Dreadlocks journey is a roller coaster ride for the people who have straight hair and want traditional dreadlocks, microlocs, or any other type of locs. Although it is a protective hairstyle, it needs care and attention. Dreadlock red flags can be the warning signs that give you the estimate that your hair needs proper care. If you are new on this journey, this article is for you.
In this article, we will share dreadlock red flags and five reasons that can damage your dreadlocks in one way or the other. Various problems can emerge due to not giving proper attention to your dreadlocks. For instance, you may develop mildew in your hair that can cause a severe fungal infection, so you need to consult a physician. Likewise, it can result in severe side effects on your hair texture and scalp. So, it is necessary to keep an eye on the signs that may be problematic in near future.
5 Dreadlock Red Flags that Need Attention
With the right use of hair care products, you can maintain your locs for long. But using harsh chemicals and strong gels, these products can be the reason for your hair destruction. So, you must know which products are suitable for your locs and which you must avoid. Here are the five best dreadlock red flags and reasons your locs need immediate Attention.
Number 1. Stinky locs
The number one reason is the stinky locs. Of course, no one wants to smell your locs in the first place, but they may get stinky for a few reasons. So, it is essential to diagnose the first reason behind the stinky locs. The possible reasons for foul smell in the locs can be due to the dirt residues stuck in your locs or not washing your locs for a long time. Additionally, the following reasons can cause your locks to stink.
* Greasy products:
Using hair care products that are greasy or have extra greasiness can cause residue accumulation in the locs, which results in sticky locs. Further, the dirt residues in the locs can be the primary reason for the bad smell. So, keep your locs neat and clean using the residue-free shampoo and organic rinse, which wash off all the dirt particles and residues.
* Workout:
Another reason for stinky locs can be the working out routine. If you are a sportsperson or have a routine with doing exercise, your scalp will sweat more than anything else. Excessive sweating in harsh weather can be the primary cause of the foul smell. In addition, the accumulation of sweat on the scalp can be dangerous as it can trigger the fungus growth and cause fungal infection.
* Head scarfs and caps
Wearing bonnets, caps, head scarfs, and durags for too long is also problematic as it can damage your hair. No matter how much you cover your dreadlocks, they still need air to breathe. Further, wearing caps and durags after washing your hair can be harmful to the hair. So, look at the pattern and time that you follow to cover your head. Give some breathing time to your dreadlocks to show good growth.
Number 2. Excessive buildup
Another red flag or the reason you should look into your dreadlocks deeply is the excessive buildup. It is an alarming situation if you notice excessive buildup in your dreadlocks. There are many possible reasons for buildup accumulation, such as genetics, scalp condition, or excessive use of hair care products.
Some people have this genetic makeup that makes their scalp attractive to environmental residues such as dirt, smoke, etc. So, it is necessary to keep the locks neat and clean by washing them frequently in such cases. Additionally, excessive dandruff is the reason for buildup. If you feel dandruff flakes and patches on your scalp, there are chances that you have Dermatitis. So, consult a doctor and get your locs checked to have a better idea. Then, treat the infection in time to continue your loc journey.
One must check their scalp condition to get an idea about the locs condition. In some cases, excessive dandruff can be the reason of excessive buildup. Some hair care products also trigger dandruff, so one must be mindful of that. Several hair care products are available in the market designed for washing and cleaning the locs. If you are into styling, the locs with styling gels and beeswax for the right results, and you need to remake your decision.
Inorganic vs. Organic Hair Care Products
The use of non-organic products that include hair gels, wax, and extra greasy hair masks can cause excessive buildup. This is because the residues of the products stick to the locs and are not rinsed properly. A detox treatment or deep cleaning method can help you in this condition. For this reason, one must avoid inorganic hair care products that are extra greasy and thick. On the other hand, organic hair care products contain natural ingredients such as essential oils and shampoo are best for use.
If you want to keep your hair residue-free and buildup free, use organic products and don't contain thick residues. In addition, for moisturisation, use organic gels and hair essential oils such as tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and rosewater. Such essential oils are needed for constant moisturize and are also beneficial for hair growth.
Number 3. Loc thinning
Among the five dreadlock red flags, another one is loc thinning. If you feel that your hair has lost the luster and strength over time, it is a sign of loc thinning. There can be many possible reasons for loc thinning, such as genetics, over-styling, and over-twisting. First, look at your living style, and then take immediate action to get your hair luster and strength back.
Over styling the locs can be very harmful to your locs as it involves using grassy hair gels and wax that sticks to the locs and are not washed thoroughly. Further, their residues accumulate in the scalp and result in the unnecessary buildup. So, look at the possible causes that might have affected your locs in any possible way.
Revert your crochet hair by giving extra time and attention to your hair. Use plenty of water and take a well-balanced nutritious diet. Limit stress by meditation. Use your time to start new hobbies and develop a healthy routine. Keep your locs well moisturized with organic hair oils and other products.
Number 4. Hair looks crusty
Dreadlock journey has different phases resulting in different hair lengths and hair looks. How does your hair look, and how does it feel? Does it depend upon what hair care routine you pick for your hair? Not moisturizing your hair correctly can be why your hair looks crusty, which is another red flag. In addition, not using the right moisturizing oil or using the oil in the wrong way can be another possible reason.
The frizz is a natural side effect of the dreadlock but doesn't confuse frizzy hair with crusty hair. The crusty hair can be treated well with the proper use of essential hair oils and other moisturization products. On the other hand, frizz is the phase of the locs journey that passes independently. So, prevent crusty hair by enhancing hair strength and malleability. In addition, your locs must look thick, fresh, and clean, not light and crunchy.
Number 5: Less is more
In some cases, less is more. For the dreadlocks, this is also applicable in some manners. For instance, a dreadlock is a hairstyle that doesn't need extra styling. People with busy schedules transform their look with this rocking hairstyle as it protects the hair. So, the hair can be easily managed without using any hair styling tools and products.
You can go wild free with the locs and enjoy your look with any costume. So, you can consider the style with less is more. Similarly, using fewer hair care products can be beneficial for your locs. However, in some cases, using excessive hair care products can cause damage to the locs and scalp. So, although less is more in most cases, it is also a red flag for the people who don't bother to look at their installed locs.
If you are in the starting journey and anxious about the hair care routine, avoid the above-mentioned red flags, and you are good to go:
- Don't over-wash your locs. Only wash the locs once or twice a week. Keep them dry without heating tools such as a blow dryer or air dryer.
- Use residue-free shampoo for cleaning the locs. Cover your locs while heading out in the sun.
- Give your locs detox treatment once a year.
Consult the loctician and find the best possible treatment if you find any unnecessary buildup or residue accumulation or any of the dreadlock red flags.
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