There is something so satisfying about washing your locs and feeling that clean, refreshed feeling afterward. But sometimes, even after a good wash, your scalp can still feel a little itchy, your locs can feel rough or dry, or your hair just does not have […]
Have you ever washed your locs only to have them feel rough, dull, or strangely coated afterward? You switch shampoos, hoping a different formula will solve the problem. You moisturize more often because your locs feel dry. Maybe you even start wondering if your favorite […]
If your locs look dull, smell bad, or are thinning, you might be wondering if you need a new shampoo or another expensive product. In many cases, the problem isn’t what you’re missing, but rather small daily habits that you don’t realize are actually hurting […]
There comes a point in almost every loc journey when you notice something happening at the roots. You wash your hair, run your fingers through your locs, and realize two or three of them are starting to grow together. Maybe it doesn’t seem like a […]
At some point, almost everyone with locs has had the same thought: “Why don’t my locs feel as clean as they should?” Maybe they feel heavier than usual. Maybe they’re looking dull, taking longer to dry, or you notice white flakes hiding inside your locs […]
There is no age limit for starting locs. In fact, many people choose to begin their loc journey in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. Some have dreamed of having locs their entire lives and finally decide that now is the right time. Others discover […]
If you’ve ever wondered why hair naturally forms locs, the answer is simpler than you may think. You don’t need special products, expensive creams, or heavy waxes to make hair lock. In fact, your hair can tangle, knot, and bind together on its own. Natural […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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” […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]