How To Prevent Dry, Unhealthy Locs

Find out how to care for your locs while cleansing and styling.

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General Maintenance

1. Always opt for products that do not clog the pores or cause build-up 
2. Avoid heavy butters and balms such as shea butter, beeswax or products that have mineral oil as their base 
3. Shea butter, beeswax, and mineral oil cause buildup and leave behind a residue that accumulates and collects grime over time 
4. Sleep with a satin/ silk scarf night after night, having locs does not exempt you from this rule. Not only does a silk bonnet protect your hair from knotting up and losing moisture, it also keeps your locs lint free

*Special Note: The use of beeswax has often been debated among locticians; while some claim it is a necessary evil during the initial phase, know that there are alternate products that can be used. These include clay, gels, hair glue, honey mixes among others. Find out what you and your hair best.

Styling

When it comes to styling, the sky is the limit. Locs are versatile and translate well with any setting. The only word of caution that I cannot stress enough is this; do not stress your hairline. Your hairline is very weak and sensitive, even more so in the case of locs. Avoid tight ponytails or styles that will cause undue stress on your hairline. Failure to do so will ultimately lead to traction alopecia.

Cleansing

During the initial phase, washing your hair is out of the question. Remember to be gentle while washing your hair. Follow this up with an oil massage be sure to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (remember that less is more, don't use too much product). Re-twist to avoid locs from meshing together.

You can wash your matured locs as often as you would like. Some experts recommend washing locs every 2-3 weeks, but this really depends on your lifestyle and tolerance level. Be sure to dilute your sudsy shampoo or opt to purchase a sulphate free shampoo if you can. If you work out or have the need for water on your locs, washing your hair more often or whenever you feel the need is also an option.

 

Blogger LuvvieLocs shows off her locs

Deep Conditioning

You must deep condition your locs. There is a thought that exists that claims once you dawn locs, your hair is as tough as nails. No ma'am, that is false. Your hair will still need regular nourishment which will come in the form of moisture and protein. How often you carry out these processes is by far, a lot less than that of a woman who has her natural hair out.

Deep conditioning sessions are what make the difference between lustrous, shinny hair and dull, listless locs. You can up your protein; protein deep conditioning sessions will make your locs stronger and tougher, while moisture DC's will give your hair that brilliant shine.

Co-washing mature dreads also promotes clean, soft locs. Do not over-do it, however. Your locs may begin to fluff up if they are not fully mature.

Leave-In conditioners are excellent choices for not only dreadlocked hair, but all-natural hair textures because it opens up the cuticle, moisturizing and coating the hair shaft.

In the end, proper loc care is very important…

• Keeping your dreads clean not only promotes healthy hair growth, but helps get them tighter and stronger.

• Moisturizing locs requires light oils that do not clog pores and is close to the 

• natural oily state

• Essential oils like Castor oil, Jojoba, Sesame oil and Olive oil, will cleanse condition and stimulate the scalp, strengthen, and add sheen to your locs

• Olive oil and Sesame oil are very nourishing to the scalp and hair and help reduce stiffness and tightness in the scalp