5 minutes
Removing dreadlocks can take time and care. However, it is not necessary to cut the hair to remove them completely.
This type of hairstyle is one of the main symbols in Rastafarian culture. The dreadlocks (also called dreadlocks) are created by twisting strands of hair with your hands or by twisting it with a special crochet needle. Although you have to know how to make them, it is also important to learn how to remove your dreadlocks.
Although cutting them or shaving the head is the fastest option, it is not the only possible solution. Let’s look at other ways to say goodbye.
Steps to remove dreadlocks
The most important thing here is to be patient. This is a long process and the texture of the hair tends to suffer, so there is probably a lot of hair loss.
Analyze the hair
Determine your hair type, that is, if it is straight, wavy or curly. This is key to knowing how much work to apply.
Similarly, the process begins with the youngest dreadlocks, those with less than a year of training. Here it is also very useful to analyze the method that was used to assemble them, since the free dreadlocks, made through a comb, can be untangled more easily.
Wash and soak
Use the hottest water you can and soak your hair for 5 to 10 minutes. This is necessary to soften it and remove excess oil or cosmetic products. Then wash each of the strands and rinse.
Apply conditioner to remove dreadlocks
Opt for a conditioner or hair softening product that you can use completely, as you should fill each section of hair with this product. What’s more, conditioner needs to be rubbed into each dread to penetrate and help loosen the knots. Also, wrap your hair in a towel and wait half an hour.
Unravel
First, divide the hair into sections. Then start with the lower dreadlocks.
Use a metal comb and insert the end into the end of the dread. Remove the knots. Continue working your way up the rasta, doing the same process, from the bottom up.
Constantly apply conditioner to hair and warm water. This will keep it moisturized and detangle faster. Do not forget to braid the hair that you are letting go, to avoid the new formation of dreadlocks.
Cut a little
By exerting friction on the scalp, the hair tends to grow longer. Therefore, some dreadlocks are very long. It is recommended to cut the hair in half and apply the previous steps when the extension is long.
Comb
It is recommended comb the hair for every 2.5 centimeters that are untangled. In this step it is ideal to pass the comb from top to bottom while wetting the hair with the spray of water and conditioner.
Dry off
Wash your hair as usual, apply enough conditioner until you feel the strands of hair fall freely without any tangles. Finally, Divide your hair into sections and blow-dry to make it as smooth as possible. Do this step the following days, while the hair returns to its natural shape.
Tips for caring for hair after dreadlocks
Dreadlocks can be a hairstyle cool and with many cultural attributes. However, they are very harmful to the hair, since break the hair fiber and generate so much traction that it can lead to alopecia.
In this sense, to restore vitality to the hair, it is recommended to do a care routine in which moisturizing products and restorative oils are used that give a better appearance. The first step will be to use a leave-in conditioner for the first week of the process.
A weekly mask can be included, as well as the use of a thermal protector, since it is necessary to keep the hair straight (straighten with an iron) to control any appearance of wave or curl.
Finally, removing your dreadlocks doesn’t have to be a boring chore. You can accompany the process with music and guests who want to help loosen each of the knots created. And although dreadlocks can be removed at home, there is always the option of visiting a hair salon.
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