Preparing for new locs and aftercare

At Knotty Sista I believe in creating beautiful natural organic dreadlocks. I only use and recommend products that are natural, silicone and residue-free. Silicones and residues create a build up in dreads which can damage your hair. The best environment for dreads is to have as dry conditions as possible and then for the first few months of having dreads.

How to prepare my hair for dreads?

The few weeks leading up to your appointment wash your hair with a 100% natural shampoo. This will remove any silicon build up and please dont not use conditioner!! Do not wash your hair a few days before your appointment. You can use Thursday plantation tea tree shampoo or I also have dread shampoo you can purchase from me. If your hair is oily please wash until oils are removed.

The day before the appointment, rinse your hair with a salt wash. Mix up one tablespoon of sea salt with 1 litre of hot water. Let cool then pour it over your hair or alternatively go for a swim at the beach and do not rinse your hair. I also have a locking spray in store if you wish to use that.

Please come to your appointment with dry and well brushed hair (no knots) and on time. If your hair is not prepared correctly we may need to reschedule your appointment. Feel free to bring lunch/snack, books, music etc. We also have wifi in the studio.

It's time for your new dreads!!!! So exciting!!!

Aftercare of your new locks

The first week your scalp is getting used to your new lovely locs! This can be an uncomfortable time especially when sleeping. Some get an itchy scalp at the start but don't worry this will pass, it's your scalp just getting used to your new dreads.

Firstly do not wash them including getting them wet swimming for a few weeks to give them time to settle. We have a peppermint scalp spray that can help with the itching. Please try to refrain from scratching your scalp it can loosen the crochet work before it has had time to settle

After this time you can wash them but again with only 100% natural shampoo. Please only pat the shampoo on dreads and scalp not big motions as it may cause loose hair and fuzziness. In between washing I suggest a shower cap to avoid getting them wet. When drying ring and pat dry a microfiber towel is helpful too. Wash in the morning on a sunny day to avoid dreads staying damp which would result in them not smelling nice. I also have a locking spray in store if your wish to use that as a aftercare.

In the next 12 months your dreads will begin maturing on their own and becoming real dreads. This depends on your hair type and how well you are looking after them. This is why we call it the 'dread journey'. During this time they will come loser before becoming tighter. You may get bumps but don't worry this can be fixed. Everyone's hair is different and impossible to know how they will develop but how you care for them and being gentle with them will help them mature.

I recommend coming back within a few weeks after your first wash to see how they are doing and fix up any bumps etc.On ongoing maintenance really depends on your hair type, how well you look after them and how tidy you want to keep them. I personally like mine tidy and get maintenance done once a month to get roots tidied up. Everyone is different and like maintenance done between 1-6 months. Totally up to you! You can palm roll your dreads between maintenance but definitely don't use any products other than what I recommend to you and definitely NO WAX.

I hope you love your new dreads and welcome to the dreadlock family!!!! Please contact me with any concerns.