I maintain dreadlocks from home to make some extra money. There are so many ways to maintain dreadlocks, I’m only going to share with you what I do.
What you can do at home:
I only recommend washing your dreads every few months. I only washed mine every 6 months or so. When yo do wash, use a pure castile residue free soap or dread shampoo. Paul and I make our own dread shampoo bars that (I must say) I think are perfect for washing dreads. You can use any pure castile soap though, Dr. Bronner’s is also a good one to use. When you wash your dreads, palm roll them as they are drying. You can use a hair blow dryer to speed up the process too. To avoid dandruff, I also recommend massaging your scalp to get the blood flowing. If you do develop dandruff, massage tea tree oil into your scalp.
Palm Rolling regularly is also important if you prefer tight looking dreads. Just roll the dread in your palms working in loose hair and frizz.
What I do during an appointment:
When people come to me for a “maintenance” first, I separate any dreads that may have grown together. Then, I tighten the roots by twisting and using a crochet hook. Then I use a crochet hook to incorporate all the loose hairs back into the lock. Crochet hooking can take a long time, depending on how many loose hairs there are. Then I palm roll. Also depending on your hair I use an aloe vera gel to get rid of frizz, and a salt water spray to execrate locking if your dreads aren’t fully matured yet. I also install beads, extensions and wooly dreads. Sometimes if your hair is thin in certain areas and dreads have weak spots, I use afro bulk human hair to strengthen and even out these thin areas. I also dye, cut and round ends. The whole appointment can take anywhere from one to three hours, depending on your locks. I charge $20 an hour for all my services. You can check out my Facebook page for more info.
The Adventures of Paul and Sue 
Hi
Where abouts are you located? I could use some dread maintenance on my new dreads!
I am in monmouth Oregon 🙂 I would love to help if I’m not too far away 🙂
Dreads need to be washed more often than that. It’s a myth that dreads should be washed months at a time. Not washing it does not allow for dreads to form any better than if it’s washed often. Oil and dirt builds up tremendously on the hair and can lead to damage. Not sure why in this day and age folks are still allowing dreads to sit for months at a time before washing.
As someone who has had dreads for many years, I try to let folks know, regardless of culture, if you choose to have dreads be aware that you need to adhere to proper hygiene in the same way as if you didn’t have it. Having dreads does not mean that the hair shouldn’t be washed often, hair care is just done differently. But wash often, moisturize often, and don’t use soaps that will leave any residue. I recommend mosturizing with a mixture of natural oil and water. Add oil to clean scalp. No waxes, no honey, no salt water, nothing that you wouldn’t use for your regular hair. You should not be damaging your hair just to achieve the look. Not every hair will loc well, but it can be done.
Take care of your hair folks!
I sure wish you were in Baltimore Md !
I love the info you have given. . My locs seem to be dry all the time. I would love for them to look more fresh.
I’ve been told not to spray my locs with water only to oil scalp with oil. Is this a process you trust for your gorgeous locs. My hair has only been loc’d for 10 months. Shoulder length now.Any suggestions I’m eager to hear and learn.
Thank you!
I would recommend spraying your locs with saltwater and avoiding getting saltwater on your scalp and just putting oil on your scalp. That’s what I did anyway 🙂