(Republished Blog Post)
I decided to re-share this post as there is a lot of common questions I get regularly surrounding individual loc journeys. Enjoy this oldie but goodie!
Q. How often should you wash my locs?
You may have heard people tell you stories about how you cannot wash locks, and honestly this couldn’t be further from the truth. Just as you would with your loose natural hair you would still wash your locks regularly. I recommend developing a regimen that matches your lifestyle. I recommend that locks and scalp should be cleaned at least 1x a week. This is essential especially if you have an oily scalp, physically active, or live in the city. Our hair is a living organism thrives best when it’s clean and healthy.
Q. What should you use to wash my locs at home?
For home maintenance I recommend the use of Dr. Bronner's 18 in 1 Hemp Lavender Pure Castile Soap, Taliah Waajid Total Body Natural Black Earth Shampoo, and Stimulating Herbal Cleanser. No, you want use them all at the same time they all have a different purpose. Dr. Bronner's should only be used if there is excessive build-up happening.
Q. How to get rid of build-up in your locs?
The best remedy for this is truly prevention. It is recommended that prior to each wash that you take a soft boar hair brush and gently brush through your locks, this will loosen any lint that may be trapped between locks but has not fused into your locks. Also, avoid using heavy products when doing home maintenance, stick to loose oils. In the event that build-up has occurred at any point during the locking process it is recommended that a Loc Detox be scheduled to remove the excess build-up. Build-up is more than just locks that look unclean. Build-up can lead to more significant problems with the overall hair health. The sooner addressed the better.
Q. Should you be using conditioner on your dreadlocks?
Short answer is yes! Not just any conditioner though. After washing your locks you want to apply a light conditioner from root to tip on your hair and leave on from 5-7 minutes to re-introduce moisture back to your hair. Avoiding conditioner because your hair is locked is detrimental to the overall hair health. I recommend using Taliah Waajid Enhancing Herbal Conditioner. Also using a leave-in conditioner specifically designed for locks and braids will also help to ensure that your hair is properly moisturized and will help to avoid damage and breakage in the long run.
Q. What Natural Products should you be using on my locs?
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural home remedy for dandruff. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties, which make it best to get rid of dandruff. You can apply tea tree oil directly to the scalp, or add few drops to your regular shampoo
Warm Oil or Hot Oil Treatment Massage on Scalp
Luke warm oil massage is considered as one of the best home remedy to get rid of dandruff. Luke warm almond oil, coconut oil, or olive oil is used to massage on scalp to prevent dandruff. Leave it on scalp overnight.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Stimulates Hair Growth and helps repair dry damaged hair and breakages. Seals in Moisture
Olive Oil Treatment for Dandruff
You can get rid of dandruff with the consistent use of olive oil. Olive oil is natural clarifying and moisturizing agent. It is one of the most admired home remedies for dandruff. A lukewarm oil treatment of olive oil can help you to treat your dandruff. Don't make the olive oil too hot. Apply the olive oil to the problem scalp in circular motions before going to bed.
Vinegar to get rid of Dandruff
Vinegar is extremely effective for the treatment of dandruff as it is rich in potassium and enzymes, which will help to cure an itchy scalp and dandruff. There are several ways you can make use of vinegar to prevent dandruff. You can massage apple cider vinegar into the dandruff scalp 5 to 7 minutes. Apple cider vinegar will help you to get rid of the dead skin cells, which are responsible in clogging the hair follicles and lead to dandruff flakes.
Lemon juice and Coconut oil
Blend together 1 tbsp. of lemon juice with 5 tbsp. of coconut oil. Apply to the scalp to get rid of dandruff. Lemon juice is a natural home remedy for dandruff and will clear away flakes from your scalp. There is a myth that lemon juice can lead to hair graying. However this is not true. Leave this remedy on the scalp for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash with your Dr. Bronner's soap.
Q. Should you cover your locs at night?
Yes, for the same reasons we cover our loose hair. Our bedding is typically made with cotton or cotton blends and as we sleep our hair rubbing on this material causes friction and thus breakage.
Q. Why are your locs thinning and/or breaking?
I can be due to genetic predisposition, medication, over processing, stress, illness, diet, permanent hair dyes, etc. When dealing with locs many people suffer thinning hair due to their locs being overly twisted and the use of drying, clips and hair dryers to frequently. If thinning and breaking is a problem that you suffer from it is advisable to arrange a consultation to understand what the contributing factors are and develop a regimen to address this matter.
Q. What can you do to thicken your thinning hair?
Special focus and attention needs to be given to your roots and the base of your locks. Schedule a consultation appointment with me and we can work together to develop a regimen to address your thinning hair and develop a game plan to repair the damage if the damage is not to sever. I am a firm believer in speaking life into existence and with the proper care we can bring life back into the integrity of your hair.
Ciara K. is a Loc professional specializing in the health and integrity of your locs during your journey!
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