dread locks

[spiritinthesky]

Does anybody have dreadlocks? And how do you care for them.And do you have to cut them off when you are sick of them, or can you painfully comb them out?

Cut them off- the hair is dead after years of matting.

My friend has recently combed out dreadlocks and her hair looks fine - she has long hair. She had the dreadlocks for many years. A long time ago I cut mine off because I didn't realise it was possible to comb them out.

All hair is dead.

Must be a tough job combing them out.

much of the hair in the locks will be detached, but delayed from falling out IYSWIM - certainly you can comb it out, it will be much thinner than before though!

If you're going to try this, condition as deeply as you can before hand - really pour it on.

Wow you managed to comb them out!

I cant imagine I would have been able to do that. I just cut mine off but I like very short hair so no biggy.

I used to care for them the same as when my hair wasnt loc'd really. Once they are established you can wash them and condition them with no problems IME.

Its a myth they have to be left unwashed.

My DSs have locs and I tidy them up every couple of weeks. I use bands at the roots because it gives a neater look. They have afro type hair but are mixed race so their hair is quite soft.

I dont use wax because it collects dust and looks well manky!

On locs night I wash it and twist it whilst blow drying, then use a pin comb to back comb roots and put a band on and trim the ends if they are looking scruffy. I have oil that I put on once a month.

chegirl, i bet your boys are gorgeous. Sounds like it.

Well yes they are thank you

I used to wash mine then twist them using vaseline - a long job but this was pre-children.
You can get them out using lots of conditioner and a crochet hook. I still had plenty of hair afterwards.