How do I know if my dreads are rotting?

If your dreadlocks smell like mildew, mold, sweaty gym bag, wet dog, etc. — you probably have dread rot; mold growing in your locks. The smell may only be noticeable to you while your locks are wet, but then all but go away when dry, but any smells like what's described above it for certain mold growth!
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How do I know if my dreads have mold?

If there is a foul odor coming out of your locs, then chances are there's mold in there. If you're still not sure, the smell is comparable to how a wet towel that isn't laid out to dry properly smells after a few days.
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What does dread rot do to hair?

If you notice your hair is emitting an odor like this (wet dog and sweaty gym bag are also common descriptions), you may have mold growth, also called dread rot. Dread rot occurs when your dreads aren't allowed to dry properly after washing your hair.
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Can mold grow in dreadlocks?

Your hair will start to develop mildew, also known in the community as dread-rot if they stay wet too long. This is why we recommend washing your dreadlocks early in the morning and sit under the sun for a little while (don't forget your sun's protection fro your skin).
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What is the white stuff in my dreads?

People who have started their dreads with neglect, and used no wax, find the same whiteness when their dreads begin to smell and they cut them. So what IS the white stuff really? While a small portion may be dead skin cells, the majority is soap residue. Bath tub rings in the center of their dreads.
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Let’s talk about dread mold and dread rot



What kills hair mold?

Washing hair with a sulfate-rich clarifying shampoo can help to rid the hair and scalp of mold along with debris and buildup. Clarifying shampoos contain chelating agents that break down dirt, product residue, and oil. What is this? It may take more than one wash day to eliminate your hair of all traces of mold.
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Why do locs turn brown?

Brown Locs

The main cause of this is the sun dyeing your locs. As your locs mature, the older locs are exposed to more time in the sun. Thus, you'll see that the ends of the hair will be lighter than the hair closest to the root. I found for myself, that it became more apparent after three years of having locs.
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Can lice live in dreadlocks?

Can People With Dreads Get Lice? Yes, any human with hair can. Read on to find out more about head lice in black dreads or white dreads; as both have the same risk, despite the common myths.
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Why do my locs stink?

If you regularly work out without rinsing or airing out your scalp and hair, you may notice a bad smell after a while. Improper washing. Improper washing can also contribute to an offensive odor in locs. The odor could be from a buildup of sweat, and odors haven't been sufficiently washed away.
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What does dread mold smell like?

Most people describe the smell of mold as musty, stale, and earthy — somewhat similar the odor of wet socks or decaying wood.
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How do you get the white stuff out of your dreads?

Dilute some apple cider vinegar in warm water and use it to wash your dreads. In fact, users report that apple cider vinegar is the best idea overall if you have caked residue and can't get rid of it otherwise. The vinegar is acid in nature and will dissolve the build-up without hurting your hair.
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Do you brush locs?

You can either brush your locs while they are wet or, after they are dry. Brushing your loc when they are dry, before you shampoo, is ideal for reducing lint, frizz and buildup. Some prefer to brush their locs while they are still wet to ensure their locs absorb all the natural moisture the hair shafts can get.
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Is it OK to air dry locs?

If they're still damp before going to sleep, speed up the drying process with a blow dryer. If you wash your locs at night, I wouldn't recommend letting them air dry. If you don't have a blow dryer, squeeze as much water out of them as you can.
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How dirty do dreads get?

If you neglect your locs, they'll look and smell dirty. While dreads do not need to be washed excessively, going too long between washes can lead to a buildup of skin cells, visible dirt, and an off-putting smell. Improper washing: If your dreadlocks are dirty, it's important to wash them.
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Do you have to cut your dreads if you have lice?

No, you shouldn't need to cut your dreads, I've heard from several people that have been able to kill lice (also called nits) and their eggs and avoid cutting their dreadlocks. Let's hope this never happens to your dreads, but just in case it does, it's good to know how to get rid of them.
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How are dreadlocks washed?

How to wash dreads
  1. Dampen your dreadlocks and scalp;
  2. Use the apple cider vinegar or baking soda warm rinse or just soak them in the solution for a few minutes;
  3. Pour shampoo into your hands, add some water and create a rich lather;
  4. Apply some lather onto your scalp and gently massage it with your fingertips;
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Why do my locs look grey?

Hygiene. Any residue or buildup (especially from wax) can leave a grey-ish tint on your dreads.
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Do locs get smaller as they grow?

What is this? Dreads go through a beautiful and constant transformation. As the hair begins to knot and tangle, each dread will adjust to the changes by shrinking while becoming puffy/ tight in some spots and loose/ thin in others.
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Why do my locs look dull?

Too much buildup can cause locs to appear dull and dirty, so brushing your locs regularly ensures that gunk doesn't have enough time to build up and become intertwined with your hair. This way, your hair looks, smells and feels cleaner for much longer without you having to wash it so often.
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What does mildew look like in hair?

Mildew is a surface fungus, often gray or white in color, and often found in damp or moist areas. It gives off a musty smell, and it can be found in your house, on fabrics, and yes, even your hair and scalp.
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Does your hair rot if you leave it wet?

Hair can absorb up to 30 per cent of its own weight in water. The longer it stays wet, the worse things get, as it continues to swell. This is because repeated swelling followed by slow drying of hair causes it to crack, permanently damaging the hair.
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Can mold grow your hair?

Mold Doesn't Grow on Your Hair – But These Fungi May. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist environments and reproduces by producing spores. The term mold is sometimes used to refer to all fungus, but this is incorrect. There's no scientific evidence that mold grows on human hair.
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Does oil cause build up in locs?

A few of the most common products to cause buildup in locs include creams, butters, heavy oils, waxes, and soap scum. How to Avoid Product Buildup: You can avoid product buildup by using lightweight products, ideally formulated for locs, and by always using a clarifying shampoo when you shampoo your hair.
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