How To Wash Wool Dreadlocks? Top 99 Best Answers

Frequently asked questions about braided wool dreadlocks.

1: What are braided dreadlock extensions?

Braid in dreadlock extensions are temporary or semi-permanent hair extensions that are individually braided into your hair and secured with a small elastic hair tie. This is repeated in specific sections or throughout the head, depending on the style you want. These dreadlocks can usually stay anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months depending on the method used for installation.

2: Will braided wool dreadlocks damage my hair?

No, wool dreadlocks will not harm your hair if they are properly applied.

If so, you’re doing it wrong. The only time you should even think about damage is when you remove the dreads after weeks or possibly months of installation. You will see some hair loss. Rest assured there is a reason for this. Of course you lose about 100 strands of hair every day ~ everyone does. Once you braid those dreadlocks your hair will still fall out naturally, the only difference is that now it has nowhere to go. They will get caught in the braid holding your dreadlock in place. Needless to say, if you leave those dreadlocks in place for 2 months, you will end up combing out chunks of your hair. DO NOT WORRY! This is natural.

3: Can I wash my hair with braided wool dreadlocks?

Yes! You can still wash your hair with wool dreadlocks attached! For the first few days after installation, these dreadlocks will “work out” your hair, which means your hair will gradually look less oily/greasy and your hair will need to be washed less often. I recommend washing your hair once a week if your hair is trained enough that you are comfortable doing it. There are a few methods for washing your hair with braided dreadlocks. One method is to use a squeeze bottle with half shampoo, half water and squeeze the mixture directly onto the scalp. You can also do this without the squeeze bottle and use the shampoo directly, starting with a small amount on your fingers, rubbing them together and then massaging into your scalp. With either option, you want to make sure you’re actually scrubbing the shampoo in there. There is no need to waste shampoo and scrub the dreadlocks all the way down, but of course if you have a section that has gotten dirty you can go in and spot clean that section. When you rinse out the shampoo the shampoo will go down the length of your dreadlocks giving them a nice refreshment. I recommend rinsing your hair out for a good 3-5 minutes to really make sure you get all of the shampoo out. DO NOT use conditioner as this will cause your dreadlocks to slip. To dry them, wring them out with a large microfiber towel for about 5 minutes, squeezing out as much water as possible. Remember that wool holds water like a sponge, so it gets heavy in the shower and stays heavy until you wring it out.

4: Do braided wool dreadlocks smell?

When wool dreadlocks are first bought or made, they smell like the soap that was used to make them. They will smell like this until you shower or wash them for the first time. Afterward, they will basically smell like your natural hair would smell, or whatever shampoo you choose to use. If you wash them as recommended, they won’t smell.

5: Can I swim with braided wool dreadlocks?

Yes! You can definitely swim while wearing wool braided dreadlock extensions. Now, just like when you wash them in the shower, they get heavy as they absorb the water. That being said, swimming with them will not harm them or your hair in any way. It might just be a little uncomfortable and heavy when they fill up with water.

6: Are braided wool dreadlocks comfortable?

The short answer, yes! But you are not here for the short answer, you are here for information. Of the three options available for braided dreadlocks, wool is the most comfortable for most people. Let’s break this down further, these three options include synthetic, wool and human hair dreadlock extensions. Synthetic and human hair are the most similar in terms of texture and actual appearance. They’re the options that look the most realistic, as if your hair were naturally dreaded, but this comes with some downsides. Both options tend to be extremely heavy, stiff, and itchy for most people, myself included. Wool, on the other hand, is extremely soft, light and comfortable. Each complete set weighs less than half a pound and can even be used as a pillow at night because it’s so comfortable. Personally, I started with synthetic dreadlock extensions, but like many others, I eventually switched to wool because synthetics and people were just too uncomfortable for me.

7: How do I sleep with braided wool dreadlocks?

It really depends on how you want your dreadlocks to look when you wake up. For a clean, “put together” look, you can sleep with your dreadlocks in a bun with a scarf wrapped around your roots, or a bonnet over it to tie it all together. For a messier look, you can easily sleep with them and let them do their own thing. This is how I personally sleep with my dreadlocks as it’s very comfortable and I can use them almost like a custom pillow. This is also a way for the braided parts to thicken the look a bit. When they do this, it masks the braid itself more, making the experience look a little more natural.

8: How long does it take to attach a set of braided wool dreadlocks?

This question depends on a few factors. How long is your hair? Are you installing a full kit or a subset? Do you have an undercut or a side shave? Do you have a friend who will help you with the installation? Personally, I have shoulder length hair, no side shave, no undercut, and I usually do a full install. My dear friend helps me section my hair while braiding it and we make such a team day. This way we can install my set in about 2-3 hours. This time may be shorter or longer depending on the factors mentioned above. In general I would say that the installation can take anywhere from 1 hour to 6 hours.

9: Can I still have braided wool dreadlocks if I have short hair?

Yes and no. I recommend that your hair should be at least 1.5″-2″ long to attach these wool dreadlocks. If your hair is that short, there is a slightly different method of attachment compared to the normal braiding methods. Basically, you can not braid the dreadlocks, but attach them with the rubber bands. This method needs to be used until you have enough length to actually braid it into your hair.

10: How long does a set of braided wool dreadlocks last?

When we talk about how long an installation will take, a full installation of wool braided dreadlocks usually takes anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 months depending on the installation method used! If we talk about longevity, from the moment you receive the set until you have to say goodbye, a set of Girl on the Moon dreadlocks can last you over a year. Personally, I still have a set from 2017 that I still wear occasionally. Girl on the Moon dreadlocks are extremely durable.

11: What are the advantages of wool braided dreadlocks?

Wool braided dreadlocks have MANY benefits depending on what you are looking for. Personally, I first got braided dreadlocks because my hair was so short and I wanted the look of long hair. Also, I love dying my hair way too much. I ended up damaging my hair so much from all the bleaches, dyes and chemicals I used on my hair. With these dreadlocks I now keep my natural hair black and when I make my set I dye the roots of the dreadlocks black for a more natural fade. As a result, I couldn’t dye my hair for over a year, which is a HUGE step for me. Now I have the option to go from straight black shoulder length hair to 24 inch black to rainbow dreads or 20 inch black to pink dreads. I can literally have any style, length, texture, color I want. Personally, I swap out my sets every month to appease the hair gods. Another benefit is that it’s considered a ‘protective’ style, meaning you’re protecting your hair from unnecessary heat, bleach, and dyes when applying the set. It also forces your hair to absorb more of the natural oils your scalp naturally produces. There are many benefits of braided wool dreadlocks, so I recommend doing as much research as you’re comfortable with. The more information, the better.

Wool dreadlocks are artificial hairpieces made from felted wool. While real dreadlocks require a long-term bond, wool dreadlocks can be braided or attached in minutes and removed just as quickly. Generally oversized and brightly colored, wool dreadlocks can add a touch of color and volume to any hairstyle. Faux dreadlocks can be handmade or purchased from a fiber artist and come in a variety of colors, lengths, and styles.

While real hair can be used to create dreadlocks, wool is often seen as a more popular and less expensive choice. Wool is readily available in yarn stores, is quick to felt into dreads, and comes in a wide range of colors and thicknesses. Wool dreadlocks are lighter than real hair dreadlocks and can be braided into the hair or attached to a detachable elastic band.

Wearing wool dreadlocks has many advantages, but also a few disadvantages. While wool is light and fluffy when dry, it becomes highly waterlogged when wet, and wet wool dreadlocks can be uncomfortable to wear. Some types of wool can felt when worn, so care should be taken not to wash wooden dreadlocks braided directly into the hair. Wearers can avoid tangling by removing the wool dreads before washing to avoid accidental matting.

There are different types of wool dreadlocks; They differ in the way the dreads are applied to the natural hair and how easily they can be removed. Individual strands of dreadlock wool are designed to be braided into the hair like traditional hair extensions. This type takes the longest time to apply and remove, but offers the most styling flexibility. Individual curls are made from thick wool yarn or roving and can be purchased individually or in groups of coordinating colors.

Mounted wool dreadlocks attach to a hair tie, hair clip or barrette and are worn like a regular hair accessory. They are quick and easy to install and remove, and require the least amount of preparation and maintenance. While these wool dreads are the easiest to use, they don’t offer as much styling flexibility as individual braided strands of wool.

The hair can be wrapped with wool to simulate the look of wool dreadlocks. Wool of any thickness and color can be used to wrap individual tufts of hair from roots to tips. This process can simulate the look of dreadlocks without the risk of matting; It also allows for the use of thinner wools when roving is not available.

One of the most important decisions you have to make when buying or making dreadlocks is what materials to use and what texture you want to achieve. The two main types of synthetic dreads are Synthetic (Kanekalon) dreads and Roving/Wool dreads. There are other types such as twine and artificial roving, but these are not as widespread.

Whether you choose synthetic dreads or wool dreads depends entirely on your personal preferences. Which look do you prefer? What colors and styles would you like? Personally, Tyto Dreads only makes Kanekalon dreads. I tried making roving but after two washing machine emergencies I decided KK is the best for me! I talk about both types in this post, but please remember that I am a KK artist, not a wool maker.

Synthetic/Kanekalon Dreads

Synth dreads are made from a fiber called Kanekalon (KK). This is a common fiber that comes in many colors and is manipulated with heat. It is made of modacrylic fibers. This is essentially a type of plastic, although the finished product doesn’t feel like plastic like you would imagine. Kanekalon comes in packs of “hairs” and consists of many individual strands. Because of this, all colors can be hand mixed and many styles are available. While it’s possible, it’s uncommon for you to color the KK yourself. Most often it is bought in the required colors and used to create the dreads.

There is high heat and low heat KK. Although this is not very important to know when buying dreads, it is important when buying KK to make dreads yourself.

KK dreads come in different textures. A full installation of dreads can consist of one or more of these depending on the look you want to achieve.

Straight KK dreads –

Straight KK dreads are just that, straight and uniformed dreads. They are smoother than other textures and often feel quite tight/tight. This texture is achieved by turning back the combed KK and then sealing it with steam. Because KK is heat moldable, it shrinks and stays in the tight twist. It’s important to note that they will loosen up over time, although they should never completely dissolve.

Crochet KK Dreads –

Crochet KK dreads look much more natural than straight dreads. They have lumps and bumps and come closest in appearance to real dreads. They are made by pulling hair with a crochet hook and combing KK around the back. The dread is then sealed to tighten all knots and add strength to the dread. Because crocheted dreads are not twisted, they are more durable than straight dreads as they cannot unravel. In fact, as crocheted dreads become more worn they look even more like natural dreads and this only adds to the texture.

Wrapped KK Dreads –

Coiled KK dreads are similar to crocheted dreads. They have a more natural finish and are not as tightly twisted as straight dreads. They have KK strands wrapped around a back-slicked core.

The image above is of the amazing LS Seven.

straight wavy curly –

All types of KK dreads can either be left straight, slightly curled or fully curled. However, different types are better suited to different designs. For example, straight dreads curl better than crocheted dreads, and crocheted dreads lend themselves better to waves.

Just –

wavy –

curly –

Wool/roving dreads

Roving dreads are typically made from Merino sheep’s wool. Other types of wool are also used, and some vegan options are also available, e.g. B. bamboo fibers. Roving Dreads are made from unspun wool and felted into dread shapes. Wool dreads are much softer and squispier than KK dreads as they are made from a natural fiber. This can make sleeping more comfortable. Since sheep are often white, the wool used for dreads can be dyed any color imaginable. Roving Dreads really have the crown when it comes to color melts and blends.

Smooth Wandering Dreads –

Usually, roving dreads start life as smooth, straight dreads. However, this depends on the technique used to create them. With hand felting you get straight, smooth dreads, with washing machine felting you get wobbly dreads.

Crocheted/Wrapped Roving Dreads –

Like KK Dreads, wool can also be crocheted and wrapped. This in turn will create a more natural and textured looking dread.

Curly/Wavy Roving Dreads –

Wool dreads can also become wobbly/wavy and crimped. However, the methods for doing this are different than with KK Dreads.

Please note that all Peacock Dreams images are courtesy of – Peacock Dreams

Yarn/knitted dreads

Although not as big as KK and roving, yarn dreads have their place in the dread world. Yarn is versatile and new ways of turning it into dreads are constantly being invented. Above are an example of some possibilities. Including knitted dreads from the wonderful Lil Yenlet Creations.

(Not my work, source unknown.)

pigtails

Of course, braids have their own section in the hair world. However, I think they deserve an honorable mention here as well. Dreads and braids mixed together can look amazing. Mixing textures can enhance each other, and you can have both without committing to either just dreads or braids. Both KK and wool can be braided.

Or take the best of both worlds and braid your dreads 😉

I hope you found this post helpful. Remember I am not an expert on wool dreads and new dread styles are coming out every day. I’m sure I missed a few, but I’ve covered the basics.

What Causes an Itchy Scalp When You Have Locs?

There are a few culprits that can cause an itchy scalp. The first is excessive dryness. The second is mold and the third is product buildup stuck to the base of the loc.

“A dry scalp will be itchy, as will a scalp where the hair has been air dried but some patches remain wet,” says Pritchett. Failure to fully dry your locs after washing can cause mold, which leads to itching. Certain protective styles, like cornrows, can also cause itching. Pritchett says this happens either because dead skin cells, sebum, or dust get trapped at the root, or because the style is too tight and the follicles are inflamed.

“If the locos are unclean or there is mold from spotty drying, there’s an odor and itching,” says Pritchett. “It usually doesn’t smell when it’s too dry.”

If you experience itching and flaking, the problem may be product build-up. “Some people naturally have dandruff due to a dry scalp, but often it’s product build-up that creates the dandruff,” she says. “If you eliminate heavy or creamy products, it will tell whether or not you really have a dandruff problem.”

What to do if you have an itchy scalp with locs?

After washing, dry your locs completely

To avoid mold growth, make sure you dry your locs completely after washing. “Using a hood or hood dryer works best to ensure your locos are completely dry,” says Pritchett.

Use a clarifying shampoo

STOP SCRATCHING YOUR SCALP!

Digging your nails into your scalp trying to find relief can do more than just scratch an itch — it can break your locs. I’m not saying this to scare you, but it’s a real warning. In my years behind the chair, I’ve seen this type of damage to the roots of many people with locs.

I understand the urge to scratch when you are dealing with an undiagnosed scalp condition, have just started your scalp or have always had dandruff and your scalp itches uncontrollably. I get it. However, the risks associated with scratching an itchy scalp with your hands or nails are devastating.

HOW SCRATCHES CAN DAMAGE YOUR LOCS

One of the first signs that you are damaging your locs by scratching is a break at the roots. This breakage may appear as just loose, unfixed hair, but if left untreated it can lead to further complications. If you don’t properly soothe an itchy scalp, you may have to deal with your locs thinning at the roots or breaking off completely. Since your locs are a collection of naturally shed hair, when the hair starts to break off it will not wed into the locs, resulting in thinning. Additionally, if the thinning is not repaired, the locos will begin to snap off at the roots as the base can no longer support the weight of the loc as the length increases. So we’ve gone from just loose hair at the roots to thinning locs to your locs on the floor – all because you’re scratching your scalp with your hands! I’d also like to add that locs tend to grow more slowly when the scalp and/or roots aren’t happy and healthy – so if you want longer locs, learn how to properly soothe your itchy scalp.

HOW TO SOOTH AN ITCHY SCALP WITHOUT DAMAGE

If you are looking for ways to soothe an itchy scalp without damaging your roots, try these four (4) remedies:

Don’t scratch with your hands. Instead of using your fingernails, use a tool like the Scalp Revitalizer. Such a tool can reach the itchy area better and is ergonomically designed not to snag or break the hair.

Instead of using your fingernails, use a tool like the Scalp Revitalizer. Such a tool can reach the itchy area better and is ergonomically designed not to snag or break the hair. Nourish your scalp internally. This simply means drinking more (alkaline) water and eating less processed foods. Ask a hair care professional how to nourish the scalp and they will tell you that hydration starts from within. So to really get to the root (pun intended), you need to start with what you put into your body.

This simply means drinking more (alkaline) water and eating less processed foods. Ask a hair care professional how to nourish the scalp and they will tell you that hydration starts from within. So to really get to the root (pun intended), you need to start with what you put into your body. Seek professional help. If your scalp is currently itchy, flaky, flaky, or sore, you may need medical attention. Go to a dermatologist, who is a doctor of the skin, or a trichologist, who is a doctor of the scalp.

If your scalp is currently itchy, flaky, flaky, or sore, you may need medical attention. Go to a dermatologist, who is a doctor of the skin, or a trichologist, who is a doctor of the scalp. Use scalp soothing products for locs. Some of my favorite products are: Noggin Oil’s ‘Chill’ Oil – a roll-on oil that can be applied directly to the roots and areas. NuGrowth Essentials ‘Pure Scalp’ – an astringent-based moisturizer that soothes itchy scalp, eliminates odor and purifies sweat. The “Pre-Cleanse” by Dr. Locs – a pre-shampoo treatment that removes dandruff and relieves itching

Some of my favorite products are:

These remedies may help give you temporary relief or stop the itching altogether, but results depend on many factors. For some, itching may be due to poor diet and/or lack of water intake. For others, uncontrollable scratching may be a genetic scalp condition that can be treated but never cured. And there are those that can be used with locos that feel the urge to scratch constantly due to poor product usage or simply the stresses of life. Whatever the cause of your discomfort, I urge you to try better methods of soothing your scalp.

The next time your scalp starts to feel itchy, try one of the 4 solutions to soothe your itchy scalp so you don’t cause permanent damage in exchange for quick relief.

Many people think that wool dreads are difficult to maintain. If that has stopped you from trying them out for yourself, I have good news for you.

Cleaning the wool dreads is actually easy and inexpensive. To maintain their quality, you only need to follow a few care instructions.

Can you shower or swim with them?

You can also wash your dreads while they’re attached and even shampoo, but don’t use conditioner. If your scalp is irritated, tea tree shampoo could be a perfect solution as tea tree oil has a soothing effect on the skin. You can also use tea tree oil if your scalp is slightly red after applying the extensions – rubbing on red spots can be very helpful.

You can also dive with them in natural waters and chlorinated pools, but make sure you rinse the dreads well with tap water afterwards to remove any harmful substances.

ATTENTION! The only downside to wool dreads is that they get a lot heavier when wet.

how to take care of them

It is best to uninstall dread extensions after a few weeks of wearing them. After that, I recommend you to hand wash them in lukewarm water. Do not wash in the washing machine or tumble dry!

All you need is a bar of soap (olive or laundry soap is best), lukewarm water and some citric acid or vinegar.

Take a bowl and fill it with enough lukewarm water to fully submerge the dreads

Rub them with soap and squeeze them thoroughly

After that, it is very important to rinse off the excess soap with clean water

Finally, wash them in a mild solution of citric acid or vinegar water; You can even let them soak in it for a few minutes. Vinegar and citric acid remove the soap residue, soften the wool and preserve its color.

Never use fabric softener on the wool dreads!

Wring them out well by hand

When you’re done, all you have to do is hang them folded up on a hanger and let them dry. This can take 1-2 days.

Remember to put a tray underneath for them to drip onto.

Starting locs can be the best hair decision for many people. However, things can get tricky if you are unsure how to wash starter locs or how to properly care for your locs.

Washing your starter dreadlocks is a big part of hair care. In fact, washing is the starting point of basic Locs care. Before you even think about how to re-twist your starter locs, you need to shut down the washing aspect. In this article, I’ll give you a few tips on how to wash starter locomotives.

How to wash starter locs

Regardless of the method you use to start your dreadlocks, you need to be careful when washing them. The tips below apply to your dreadlocks regardless of the starting method, but I have to say that I have experience with the finger coil method. Check out this article on starting locos with finger coils.

You may notice Amazon affiliate links in this article. These links are used to point to needed products and to give you an opportunity to support Faithnturtles.com at no additional cost to you. thanks for the love

Tip 1: Know when to wash your starter dreadlocks.

How long should you wait to wash your hair after starting locs?

This is the most frequently asked question when it comes to washing starter dreads. As a simple answer, I would say that you should wait at least 7 days after starting before washing/shampooing your starter locos. It can be helpful to use a laundry day planner.

This is my second set of starter locs and both times I’ve washed my hair within the first month of starting. Well, this may sound like a bad idea to a lot of people because they’ve been advised that you shouldn’t wash locs before at least 3 months. This advice is not based on fact. You can and should wash your starting locos before 3 months.

After installation, you can wait a week or even the first month before washing if you wish.

How often should starting locomotives be washed?

After that, your regular washing routine should be between 10 and 30 days. Waiting at least 10 days will allow your hair to regain its natural oils. Shampoo strips some of your hair’s natural oils, and over-washing leads to dry hair and even dandruff. On the other hand, washing within 30 days allows you to get clean locs without excessive buildup of products, lint and dandruff.

Tip 2: Choose the right shampoo for your hair.

When you wash your hair, you always want to use products that won’t damage your hair. Personally, I wash my hair with handmade coconut oil soap bars and they work beautifully for me and my hair, but everyone is different.

Depending on the products you use to start/re-twist your curls, you can choose a good shampoo that suits your hair. For example, if you use heavy products like beeswax, get a clarifying shampoo. If you are using lighter products such as B. just an oil-based retwist, you can use a simple cleansing shampoo.

I often hear great things from the Loc community about the Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap. It is an organic and natural liquid soap that is often used as a shampoo.

There is also dr. Bronner’s Hemp and Peppermint (Organic), which are great for deep cleansing and scalp cleansing.

Another product that you can use is the DollyLocks Nag Champa Liquid Shampoo. This product has natural and simple ingredients, making it a great shampoo for locs.

Since you’ve recently started your locs, you may have natural hair brand products that you may want to continue using. I used SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo on my locs and it worked beautifully. So if this is what you stock or prefer to stick with a brand you know, feel free.

There are many shampoos and shampoo bars that are great for washing starter locomotives. I’m making a complete guide to shampoos and will post it for you on the blog soon.

Tip 3: Use a hair journal

One of the best ways to keep track of your washes and re-twists, as well as products that work for your locs, is to use a hair journal or planner. When I first started my locos I wanted a journal to record my journey but none was available.

They say if it’s not there you should create it, so I created the very first Loc’d hair care and growth planner. With this journal you can document your circuits, set intentions and record in detail what is happening to your hair.

The journal includes a laundry day routine with precautions for the products you use, treatments, re-spins and length checks. Get it on ETSY here: Loc Journal and printed on Amazon here: Printed Loc’d Hair Journal

Tip 4: When washing your locs, focus on your scalp

When washing starter locs, you always want to focus on your scalp and not your hair. Use your fingers to gently massage your scalp. Use gentle movements and try not to rub all over your hair at once. You can also gently pinch individual strands if you think your hair has built up.

Tip 5: Use a stocking cap to protect your starter locos while washing.

If you don’t just want to wash your starter locos, you can use a stocking cap. With a stocking cap, you wash your scalp without untangling your starter locs.

When using this method, you want to put the cap on first, then apply shampoo to it, and then work it in. Rinse your hair, remove the cap and dry your hair. You can use any stocking cap, but I personally prefer a fishnet stocking cap because the holes make it easier for me to wash my scalp.

Fishnet Wig Caps

Tip 6: Limit your use of conditioner

Conditioner is meant to make your hair soft and smooth after using a drying agent like shampoo. Conditioners are often thick and this leads to build-up in your locs. Because of this, many people with locs choose not to use conditioner. It’s also no use because with starter locs you don’t want to detangle or soften your hair, you want to some extent the opposite. So conditioner is optional, you can’t use conditioner at all, but if you must then I suggest limiting your use of conditioner.

Tip 7: Plan washing and retwisting together

When you wash your starter locos, some may come loose. By re-twisting as you wash, you help set those locs back in place. If you wash too early, you may have to skip a few twists to avoid twisting your hair too much.

If you wash every 30 days or so, you should be fine to re-rotate on that schedule. Keep track of your wash days with Loc’d’s hair planner.

Then wash your starter locos

Read Next: 4 Things You Must Have to Recycle Starter Locomotives

in summary

With Startloks, you can travel worry-free once you’ve done the necessary research. The above tips will help make washing your starter locos a breeze. Enjoy your process.

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