Preparing for New Dreadlocks

How to Prepare for and Take Care of Your New Dreadlocks

Getting dreadlocks for the first time is an exciting step! Whether you’ve been dreaming about them for years or are just starting your dreadlock journey, it’s an adventure filled with both style and care. Some people dive into research ahead of time, while others may be surprised by the amount of work involved in keeping their new dreads looking great. Don’t worry—I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know to prepare for your appointment and ensure the best outcome for your new dreadlocks.

Preparing Your Hair Before Your Appointment

In the weeks leading up to your dreadlock appointment, it’s important to get your hair ready. One key preparation step is to start reducing your shampooing routine. Aim to shampoo once a week or every two weeks. This helps your scalp adjust to the natural oils that will be needed as you begin your dreadlock journey.

Additionally, stop using conditioners and oils about a month before your appointment. This ensures that your hair is free from residue, which is important for creating clean, healthy dreads. The day before or the morning of your appointment, wash and rinse your hair twice to remove any leftover oils and build-up. Clean hair is essential—your dreadlocks will form better, and it will be easier to avoid any itching in the weeks following your appointment.

Make sure your hair is dry and brushed before you arrive. Damp or wet hair won’t work well for creating dreadlocks, so come in with fully dry hair for the best results.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

When booking your appointment, think about the style you want. Consider the type of sectioning you’d like for your dreads—square, triangular, or diamond-shaped sections. Also, think about the thickness of your dreads. Do you want them pencil-thin, Sharpie-thick, or somewhere in between? These decisions can affect the look and longevity of your dreads, and I’ll be posting more about how to choose the right thickness and sectioning for you.

One thing to keep in mind is that the process of getting a full set of dreadlocks can take several hours, especially if you're going for a full head of dreads. So, feel free to bring a movie, some snacks, and wear comfy clothes to help pass the time. It’s a long appointment, but totally worth it!

Dreadlock creation can be a bit painful for some—especially those with sensitive scalps. People with red or blonde hair often find the process more uncomfortable compared to those with darker hair. However, the experience varies from person to person, and some people even find it relaxing! It’s a good idea to bring some pain relief, like Panadol, just in case you need it.

Caring for Your New Dreads in the First Few Weeks

In the weeks following your appointment, your new dreads will need some TLC. Keep them as dry as possible, and avoid tying them up if you can. If you need to tie your hair back, use a headband rather than a hair tie. Tight hair ties can cause weak spots, kinks, and bends in the dreads.

Invest in a silk or satin pillowcase (or a bonnet) to protect your hair at night—these are available for purchase at your appointment. These materials help reduce frizz and prevent breakage.

If your dreads get wet during this time, it’s important to palm roll them before they dry completely. Palm rolling helps to keep the dreads neat and aids in their formation. I’ve also made a video showing the best way to palm roll, which you can check out for a visual guide.

One crucial tip: make sure your dreads are fully dry before you tie them up, wear a hat, or go to bed. If they stay wet for too long, mildew or mold can form, and that’s something you definitely want to avoid!

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

After about a month or two, you’ll want to come in for your first maintenance appointment. Don’t wait too long—within the first two months is ideal for the best results. After the first maintenance session, I recommend scheduling follow-up appointments every three to four months to keep your dreads looking tidy and uniform.

The first year of your dreadlock journey is a time of transformation. Your dreads will change a lot—they’ll get thicker, longer, and may even shrink up a bit. Patience is key. It can take up to a year (or sometimes two) for your dreads to fully mature, so enjoy the journey and give your hair time to settle into its new form.

When it comes to washing, you’ll want to keep your routine simple. After your first wash, wait about three weeks before washing again, and then you can gradually move to once a week. After about six months, you can start washing your dreads twice a week, but make sure they are thoroughly dry each time.

Palm rolling after every wash is a great habit to develop, especially during the first year. The best time to palm roll is when your dreads are about 50% dry. This helps maintain their shape and encourages the locking process.

Final Tips for Healthy Dreadlocks

- Use a residue-free or dreadlock-specific shampoo. Shampoo build-up can hinder the locking process and cause damage.

- Always rinse out shampoo thoroughly. Leftover residue can cause buildup and weaken your dreads over time.

- Remember, the first year is about patience and care—your dreads will mature, but it takes time and consistent maintenance.

I'm excited to be part of your dreadlock journey and am here to help every step of the way! If you ever have any questions or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make sure your new dreads are everything you’ve dreamed of and more.

Welcome to the world of dreadlocks with Dreadfully Divine!