Having been around many people with dreadlocks, helping with their care and maintenance, as well as having a daughter with dreadlocks, I have learned many techniques for all aspects of dread care. Should you decide you no longer wish to keep them, they are easier to remove than you may think.
Many have the mistaken conception, which I once had myself, that dreadlocks can only be removed by shaving your head nearly bald or cutting off the dreadlocks. That is simply untrue in many cases. The following method has worked for many people. However, I will warn you that these techniques will not work on everyone or even on every dreadlock. It depends on how well the dreads are locked and also on the individual person. Before beginning this or any regimen, consult with a professional.
Step 1: Intense Conditioning
The first step in removal of dreadlocks is to condition the hair very well. To do this, you will need a cholesterol creme conditioner, which can be found at many chain stores that carry beauty supplies. This type of conditioner is thick and will provide a much softer result, which is what you are looking for. Follow the instructions on the jar for the deep conditioning treatment. Once the hair is rinsed, you are ready for step two.
Step 2: Leave-In Conditioning Spray plus extensive combing
Next you will need to saturate the hair with leave-in conditioner. Once all of the hair is wet, get out your thin-toothed comb. Start from the bottom (the last dreads underneath the rest at the back of the neck) and section off the rest out of the way. Get your first dread and start out with the very bottom of one of those last dreads. Once that part is combed out, move on up. Continue this process all the way to the top of the lock. Once you have completely combed it out, section it off and move on to the next dreadlock. This process can take from five to thirty minutes per dreadlock, depending on how locked the dread is. For some, this portion will take more than one day. For others, it may only take a few hours or less. To make it go quicker, ask a few friends to help (the more, the better).
Step 3: Intense Washing
Once you have completely combed out all of the hair, you will need an intense washing. For some, buildup won’t be a problem, but for others, there may be extreme buildup on the hair from inside the dreads. For this washing, you will need clarifying shampoo. Wash the hair 2 to 4 times with the clarifying shampoo, being careful to scrub and rub the hair and scalp thoroughly during washing. Make sure each rinse cycle is thorough as well. Once there is no longer any buildup in the hair or on the scalp and the shampoo does not produce anymore grime, you are done. The water coming out of the hair during rinsing should also run very clear.
Step 4: Intense Conditioning
Once the hair is clean, do another intense conditioning, just as described above in the first step.
Step 5: Leave-In Conditioner With Shower Cap Now, you should spray on a leave-in conditioner and sleep with it on overnight. You must place a shower cap over the conditioner-filled hair to allow full benefit.
Step 6: Wait A Few days Before Washing Or Styling And Be Gentle
Your next step is to pretty much leave the hair alone for a few days. Your scalp will be very tender and the hair needs time to rest. If you must style your hair, do not use any heat or any products. Use only water and very light brushing and combing, so as not to stress the hair. Do not even wash or condition the hair again for a few days or more. Once 3 days has passed, if your scalp is no longer tender, you may move on to step seven. If the scalp is tender, do not move onto step seven until it is no longer sore or tender.
Ste 7: Enjoy your hair free of dreadlocks Now you may go back to styling your hair however you desire. Use the products that are appropriate for your skin and hair type and enjoy your renewed free hair.
Please be advised that the author is neither a professional hairstylist nor a medical professional. Neither the venue nor the author claims responsibility for any damages, injury, loss, or any other action caused by following these recommendations. Always consult a professional before starting or stopping any beauty regimen.
Related:
Create Smooth, Clean Dreadlocks, No Matter the Texture of Your Hair
Caring for Your Dreadlocks: Maintenance to Keep Smooth Clean Locks
