New Dreads

Why do my new dreads stick up and make me look like Sideshow Bob?

This is just because your hair is suddenly very tight and stiff against your scalp. They usually relax in 3-5 days after your first wash. 

My dreads are great, but when will they look how I expect dreads to look? 

Whoa, slow down there. Dreads require a lot of patience and about 6 months to a year to mature, no matter how they’re created. In our culture of instant gratification, it’s common for people to want results “now”. No one, however good they are, can make hair do what it does naturally any faster than the hair wants to do it.  If you need a little reassurance, view any of my clients for whom I’ve done an update. You’ll notice that their dreads get more and more fabulous every time I see them!

I just washed my dreads for the first time and I think they’re falling out! HELP!

They’re not falling out. It’s very common for dreads to loosen up on their first wash. I commonly compare dreads to sponges. You know how sponges stretch out and get more squishy when they’re wet? Dreads are like that. They’ll return to normal soon when they dry. Also, new dreads go through phases of loosening and thickening up as the knots get denser. No need to worry. 

Do I have to have new growth re-crocheted or re-backcombed periodically? 

No, no, no! This is a surefire way to damage your hair. The only thing I will do is solidify any weak spots and sew loose hairs in with a blunt sewing needle (tapestry needle). Dreads dread on their own.