Before you get synthetic dreadlocks you
should probably know what to expect and how to care for them. First
off expect your head to be sore for the first day or two. Your head
needs to adjust to the extra weight. For the first week you may have
an itchy scalp, which is just part of getting used to the hair. If it
doesn't go away you may want to take them out; you could have an
allergic reaction to the hair.
How much hair do I need?
It really depends
on how thick your hair is and how many dreads and color variations
you want. I have pretty thick hair, and I used about 5 packs. With my
size dreads I get about 6 double ended dreads per pack. For I full
head with color/style variations such as candy canes and stripes, I'd
suggest anywhere from 8-10 packs.
What kind of comb do I need?
A regular plastic
comb is fine, but eventually it will break. A metal comb is best.
I've even heard a pet brush makes backcombing very easy, though I
haven't yet tried it.
Why are my dreads poofy?
They probably
weren't sealed tight enough and need to be sealed again.
Why are the roots so stiff?
The roots will be
stiff and standing away from your head because the braids are so
tight. They will relax on their own especially after the first time
you wash them. I like to wear a bandana over my hair for the first
few days to help them relax.
Can I get them wet?
Yes, water won't
hurt your dreads. It will make them heavier though. Remember that
when swimming. Also keep in mind if the water is too hot, it can
unseal your dreads.
Sealing
You can pour
boiling water over your dreads to seal them. For this you'd need a) a
kettle and a large bowl or b) a large pot, a small bowl or cup, and a
large bowl. You'll also need something heavy to hold down the dread.
You can also use a hair straightener and a damp rag or a steamer.
Washing
The dreads can get
wet, it'll just make them heavier. Dilute (add water to) your shampoo
before washing then just scrub your scalp. The diluted shampoo should
run down your braids. As you rinse give the dreads a good squeeze to
rid them of any shampoo. Remember: If your water is too hot it can
unseal your dreads!
You should only
need to wash them about once a week. If you have bangs or other loose
hair just tie up your dreads into a shower cap or plastic bag and
wash your real hair as often as normal.
When you take them out
Don't get scared when you see a mound of hair in your shower or on your floor. You naturally shed 100 hairs a day. When your hair is braided, that shed hair is unable to fall. So when you take them out expect a lot of hair.
When you take them out
Don't get scared when you see a mound of hair in your shower or on your floor. You naturally shed 100 hairs a day. When your hair is braided, that shed hair is unable to fall. So when you take them out expect a lot of hair.
Tip: My boyfriend
often complains that my hair smells like plastic, so I like to spray
a flowery body spray on them while wet to create the illusion of
shampoo as opposed to plastic.
If you have any
other questions just leave them in a comment, and I'll help all I can
:)
