Hi, I know nothing about dreads; I've never had them. In fact, I don't even know anyone that does, not personally. But, I think I want to try them out. My main question is: How long does your hair need to be before you dread it? My hair is shoulder length right now, and I'm assuming when you dread your hair it get's a lot shorter?? How much length can you expect to lose? I'm thinking I want them to be kinda skinny, does that make them harder to start/take care of? And my biggest fear, if I don't like them is there anyway to get them out? Like soak them in conditioner or something? Thanks!
heres a little dreadlock background for you (you said you know nothing about them) (this is a paragraph I have saved, I like it alot, I could never write it out better). "Dreadlocks have been a part of the history of every spiritual system. From Christianity to Hinduism, locked hair has been a symbol of a highly spiritual person who is trying to come closer to God (s). If one is to research the spiritual history and meaning of locks, they will be mentioned in all holy books (the biblical Sampson wore his hair in dreadlocks, and his unsurpassed strength was lost when Delilah cut off his seven locks of hair) and cultures. Dreadlocks roots are commonly traced back to Hinduism and the God Shiva, but stops there." Our ansestors had dreadlocks, its the most natural form of hair. The chemicals and soaps we use now prevent us from forming dreadlocks. Having dreadlocks means you are comitting yourself to a more natural life. When your dreadlock your hair it will probably become half its length now. It varies...sometimes people only lose a couple inches, sometimes they lose alot. It does not really matter how big or small you make them, dreadlocks are a commitment no matter what. They are a lifestyle change that requires a lot of extra love and care. If you don't want them you can soak them in conditioner and untangle them. Please remeber though to check out dreadlocks and their meaning and history. Alot of people are doing it for a statement and fashion reasons without knowing anything about them. Anyone can have them but they have such a deep meaning that I think everyone should become more interested and appreciative of the culture and history.
Thanks! I do know some about them, as far as culture and history goes, I just don't know anything about actually caring for them. I imagine it would be a lot of work at first. I think it'll be another 6 months or so before I can get them, as my hair is short and I don't want my dreads to be up to my ears! My hair grows mad fast though. Anyone know a way to speed up hair growth even more? Thank you, you're very kind.
My hair was down to my ass before I had dreads, and it was straight. They shrunk a lot...to above my shoulders, and now one year later, they kinda just graze my shoulders. That should give you an idea of how much length you might lose.
Length loss depends on how much you fluffy them up etc. It totally depends on your hair. Regarding speeding hair growth, calcium is good for hair growth also head massages make the follecules in your scalp receive more blood and therefore more oxygen bhelping them work better (basically helps hair growth )
wow! yours shrunk alot artist of peace... when mine started my hair was a little past my shoulders. When they were done they were about 2 inches less (estimate, lol) and now they are at my shoulders getting almost past... Hmmm... as far as hair growth all I can think of is drink alot of water. Water just cleanses out your body, makes everything healthy and just grow! I used to drink a gallon a day but its less now, I think thats why my hair grows pretty fast. BTW, welcome to the forum vanilla
Thanks everyone! From what I hear, the length question isn't really an easy one to answer. Any idea what makes some people lose so much length? Is it hair type, the way you dread it or what? If I can get by with only losing a few inches I might go ahead and do them soon. Cheers!
Haha, yeah, Earthy Mama...I lost a looot of length. I kinda miss it. I'm really looking forward to my dreadies growing so that I can have nice long hair again and do a lot of cool styles... I don't know why I lost so much length...I think it's because I backcombed really, really well...so they were really tight from the beginning, and now, a year later, they're pretty solid. I wish my dreadies would grow faster!
