How long should you wait to wash your hair after starting dreadlocks?

But, with that being said, let's explore when each stage of locs may be ready for a good washing. If you're just getting started with the baby stage, you should wait around 4-6 weeks before carefully washing your hair. You can go even longer than that if you feel you need to, but don't go longer than 3 months.

Can I get my starter locs wet?

Avoid getting your hair wet or washing it with any products in the first two to four weeks, as you may loosen some hairs and negatively affect the neat appearance of your dreads. Once about a month has passed, you are free to wash your dreads as needed.

Can you wash your hair with new dreads?

New dreads: If you're flaunting brand-new baby dreads, wait for at least one week before washing your dreads. After that, make sure to wash them when your scalp gets oily. It might be once per week, or even less, but - keep in mind to follow the sebum production after getting dreads.

Can you wash your hair every 2 weeks with starter locs?

The general rule of thumb is to wash your locs every one to two weeks. This gives your scalp and locs enough time to replenish the oils they need to be healthy, but not so much time that buildup becomes an issue.

Do starter locs get thicker?

They Sometimes Get Thicker Over Time

No matter what your locs look like when you install them, they'll most likely look radically different in a couple years time. A lot of the time, the locs will thicken up as they mature.

Washing Starter Locs | Should You REALLY Wait a Month?! #starterlocks #dreadlockjourney

What not to do with starter locs?

Say no to deep conditioning

Moisture is important to healthy hair but skipping this step will avoid locs from unravelling. So, say no to deep conditioners in the starter loc stage and you'll be on your way to healthy and defined locs in the future. Consider deep conditioning only when your hair begins to lock up.

Can I wash my starter locs after 1 week?

It's a good idea to avoid washing your starter locs immediately after getting them, as your hair may still be fragile and susceptible to damage. Instead, you'll typically want to wait at least a week or two before washing them the first time to let the locs set and mature a bit.

What to do when you first get dreads?

Washing, moisturizing, and protecting your dreads will ensure your hair grows well and stays healthy. You will want to regularly (every two to three weeks) wash and detox hair to remove any products, oil, or debris trapped in the strands and scalp.

How do I keep my starter locs from unraveling?

A few ways to prevent some of the unravelling include, sleeping with a satin bonnet or loc sock, asking your loctician for suggestions or being more gentle when you wash your hair. You will be in the "baby" stage for approximately 9 months. It will be shorter or longer depending on your hair type.

How long does it take for starter locs to lock?

In the locs process, the Starter Stage (also known as the Baby Stage) lasts roughly for three to six months. But how long this stage lasts depends on a couple things, such as your hair type and how fast your hair grows.

Should I keep my starter locs covered?

Should you cover your starter locs? Covering your starter locs is an efficient way to protect the hair from breakage. Cover the hair with a silk or satin scarf and bonnet.

Should I leave my starter locs dry?

Both locs and protective styles require a certain level of maintenance. While you can leave your locs or protective style without moisture for a couple of days, you're not able to leave them without moisture for weeks on end. If you do, the hair shaft will become dry, brittle, and lackluster.

How can I speed up my starter locs?

How often should starter locs be Retwisted?

In the early months of the locking process, it is important to cultivate or retwist the hair once a month, regardless of the sizing you want the locs to ultimately be. For me, even though I'm aiming for thick locs, I still have been retwisting my locs about every 4-5 weeks.

What is the first stage of dreads?

The starter phase is the baby stage of your locs development, and it can last anywhere from 3-6 months. The duration depends on your hair type and how fast your hair grows, but the key factor here is that your hair is able to form coils entirely through from roots to ends.

Do dreads mess up your hair?

As your hair mats and locks together and becomes dreadlocks, your locs will protect hair follicles. Dreadlocks can damage your hair, it's true. But about 99% of such damage is mainly caused by people who don't know how to properly groom, style, or even grow dreadlocks.

Can you wash starter locs after 3 weeks?

So if your hair is producing dandruff and also matting and you're waiting a very long time between shampoos you will effectively loc your dandruff in your locs. Not ideal, right?! So you should shampoo your locs as early as every 7 days but not wait beyond 4 weeks to shampoo your hair.

Can I wet my starter locs everyday?

There is no need to introduce moisture to your locs every single day, especially if your hair doesn't need it. You should only do it on a need-to basis, meaning when they start to feel dry or brittle.

How often should I oil my starter locs?

You should oil your locs once a week until you learn more about your hair's individual needs. Over time you'll develop a customized hair care regimen that will be focused on oiling your locs as needed.

Can you lay down with starter locs?

Protect Your Locs While You Sleep

Movement while you sleep and friction against your pillow can cause your locs to unravel. So, protect your locs while you sleep. You can wear a satin cap or scarf. These will also help with moisture retention and prevent hair breakage.

What causes dreads to break off?

Styling too Tightly

Leaving in styles that stress your scalp and roots for too long, or pulling your locs back into really tight styles can cause breakage. No matter how cute they might look, it just might not be all that worth it.

Does your hair grow faster with starter locs?

It isn't really true that loc'd hair grows faster; it just maintains all of its growth. Hair that is normally shed in the growth process and hair that breaks off at the ends due to manipulation are all retained within the loc.

How long does it take starter locs to bud?

When to expect your locs to start budding? Typically, within the first 3-6 months you will notice the first signs of budding in your locs. Depending on your hair texture, product usage and initial method for starting locs the onset of this process can vary.