Aftercare Guide – How to Maintain Your Locs Between Appointments

This aftercare guide is intended for Dread King clients, specifically after their introduction to the crochet method via their first installation or maintenance session. It can also be used by anyone who maintains their locs using the crochet, backcombing, or freeform methods. It does not apply to re-twists or gel-based maintenance.

Washing and Moisturizing

Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair regularly is important when encouraging your locs to tighten and mature. Wash your hair once a week or so using a residue-free shampoo to keep your locs clean and light, and consider a deep cleanse every 3 - 4 months.

Conditioner should be cut from your washing routine, as it can slow down or prevent the locking process. This is because conditioner is meant as a detangler and prevents the knots and tangles that give dreadlocks their form.

Keep your hair moist with light moisturizers or natural oils and butters, being careful to avoid heavy or waxy products that will cause buildup. When using the crochet method, wax is completely unnecessary. It can hold moisture and product residue within your locks, leading to mold and mildew.

Know yourself – if you have been using the same product for years and it works, don’t feel pressured to switch just because of a new product that is supposed to be good for dreadlocks. Not all products that are marketed for dreadlocks are necessarily better, with some being actively harmful. If you are looking for new products, these are good ones to try.

Keeping Your Locs Separated

Separate your dreadlocks regularly to prevent them from growing together irreversibly. After every wash, run your hands along your scalp and pull apart any locs that have started to grow together. For the first six months, palm roll your locs while damp to reduce loops and bumps.

Regular Maintenance

On average, crochet maintenance should be done every 2-3 months. However, your maintenance schedule will depend on how quickly your hair grows and what you would like your hair to look like. Having your roots maintained more often will result in a tighter, more “professional” look. Less often will allow for a more “natural” look. It is important to avoid obsessive over-maintenance, or damaging methods such as interlocking.

Covering Your hair

Covering your hair can make a big difference towards the health and cleanliness of your locs. Cover your hair when working or recreating in situations that can dirty your hair, and sleep with a do rag, dread cap, or silk scarf to prevent lint buildup. You can also use a silk or synthetic pillowcase.

Wear a swim cap at the pool to prevent the corrosive effects pool chemicals such as chlorine. Consider doing a deep cleanse after extended swimming in rivers, lakes, or ponds to remove algae and other organic matter from your hair.

Swimming in the ocean can actually be good for your hair. An ocean swim or sea salt soak is considered one of the most effective ways to tighten up young dreadlocks.