Well, I had backcombed locks for about a 22 months, almost 2 years. They were really thin, smaller than a pencil...and they were locking up slowly, but surely...I guess, I wanted to be original and have super thin locks...I realize now that I made a big mistake and should've gone neglect, as they weren't anything special and were quite damaged from the comb. Anyways, I have some questions on what to do in terms of preparing for the my neglect journey. I have about 2/3's of my old set combed out and will hopefully get the rest tonight. What should I do from there? My hair texture is pretty wavy/curly, I have a real full head of hair, but I also have thin hair (not just because of the backcombing). Would you recommend washing with something to thicken up my hair before embarking on the neglect route? (I've heard thinner hair doesn't lock as well as thick) Thanks. Any pointers would be much appreciated. I wanna do it right this time!!
do it right by not doing a thing! doesn't really matter if your hair is thick or thin. if you just combed out i think the natural process would take less time since your hair is probably real kinky and crazy from the previous dreads.. i'd say don't wash it with anything like conditioner. just keep them clean and separated when they start dreading.
Well, I had to put A LOT of conditioner in them to loosen them up so I could pull them apart. So I'll have to at least wash that out...so, unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to leave them all kinky and crazy. Thanks for the reply, though.
Many natural dreads grow in pencil thin...but combine and thicken over time. First thing you need to do to grow natural dreads is to not worry. Your hair WILL dread over time regardless of the texture. Second thing you need to do is post some pics. There you have it! It's that simple my friend! Good luck!
Thanks, Mandy. I will post some pics of my new set when I can. I know that I need to just leave them be...I've learned that already, but I was wondering about what kinda of a wash I should do before going neglect. I assume just wash out the conditioner and then do a non-residue shampoo wash and forgo the thickening shampoo?
You should wash throughout the process. You're talking like you're not going to wash your hair anymore.
yeah just rinse out the conditioner and from here on out just use any residue free shampoo of choice.....I dont think a hair thickening shampoo is neccessary...unless your balding? =]
Argh...This will be my 4th set of locks, I know damn well that only clean hair locks...I'm just asking about a transitional wash before going back to my usual routine. EDIT: thanks Mandy, that's what I figured. And no, I'm not balding ...even my 95 year old grandfather still has his hair!
did we post at the same time? Is the transitional wash you speak of the hair thickening shampoo stuff? Im confused. Just wash your hair and let it dread I dont know why this is difficult. =]
I brushed out my locks and then just left them to start neglect. I used tons of conditioner, but it's almost as if your hair is ready to lock after brushing out the dreads. I'm loving my hair now more than when I had them backcombed. Enjoy!!!
Awesome. Very inspiring...I've got a good feeling about this...I am assuming you washed out the conditioner? Interesting that you say your hair is almost ready to lock afterwards...after one wash of conditioner, I suppose there's still damage left behind is what you're alluding to.
I assume that most people wash out the conditioner before they get out of the shower. Are you asking if you need to do something to 'uncondition' them before 'starting' your 'neglect'? Because, as already posted, you don't have to do a damn thing except keep your hair clean.
Ya, and also was wondering if regaining a level of strength in the hair would help with fullness after what the comb had done to it. Those are my two concerns....
^^^ Your hair will regain strength on its own...it may be extra thin for a bit due to the combing and stuff....but will thicken up in a few weeks. [I know this from personal experience] =]
My hair started knotting on the first wash. Conditioner doesn't really just hang around for a long time. Unless you use a deep cleanse that leaves waxy stuff on your hair to make it "extra silky smooth". =) Let's face it, hair gets damaged big time when dreading, your hair will be just fine.
Just Wash It With Baking Soda, And Water As Hot As You Can Stand. Leave The Baking Soda In For Ten Minutes, Then RINSE, RINSE RINSE.. Then Get On With Life, That Sweet Old Dear "Mother Nature" Will Do The Rest For You... Enjoy Your Journey. Cheers Glen.
Right on, friends...on a funny side note, Tin Cup was playing on TV and Costner talks to a woman who says "we don't do natural here"...he gets off the phone and Check Marin...says you embark on your OWN journey....haha...thanks for all the help all, I got this from here now.
