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Care and Maintainence

Keeping your dreads healthy and looking fresh takes a bit of care.
Follow these tips to keep them strong, clean, and well-maintained.

Before Your Session

1. Wash Your Hair

Wash your hair the night before or the morning of your appointment using a clarifying, residue-free shampoo.
Make sure your scalp is clean and oil-free—no conditioner, oils, or styling products.
Let your hair air dry or lightly blow-dry before coming in.
Do not use heavy conditioners, oils, or leave-in treatments before your session—these can make it harder for your hair to lock up properly.

2. Eat & Stay Hydrated

Dreadlock sessions can take several hours, so eat a good meal beforehand.
Bring a water bottle and snacks if needed, especially for longer sessions.
Avoid coming in hungry or dehydrated—it can make the process feel longer and less enjoyable!

3. Dress Comfortably

Wear something comfortable, as you’ll be sitting for a while
A button-up or zip-up hoodie is ideal if you want to remove layers without messing up your hair.
Bring a hair tie if your hair is long and you need a break.
Avoid wearing tight hats or hoodies right after your session—let your dreads breathe!

4. Be Prepared for the Time Commitment

Dreadlock installation or major maintenance can take several hours—make sure you have enough time set aside.
Bring a book, headphones, or something to keep you entertained during the session.
If you need to leave by a certain time, let me know in advance.
Don’t schedule anything too close to your appointment—rushing can affect the quality of your dreads.

5. Know What You Want

Feel free to bring inspiration photos if you have a specific look in mind.
If you’re unsure, I can guide you through the best options for your hair type.
Avoid last-minute changes—big style changes might require extra time or a separate booking.

Aftercare & Maintenance

Washing Your Dreads

Wash your dreads every 1-2 weeks (or as needed) using a residue-free shampoo. Gently massage your scalp while avoiding excessive rubbing on the dreads. Squeeze out excess water and dry thoroughly to prevent mildew.
Avoid using regular shampoos with conditioners, sulfates, or oils—these can cause buildup and loosen your dreads.

Drying Your Dreads

After washing, gently squeeze out water with a microfiber towel or T-shirt (reduces lint).
Let your dreads air-dry, or use a low-heat setting on a hairdryer.
Make sure they’re completely dry before tying them up or sleeping.
Never leave your dreads damp for too long—this can cause a musty smell or mildew.

Frizz & Loose Hairs

Frizz is normal, especially in the early stages.
Palm roll your dreads regularly to help shape them.
If you have a crochet-maintained set, minor touch-ups can be done at home—otherwise, book a maintenance session.
Use a light dread wax or gel (sparingly) to tame flyaways.
Avoid heavy waxes, gels, or styling products that can cause buildup.

Retwisting & Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your dreads neat and strong.
Book a session every 4-8 weeks (depending on growth).
Palm rolling after washing can help maintain shape.
If your roots feel too loose, come in for a tightening session.
Don’t over-retwist—this can weaken the roots and cause thinning.

Sleeping With Dreads

Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and breakage.
Tie your dreads up in a loose bun or wear a satin/silk cap at night.
Avoid sleeping with wet dreads—they need to be fully dry first!

Products to Use (and Avoid!)

Good for Dreads:

Residue-free shampoo
Natural oils (light application)
Aloe vera gel for scalp care

Avoid:

Heavy conditioners
Thick waxes or butters
Silicones, sulfates, and parabens

Need a Maintenance Session?

If your dreads are feeling messy, too loose, or need repairs, book a maintenance appointment! Regular check-ins keep them strong and looking their best.

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