I was getting my hair cut last Wednesday when I realized that I needed a new hairstyle. My girlfriend has been talking about dreads forever and I always thought dreads were cool. I found this forum and after looking through everything I am going to start my dread journey. I really wish that I didn't cut my hair so short though. I'm going to have to wait for a while before i can even start
You've got a good point. The journey is underway haha. I get such a big smile whenever I start to think about watching them grow.
Let me just say- For two years, I was waiting for the right time to 'start my dreads'..... If I had just stopped combing my hair and such then, I'd have bad ass dreads by now!
Right now I use head and shoulders. Just lather and rinse. I'm going to try to get some residue free shampoo soon though.
stop using shampoos with conditioners in em. try a non-residue. i recommend dr. bronner and dilute 12:1, but, there are other products out there. or you can using baking soda.
At first water probably isn't best...It is a gradual thing. People have mixed reviews of Bronners, To me, it seems that the harder your water is, the more sticky it feels on your hair. I prefer baking soda.... You will learn your own preferences with time!
no. i just take a big cup put about 1tbsp-1 1/2 tbsp and fill the rest of the cup with water. it takes a practice try or two.
I take a 16 oz. water bottle, and put some of baking soda(not sure how much, it is always random..), and fill up the rest with water....I also poke a hole in the cap, it makes it pour easily over your head. I sometimes use Dr. B's in a spray bottle. When I do that, though, I also rinse with baking soda still. Then rinse. Easy. Those two ingredients are the only two products I use, both for soap too.
'Normal' shampoo is designed to strip your hair and scalp of the natural oils it makes, in attempt to make it cleaner. In doing so, it throws off the balance, and your scalp produces much more oil to compensate for that, making you need to wash your hair again...and over and over and over. In time, the balance will be restored and you won't need to wash your hair so much, and that is why a lot of people only use water to wash. In addition, Shampoo (and conditioners) lubricates individual hairs so they stay 'shiny' and stuff, which aids the dreading process none. Baking soda just makes my hair and scalp feel clean, not soft or shiny or 'healthy' like shampoo companies try and advertise, Just clean. Clean hair is best for dreading. Oils also lubricate the hair and it is less likely to knot. At least, that is what I think. I'm not so great with science things, this is just what makes sense to me! *You could not brush your hair for years, but if you are still using non-residue free shampoo, you will see very minimal results.
Oh man. The thought of shampoo lathering up in my hair is downright sickening. It gives me the heeby-jeebies just thinking about it. I really do get kind of creeped out by brushed, untangled, shampooed hair now.
