The Problem With Long Dreadlocks

Over this year I have seen more clients with long locs than ever before,

which is why I decided to talk about the problem with long dreadlocks.  Problem, is probably the wrong word, because after growing the hair for a few years, people are happy they can now style it how they want, let it loose etc.  The best part is, they can now look with delight  at their former haters who are now seeking tips on how to grow (shock!) dreadlocks!

I have often been asked what I think is the problem with long dreadlocks, and these are a few of the

things I observed: 

• When the dreads/locs get long, people want to use them more as rubber bands.  This  makes them thin and the ones used regularly most times break off.
• When the dread/locs are long and are heavy for the amount of hair at the roots, there will be hair loss.  If this happens, do visit your loctician as soon as possible, not years later expecting us to work miracles.

• When the dread/locs are long and are heavy for the amount of hair at the roots, there will be hair loss.  If this happens, do visit your loctician as soon as possible, not years later expecting us to work miracles.
• After dread/locs have been colored or left untamed for a time, the hair starts looking frazzled, i.e dry and tired.  A lot of clients get defensive when I suggest it is time to give it a cut.  Just an inch or two, depending on where the hair is thinning.  While I can appreciate their unwillingness to lose length, like unlocked hair, it is most times necessary if you want it to grow longer and stronger.
• When your dread/locs are longer, root maintenance is critical.  Yes,  you have to pull them apart or they will cling to each other.  Unless they are thin and need help, separate them.  If you want them to look beautiful, work is involved.
  

Styling and leaving the hair that way for weeks is the problem with long dreadlocks for many people. 

It is no wonder the myth that dread/locs cannot be washed persists.  Again, like unlocked hair, you have to have a washing routine.  Once a week would be ideal, but two weeks is good too.  Since the dread/locs usually need to be retwisted after a wash, it is easier on your pocket to stretch the time or learn to twist it yourself.

The problem with long dreadlocks is no different from any one might have with unlocked hair.  

By Paula Barker, Silkie Locks Hair Design

Books:  “Talking Hair”, Filling My Head’ & Dreadlocks – A Hairstylist’s Manifest