Dreadlocks are a special hairstyle that makes the individual look unique and trendy depending on how the style is worn. Matting the hair in dreadlocks is an art; it is not a matter of unkempt unwashed hair. However, styling dreadlocks is a challenge to many who wish to sport this hairstyle as dreadlocks take time to grow before they could be styled as desired.
Growing Dreadlocks
It is possible to make the dreads grow faster with some commercial hair care products or home remedies. Different hair grows at different paces, but on average, hair grows half an inch every month for most people.
One of the ways to make dreadlocks grow faster is through diet and stimulation. Vitamins are known to be good stimulants for faster hair growth. Vitamins A and E are popular supplements to take for faster hair growth especially for dreadlocks. Such vitamins could be taken in supplement form as pills or in foods especially in raw food. Fresh green vegetables pack a lot of Vitamins A and E but individuals must know how much vitamins are in their preferred foods to support hair growth.
The best way to secure sufficient vitamins through vegetables is juicing. This is an excellent solution that not only benefits the hair but general health. Apple and carrot juice is fantastic for the hair to grow faster and healthily. Such drinks are also sweet and tasty besides benefitting the body from head to toe.
Stimulating hair follicles sufficiently enhances blood circulation that promotes faster hair growth. Brushing the dreads often also promotes faster growth as the action circulates blood better with a better absorption by the hair follicles which become stimulated.
Existing dreads may be difficult to comb, but massaging the hair and head using fingers would help stimulate the hair follicles to enhance growth of the locks. Some individuals may use a head honcho in a scalp massage to avoid hurting or damaging the dreads; this also exfoliate dead cells from the scalp easily.
Simple and Natural Solutions
Stimulating dreadlocks to a faster growth is easy with a variety of solutions. The easiest of methods is a simple scalp massage that works to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp. A simple head massage every day is an excellent way to promote dreadlocks growth. This is a most cost effective solution to encourage faster dreadlocks growth, which every individual desiring amazing dreadlocks should engage in.
Good health encourages dreadlocks to grow faster and healthier. Hence, a healthy lifestyle facilitates good growth on dreadlocks. Getting lots of rest is essential to healthy hair as the resting time is the best time for the dreads to grow. Quitting smoking is another healthy lifestyle aspect which should be adopted for good hair growth. A healthy diet with the necessary vitamins encourages a healthy lifestyle with the avoidance of fatty foods as well as excessive sweets.
Hence, diets must be changed to encompass a higher protein intake that would hasten dreadlocks growth. A diet with more meat, fish, cheese and beans would stimulate hair growth for dreadlocks. For those who are game, a raw diet comprising fresh vegetables in juice form could eradicate toxins from the body which in turn stimulates hair growth.
Managing Dreadlocks
Good dreads growth starts with clean, dry locks. This would mean washing the hair regularly with a clarifying shampoo that would take off the excess oils which clog up the growth pores and follicles. Residue-free shampoos without perfumes or added conditioners work well with managing and maintaining dreadlocks to encourage better growth. Frequent washing with good shampoos helps dreadlocks to remain supple and easy to stay backcombed.
The hair must be completely dry before beginning the dreading process.
Waxing the locks is also recommended with the proper dread wax before dreading. This helps to protect the hair while keeping the locks in proper position for easy dreading. Dread wax should be an all-natural brand without chemicals which not only damage hair, but also causes an odor to permeate. Dread gel with plain Aloe Vera works best for waxing dreadlocks as long as no other additives are present in the formulation.
Dreadlocks need not be blown dry or dry too vigorously with a towel to avoid fraying. Morning washes ensure sufficient drying time to avoid mildew and mold in the hair. Dreads should also be well moisturized every few days to prevent drying out and fraying. A simple spraying of water and lavender oil mixture is sufficient to keep the dreads moisturized without looking greasy. Food-based oils such as vegetable oil or almond oil could cause the hair to smell as these oils could go rancid.
Dreadlocks should also be kept neat by tucking in loose strands using a pair of tweezers or crochet hook. Rolling up and blunting loose ends give the locks a rounded shape which is stylish. Many individuals like to roll their dreadlocks gently between their hands for a different style.
Care must be exercised in handling the dreadlocks to avoid an unwanted unraveling. Pulling on the dreads could cause the hair strands to break. Use good quality rubber bands to tie up the dreads for a few months before removal to enjoy lovely dreads.
As the dreadlocks begin to grow, it is crucial to incorporate new growth from the scalp into existing locks. This could be easily done by rubbing the emerging strands between fingers to roll them into existing dreads.
However, avoid over working the hair roots with the rubbing as this may cause the dreads to fall off.
Conclusion
Having dreadlocks is a challenge as this hair style could be deemed as a high maintenance style albeit its trendiness and uniqueness. Individuals who are blessed with such natural style should take extra effort in maintaining the health of their locks for a continual healthy and appealing presentation.
Those who wish to sport the dreadlocks style must be patient to apply the myriad of solutions for growing the dreadlocks. Surely, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder; particularly with dreadlocks that are well maintained and styled fashionably.