? The short answer is yes, but there are important distinctions you need to […]
One thing that caught me off guard when I first started my loc journey was shampoo. All I knew was that I needed something different from regular store-bought shampoos. But it wasn’t until I started researching and experimenting that I truly understood why the right […]
In celebration of my dreadiversary, I thought it would be fun to show you guys the progress and transformation my locs have undertaken during the past seven years. Stick around until the end of the post to find a video with never-before-seen photos starting with […]
In this post, I’m sharing nine stylish and simple hairstyles you can create with your locs—no accessories or hair ties needed! These easy looks are perfect for any occasion. Be sure to check out my video below where I demonstrate how to do each style. […]
Dreadlocks are more than just a hairstyle – they’re a journey, a commitment, and often the source of endless questions. Whether you’re just starting your loc journey or have been growing your locs for years, it’s common to have some burning questions. In this post, […]
When I first started my loc journey, I relied mostly on store-bought products, but after about six and a half years of experimenting, I began making my own loc products. It’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made for my hair. Not only has […]
Over the past seven years while having locs, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges. From itchy scalps to buildup, each issue requires a thoughtful approach to keep our locs healthy and thriving. In this post, I’ll share seven common problems many of us face […]
After seven years with dreadlocks, I’ve discovered products and tools that have become absolutely essential for my loc journey. In this post, you’ll learn which seven crucial items anyone with locs or starting their loc journey should consider. Seven Things My Locs Cannot Live Without […]
After seven years with dreadlocks, I’ve learned so much along the way. Here are the insights I wish someone had shared with me before I began my loc journey. Seven Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Loc Journey 1. Enjoy Simple Pleasures While […]
Dreadlocks, whether they’re thin or thick, are a beautiful hairstyle (when they’re properly cared for, I should say). Way before I got the courage to get dreads, I already had an idea of what I wanted mine to look like. During the locking process, though, […]
October 31st is approaching and if you landed on this page I know you’re looking for ways to incorporate your locs into your costume. Luckily, you’ve landed in the right place! Some time ago, I went to Facebook to see what cool and creative costume […]
Starting your loc journey is both an exciting and transformative experience. Looking back on my 6+ year journey, there are several things I wish I had known before making the leap. The only “loc mentor” I had back when I started was my loctician but […]
For those who are considering taking the plunge and getting dreadlocks but are still unsure about what to expect, this post is for you! 🙂 Having locs is a celebration of individuality, a journey of self-discovery, cultural connection, practical convenience, and a beautiful hairstyle that […]
Being informed about the dos and don’ts of locs is your responsibility. Your locked hair is not like loose hair. It needs to be treated and cared for differently. Due to our own ignorance and the vast amount of bad advice out there, being misinformed […]
Recently one of my loc’d friends asked me about hair steamers. This is something I had heard of in the past but never really looked into. I did some research and read so many positive reviews that I figured it was something worth trying, especially […]
If you’re new to the dreadlock tribe, welcome! 🙂 Getting dreads will change you— and I’m not just talking about your external look. Those who have never had dreads think that the process is much like getting a haircut. A little crocheting or styling and […]
Many factors can cause dandruff on your scalp, such as oily hair, the shampoo you use, changes to your diet, stress, hormonal imbalances, and skin conditions caused by a fungal infection. Before getting dreadlocks, I experienced a mild case of dandruff from time to time, […]
Although not necessarily my favorite season, winter is a beautiful time of year nonetheless. As I write these words, I’m sitting by the fireplace enjoying the snowy view out of my front window. I shoveled the driveway for two hours this morning and barely cleared […]
Dreadlocks grow just as fast as undreaded hair does. At first glance, you may not notice your dreads growing at all. Instead, you’ll probably notice them shrinking since they’re in the starter phase. This is a normal part of the locking process during which your […]
When transitioning from natural hair to locs, many people wonder if dreadlocks are going to affect their employment opportunities and if it is hard to get a job with dreads. The truth is, there’s an equal chance that it will or that it won’t. Ultimately […]
I never realized the importance of moisturizing my hair until I had dreadlocks. When I had loose hair, I would wash it every day (sometimes every other) and it looked fine. Once I transitioned to locs, I started washing it weekly, and as a result, […]
Butterfly dreadlocks are a trendy and stylish variant of faux locs. They’re characterized by a mix of loose and structured curls along the length of the locs- this is perfect if you’re going for a bohemian style! Some have described them as the perfect mix […]
One of the first things I experienced when I got dreads was learning how to deal with an itchy scalp. For months my scalp was sore, inflamed, and covered in red spots. I was constantly distracted by the itchiness and vigorously scratched certain “hot spots” […]
![Sea Salt Locking Spray [Loc Accelerator Recipe]](https://dreadlockulture.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/seaSaltLockingSpray-blog-665x435.jpg)
Most people who use a saltwater spray on their hair do so for one reason only: to get their dreads to lock up faster. While this is an effective strategy if used in the beginning stages, it might cause more problems in the long run […]
There’s so much debate about what products can and cannot be applied to hair. Dreadlocks are a little more particular in terms of what can be used on them because you want to avoid product residue and buildup at all costs. But lemons are fruits, […]
A few weeks ago my life went into “panic mode” when I got a text from my sister telling me that my niece had lice. I was freaked out because I had been around her right before this incident and I hadn’t been too careful […]
Our hair color is determined by the amount and type of melanin that is produced in the hair follicles. The two primary types of melanin include pheomelanin and eumelanin. Pheomelanin gives our hair tones of yellow and red colors, while eumelanin gives us tones […]
I always wondered how damaged dreadlocked hair would become. A bunch of knots all over your head can’t be good…or can it? I did a lot of research before I decided to take the plunge myself and I was very surprised by what I learned. […]
If you’ve seen just one picture of me, you can probably guess that I am very much a woman who is NOT trying to grow out a beard, so why would I even consider testing out a quality beard moisturizer? Well, I’m glad you asked! […]
Back when I had loose hair, I purchased hundreds of hair products simply based on the description on the front part of the label. If it promised that it contained healthy ingredients, I would buy it without thinking twice. It wasn’t until I started my […]
Hairstyles are a form of self-expression, cultural identity, and personal choice. Dreadlocks have been a part of diverse cultures for centuries and are often cherished as a symbol of heritage, spirituality, and individuality. However, a heated debate surrounds the question of whether babies and toddlers […]
When I was deciding whether to get dreads or not, I wondered if I would end up with a really smelly head. I did a lot of research and learned that “smelly dreads” are a huge misconception and myth. There are many ways to prevent […]
If you have locs, then you know that they require special attention and care. One of the most common problems that loc-wearers face (myself included!) is lint accumulation. Lint in locs can be frustrating and unsightly, but there are ways to get rid of it […]
Let’s begin by clarifying that there’s no such thing as the perfect amount of dreadlocks. There is no set amount that will give you the best dreads like the ones you pinned on Pinterest. Every head of hair is unique in the same way that […]
To start my dreads, I grew out my hair for a couple of years so that it would be long enough. What I didn’t realize was that my hair was “long enough” all along. I’m still grateful that I waited because once dreaded I was […]
Dreadlocks are not inherently a dirty hairstyle, although they can be if you don’t take care good care of them. If you’re anything like me, you’re very conscious of what goes in and near your hair. You probably go to great lengths to protect your […]
Two-strand twists are a popular method of starting locs because it’s simple and gives you the same look as traditional dreadlocks. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about starting your dreads with two-strand twists. Can two strand twists turn into locs? […]
Are you seeing little white dots in your dreads? If so, know that you’re not alone and there’s a solution for all of them. In this article, we’ll explore the different root causes of the white dots you might be experiencing, what to do about […]
February 18, 2022. This day marks four years that I’ve had my locs!! You know what this means?! I basically just earned my bachelor’s degree in dreadlockology, or locology for short. Sounds prestigious, I know! Hence why I wrote a deeply inspiring article— please hold […]
We know that dreadlocks have been around for centuries. And yet, many questions are repeatedly asked but no straightforward answers are given. Some of these questions are: What is the significance of locs? Do they have a Biblical meaning? Do they give you spiritual powers? […]
I didn’t realize dreadlocks was a hairstyle that sparks so much interest among the non-dreaded community. Being a social person, I love it when someone stops and asks me a question about my hair. This week I was reading through some comments on a dreadlock […]
The best product to start dreadlocks is…no product at all! Does that surprise you? I would be surprised too if I would have followed the terrible advice found on the internet. (Granted, you did find this article on the Internet and you will find tons […]
There’s not much information on the effectiveness of palm rolling, but it may help your dreads to a small degree. Some people see improvements in their loc shape and maturity if they stick to a habit of palm rolling. Many people don’t see noticeable effects. […]
I hear this question a lot: how come dreadlocks grow so fast? After hearing it so many times, it got me thinking. There’s no possible way that your hair knows what style it’s in, and there’s no “dreadlock” magic that it would make it grow […]
Speaking from a biased perspective, I can confidently say that yes, dreadlocks can be an attractive hairstyle. Are they attractive all the time? Unfortunately, no. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it not? So my definition of attractive locs might be different […]
I’m excited to share another product review with you guys today!! (If you missed my Loc Moisturizing Gel review, you can read it here.) But before we get to that, I want to give you a brief background on DreadlocKulture. One of the reasons I […]
The term weak spot or thin spot, when referring to dreadlocks, means that a section of your loc is thinning out- in extreme cases that section will be reduced to singular strands of hair, literally. If you can describe a section of your dread as […]
If you have read any of my articles here at DreadlocKulture, you’ve probably figured out that I’m passionate about only using natural ingredients in my locs. Over the past couple of years, I have put together my favorite ingredients and essential oil blends and developed […]
At first glance, someone may look at a person with dreadlocks and immediately assume that their hair hasn’t been washed in months or years. Don’t be that person. Hair is not dirty if its properly washed and maintained. This statement remains true with dreads. Dreadlocked […]
If you have dreadlocks, I’m sure you’ve come to realize the importance of using oils on your scalp and hair. I never used oils until I got dreads. My head was begging me for some TLC and it took me a while to realize how […]
There’s no place for traditional conditioner in your life if you have dreads. Nope, none. I promise you don’t need it! You might as well donate the rest of that expensive conditioner bottle to someone who can make better use of it. On a positive […]
Recently I received a generous sample of Lion Locs’ Locking Moisturizer in exchange for my honest opinion. Over a period of over a month, I tried it out and I’m excited to share the results with you guys! If you’ve read other articles on this […]
One of the questions I get asked the most is “How do you wash your hair?” My answer seems to shock everyone for some reason: “I wash it with shampoo…” (insert eye-rolling emoji here). Haha, just kidding— I don’t roll my eyes at people. 😉 […]
Most people would agree that those who have loose hairstyles need to cut their ends periodically so that their hair can grow strong and healthy- at least that’s what was instilled in me by every hairdresser I’ve ever been to. Once you upgrade to the […]
Washing your hair with just water does nothing more than move dirt from one side to another. Water alone does not have the properties to lather and remove oils, dirt, and other environmental particles that have accumulated over time. Hair washing practices have evolved over […]
The best part about finishing a tough workout is taking a shower at the end. Dreads can become inconvenient when the scalp becomes overly sweaty and your “shampoo day” is still a few days away. Sweat that is left to dry on your scalp can […]
You may have noticed that dreadlocks require a completely different product-line than you were used to when you had loose hair. I knew a lot of people with dreads long before I decided to dread my own hair. I remember hearing that “dreadlock shampoo” was […]
This is part two of a guide I wrote on the oils that are recommended for your scalp and dreads. If you missed the first part, you can find it here: The Best Essential Oils for Dreads. In this article, you will get an idea […]
This question is so complex — it’s impossible to come up with a definite price because there are many influencing factors. The cost of getting dreadlocks can be as little as nothing and as expensive as a thousand dollars or more. How is that for […]
If you’re asking yourself this question it’s (almost) safe to assume that you don’t have dreads yet but are considering it. The good news is that NO, no hairstyle is permanent! …unless you’re bald, and well, that’s most likely not the case for you if […]
A few years ago while I was entertaining the idea of getting dreads, the thought of them hurting never crossed my mind. Oddly enough, it’s one of the questions I get asked most often now that I have them- “did your hair hurt?” HA! Did […]
This is probably not the most desirable topic to discuss but I think it needs to be addressed at some point or another. Writing this post alone made my head itch from paranoia haha but I’m not writing it to freak you out…I just want […]