Detoxing is a common term these days, isn’t it? You might have heard people say about detoxing their mind, soul, body, etc., which means getting rid of toxic or unhealthy things. They do it by meditating, doing yoga, changing their schedule, and eating healthy food.
With the rise of so many toxic things around us, it is important for us to detox ourselves once in a while. But in this article, we’ll be talking about how to detox dreads or dreadlocks.
Dreads are rope-like strands of hair that form through matting or braiding hair. Its natural, textured appearance can easily be recognized it, and anyone can do it with their hair by twisting, coiling, braiding, or interlocking their hair strands.
Detoxing dreads refers to the process of deep cleaning and removing buildup from dreadlocks to maintain their health, appearance, and hygiene.
By detoxing, you aim to remove all the impurities like residue, dirt, and oil, and you ensure that your dreadlocks remain clean, fresh, and vibrant. It is very important as this will keep your hair strong for a long time.
So, in this article, I’ll answer some of the important questions about detoxing dreads.
Let’s get started!
Why is it important to Detox Dreads?
You might ask this question: Why do we have to detox our dreads? Don’t the shampoos and conditioners we use do that job? Well, even though shampoos play an important role in regular maintenance, they might not be enough to completely remove accumulated residue, dirt, and oils from your dreadlocks. As you might know, dreadlocks are a unique structure with strands of hair woven or twisted together. So this creates spaces and pockets where all the dirt and other toxic stuff can accumulate.
Regular shampoos might not effectively penetrate these spaces, so this is where the process of detoxing comes into play. With the process of detoxing, you can have a clean scalp, which is essential for healthy hair growth and keeps the hair strong.
What are the Ingredients Required to Detox Dreads?
The ingredients required to detox dreads are Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). It is important for our hair because of its natural properties that help cleanse and revitalize hair. It is also known for the following.
- Acidic Properties: The ingredients that we mentioned above contain acetic acid that helps break down buildup, dirt, and residue on the dreadlocks, making it easier to cleanse.
- pH Balancing: The ingredients also help balance the pH level of the scalp, which can prevent dandruff and dry scalp issues. Having a dry scalp can lead to dandruff, which is another common problem among people.
- Anti-Inflammatory: ACV also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe an itchy scalp, which is a common concern among those who have dreadlocks. So, to avoid itchy scalps, ACV comes to the rescue.
- Natural Shine: If you want your hair shiny and smooth, then ACV will be your genie and will fulfill your wishes by closing the hair cuticles.
What are the Steps to Detox Dreads?
Now, it’s time to address the main question that you all have been waiting for a long time. What exactly are the steps we need to follow to successfully detox the dreads?
So, let’s jump right in!
- Prepare the ingredients: As we discussed earlier, you need to prepare the ingredients, which are warm water, apple cider vinegar (ACV), baking soda, lemon juice, and optional essential oils like lavender oil. You need to be proactive and prepare these ingredients before you want to start the process.
- Mix the Solution: First, take a large bowl, or you can do it in a sink Then mix warm water with ACV, a small amount of baking soda, and lemon juice. Baking soda will play the role of clarifying the hair, whereas lemon juice can assist in removing buildup.
- Soak the Dreadlocks: Now, you have to submerge your dreadlocks in the solution. Then, gently squeeze and massage the dreads to ensure the solution penetrates the knots and reaches the inner layers. Do this for the next 15 – 20 minutes to make the whole process more effective.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After soaking, rinse the dreadlocks thoroughly with clean water and make sure that you have removed all the traces of the solution to prevent any residue from being left behind.
- Optional Essential Oils: If you want, and it’s totally up to you, you can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender oil to a separate bowl of water and use it to give it a final rinse. By using the lavender oil, you will get a pleasant scent or aroma and potential benefits for the scalp.
- Dry it: The final step is to dry the dreadlocks. You can do it by gently squeezing out excess water from the dreads and allowing them to air dry completely. Avoid using excessive heat or rubbing the dreads vigorously to prevent damage to the hair or the scalp.
How Many Times Should I Detox My Dreadlocks?
This is another frequently asked question, and it is important to know the number of times this process should be followed. Well, the frequency of detoxing dreads depends on various factors, which include your hair type, environment, and how often you wash your hair. It is recommended to detox your dreadlocks every few months or whenever you notice a significant buildup of residue.
But do not overdo the process, as it can strip the hair of natural oils. Make sure to track and observe according to your hair quality and find a balance that works for you.
What are the Pros and Cons of Detoxing the Dreadlocks?
Every single product that is available in the market has its pros and cons, so let’s discuss the pros and cons of detoxing dreads.
Pros
- Deep Cleansing: As we discussed earlier, detoxing means removing stubborn buildup, dirt, and residue from dreadlocks, which have been there for a long time. This will help you improve the cleanliness and appearance of your hair.
- Improved Scalp Health: Detoxing can lead to a healthier scalp, as the whole process is about removing the impurities present in your scalp. It will also reduce itching, dandruff, and other scalp issues. So, if you are facing these issues, then this process is for you.
- Mold and Mildew Prevention: The process of detoxing also helps prevent mold, mildew, and bacterial growth within the dreadlocks.
- Revitalization: Detoxing can help you restore the natural texture and appearance of the dreadlocks, which will enhance the overall look of your hair as well as you. You’ll feel fresh and young again!
Cons
- Drying Effect: There are some detox methods, like baking soda, which may strip natural oils from the hair. It is very important for our hair as it prevents our hair from getting dry. So, you might feel your hair leading to dryness.
- Overdoing Detox: Another common problem that we discussed earlier was excessive detox, which can disrupt the natural balance of the scalp and hair, causing potential harm. Overuse of any product is harmful to our bodies.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for you to maintain good care for your dreadlocks.
- Avoid Using Heavy Products: While maintaining dreadlocks, avoid using heavy products that contribute to building. Rather, opt for lightweight, residue-free products.
- Protect your hair from dirt: If you are someone who likes playing outdoor sports, then you might expose your dreads to dirt or sweat. So try to cover them with a scarf or hat to minimize the accumulation of impurities.
- Regular Washing: Regular washing, in addition to detoxing your scalp and dreads, is super-important for overall cleanliness and health.
- Seek Professional help: If you still have doubts and are unsure about the whole process, then it is recommended to seek advice from a professional loctician who specializes in maintaining dreadlocks. He/She will guide you properly and will explain to you all the steps.
Conclusion
Detoxification is an important process that tends to remove harmful toxins and substances from the body. Some of its methods include dietary changes, fasting, etc. It is also great for enhancing the body’s energy as well as supporting the immune system.
But as we discussed earlier, detoxing dreadlocks is very important. We discussed all the questions you wanted answers for, from why detoxing dreads is important, the ingredients and steps required to detox dreads, the number of times I should detox the dreads, pros, and cons, etc.
We hope this article answers all your questions that you had before reading. Make sure to research thoroughly before starting the process of detoxing your dreadlocks.
