Disclaimer: What Works for My Dreadlocks Might Not Work for Yours

I don’t want to discourage questions or seem like I am withholding information but honestly, what works for my hair may not work for yours. Some things you will just have to wait and see. For example, I do not know how long your dreads will be in 10 years; they may be as long as mine, they may be longer, they may be shorter. I do not know if the sun will lighten your dreads; it may or may not. I don’t know if 2-strand twisting is the ‘best’ method for locking hair, all I can tell you is that it worked for ME. Maybe back-combing or single strand twisting or doing absolutely nothing will be best for you. I don’t know how long you should go without washing your hair, that is a personal decision. Personally, I believe in washing hair during the dreading process because a dirty scalp, to me, is smelly and gross. and so on.

I guess I could pretend to be some dreadlock expert or guru or whatever but at the end of the day, I am not. Everything in my book and on this site is based on my own experience with locking hair, that’s it. I am happy to share what I know, but I am not going to make anything up to appease anybody. Believe me I understand your questions and concerns and desire to know exactly what’s going to happen to your hair once you dread, but I am not a fortune teller! Some things you will just have to wait and see.

Be easy, your dreadlock journey is as unique and beautiful as you are!

Frequently Asked Questions!

How did you start your locks?
I started my locks using the two-strand twist method. I started my dreads and maintain them. More info on two-strand twisting coming soon!

How long does my hair need to be before I begin dreads?
Your hair just needs to be long enough to hold a single twist, two-strand twist, braid. You can pay someone to twist your hair for you but it is very simple to do it yourself.

Do dreadlocks make your hair grow faster/longer?
Dreadlocks do not make your hair grow longer and/or faster, but the locking can greatly minimize the amount of breaking off that can occur with many hair types.

How do I put the seashells in my dreads?
You can sew them in using a thread color that is the same color as your hair.

Can I take out/take down my locks? Didn’t you do this?
Yes, you can take out dreadlocks. I did not do this with my own locks, but with my daughter’s locks in 2005. I soaked her hair in conditioner then picked each one out with a fork. It took 10-15 minutes to unpick each one, so it took several weeks to finish. Photos will be on the site soon.

Your locs seem to have a wonderful shine and sheen! What products do you use on your hair, as I am lacking the sheen and need it desperately!
I just use a teaspoon of olive oil smoothed throughout my hair after washing.

What do you wash your hair with? What should I wash my hair with?
I wash my hair with Dr. Bronner’s liquid peppermint soap. If you have straight hair (natural or processed) you may want to use a bar soap.

When you twist your hair what products, if any, do you use?
I just use a teaspoon of olive oil smoothed throughout my hair after washing.

How do you back-comb hair?
To back-comb, take a section of your hair, hold it at the tips, and comb down on the section. Comb in the opposite direction you would if you were combing your hair regularly.

When will your book be available again?
I’m revising it now, will release the updated 2009 version in September, stay tuned!