(Problems/Solutions)Dyeing Help: Overfried Dreads

There was someone who asked a question about how to restore their dreads after dyeing. The question:

“I HAVE LOCS. I GOT THEM DYED AND NOW MY LOCS SEEM TO BE DRY, THIN AND MY ROOTS ARENT AS STRONG what can i do?

restore my hair so that it can be strong again and to kkep it from being dry, please help”

 I replied with this:

“What may of happened is that some of the dyeing product was left in your dreads and has been eating away at your dreads. So… let’s get to it.

1- I’m assuming that your dreads are mature enough to handle washing. So, you need a good clarifying shampoo (like Pantene Clarifying shampoo, it’s clear. That’s what you want; a clear shampoo that works). You may need to wash your dreads a couple of times to get any product out.

2- Even though I do not use a lot of conditioner (maybe once a month), I do use it when I think my dreads may need it. Therefore, after shampooing find a thick, (all natural if you can find one), conditioner that doesn’t have all that perfume in it and cover your dreads. Then put a shower cap over them and leave in for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse well! You will probably notice a difference in the way your dreads will feel.

3- Towel blot (not rub!) your dreads. Wrap the towel around your dreads and squeeze (not twist) the water out. Spray or apply tea-tree, olive, peppermint, OR SOME KIND OF HAIR OIL (lol) to your dreads. Don’t overdo it, where it’s dripping down your neck. Apply it to the root and the length of your dreads. Let your dreads AIR DRY.

4-For the next month or so, refrain from tugging or putting your dreads in ponytails. NO overprocessing either with any method you use to maintain your dreads (like backcombing, latching, interlocking, twisting). Meaning, wait bi-weekly or even monthly if you can to redo your dreads.

5- Moisturize weekly; daily if you notice that you dreads are dry. A lot of attention needs to go towards the root of your hair so that you can encourage more healthy hair to grow.

Change isn’t going to come immediately, but you should start to see a difference after a week or two.”

 

(this can be found on Yahoo! Answers: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100128084025AAPsZ0X

     

Loc Maintenance: Cleaning the Scalp w/ Witch Hazel

You are going to need: a bottle of Witch Hazel and Q-Tips.
This is great for baby locs!!

Locstyles: Bangle Bun

Using Dual-Type Twisting: Palm-rolling & Interlocking

I used to think that I would never interlock for two reasons: (1) I thought it took much time (2) I was native to only palm-rolling. It appeared interesting and tempting at the same time. Why? Because you didn’t have to worry about your locs unraveling at the root….or at all, for that matter. However, I did not want to worry about the texture of my locs changing or run the risk having little bumpy knots from inaccurately interlocking. So why the change of heart you ask? Well, I shall tell you why (very short story, actually). One afternoon, I was riding back from another county with a couple of coworkers. While they were yacking on their phones, the slightly irritable-from-hunger My4tress needed something to dwindle time away while she waited for the stoplight to change for the turning lane in 5 o’clock traffic (instead of twiddling my thumbs).  I subconsciously started playing with my locs of course. Next thing you know, I was weaving the root (interlocking) the back locs. They’re usually the ones to unravel at the root much quicker than the rest of my locs. As I felt for what I’ve done, I realized that I did it pretty well; no lumpy knots. I rolled the loc in one direction to see how it would’ve looked/felt if I palm-rolled the interlocked part later. No difference. Hmm! I was quite pleased. So I learned that if you do not interlock too tightly and not in the same direction, you have a nice result that will not change even if you palm roll later. You want to interlock as closely as possible to the already locked part of your locs. However, if you did it incorrectly, you will end of with:

 

(1) separated roots

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2) if palm-rolled, a twisted part

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3) a hole in the middle of your loc.  (I put a q-tip inside of the hole so you could identify it easier.)

    

FYI: Interlocking becomes addictive when your hands are idle or if you don’t have nothing to do (lol) and doesn’t take as long as you think.

Next thing you know, all of my locs have been interlocked. So, I washed my hair just last week expected to roll some roots, when I looked at the mirror and barely saw any puffiness (a sign of a root(s) needing retwisting). That saved me a lot of time.

(I’m going to try to do a vid on interlocking; however, letting you know now that I’m not an expert interlocker, lol.)

Combining Baby (short) Hairs to Mature Locs

Organic/Natural Products for Locs

Did I tell you what I’ve been up to lately? I have been trying out new oils. Yessiree, Bob! (I know that was corny, shut up). Sometimes the best products are the most natural ones. Yeah, twist and lock gel is good, but what about products such as shea butter or peppermint oil? (I’m still making my way towards these products). They have an extensive amount of benefits and fairly inexpensive! So far this is what I’ve tried out:

• Coconut Oil: Very light, softens the root and locs. Great for locs. It is also great for skin (on a clean face, I applied the coconut oil to my whole face, let it sit for like 15-20 minutes, wash off with soap and water, and use facial moisturizer. My face was so soft!).
• Vegetable Oil: Don’t give me that look. I needed something quick because the coconut oil was solid and I didn’t want to wait for it to melt and I ran out of my herbal oil. SO I used vegetable oil…  Maaaaaan, why didn’t I use this stuff sooner?? It’s great! My locs soaked it all up and it was fairly light. My locs softer and the oil took away ashiness pronto!

SUGAR SWEET SHINE ON (from http://sadiemagazine.com/)
Tangle Free Shine Booster
Fine or oily hair needs conditioning too, just of a lighter weight and involving few oils and creamy mixtures. If your hair is fine or oily and damaged, using the recipes for damaged hair before a gentle shampoo should help, but to boost shine and prevent tangles, try these:
What You Will Need:
• 1 bag peppermint tea
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Another “hair tea.” Steep the tea for ten minutes in boiling water, add the apple cider vinegar, and allow to cool. A plastic spray bottle will make even distribution easy. Spray onto the hair, comb through, and rinse with cool water.

 

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Locstyle: Simple Updo

A simple updo for locs.

Loc Styles using Braided Knots

A simple process to make a very cute locstyle. No rubberbands, no hairpins! You can style it in so many ways after unraveling the braids and knots!

Loc Styles: 4tress Twist

I didn’t know what to call it, lol. If your curls are a little bit more defined or fresh, this would like awesome at a special occasion, going out, or where ever you feel comfortable wearing the style.

Loc Styles: Head Coverings

Quick, chic, and inexpensive head coverings for your locs. Got 5 seconds? That’s all you need!