7.1.4 – Proper Aftercare For Maximum Hold

WHAT THIS LESSON CONTAINS:

• Always avoid lubricating products
This includes conditioners, moisturizers, most essential oils, and even most locking gels. Some shampoos will also fall into this category, especially “shampoos” created with Saponified Oils. Stick with basic commercial shampoos without all the extras and you’ll probably be in good shape. We’re developing our own shampoo and have other recommendations linked below. You should consider any product that feels slippery in any way to be counterproductive to a tight hold. Generally speaking, products that feel slippery will also allow the knots in your dreadlocks to slip out. This is most important if you want well established tips or tight extension connections.

• Avoid low pH products like ACV
I’ve learned from experience that Apple Cider Vinegar can actually loosen and undo dreadlock tips. I was using a 50/50 water and ACV mixture after each wash and started to notice my tips were coming open. I re-closed them and then started holding my tips up when using ACV. Focusing the ACV on my scalp. This made a big difference and my tips stayed in much, much longer.

• Soak in Sea Salt mix or Ocean Water
The opposite of low pH lubrication products are things like Sea Salt Water. You can actually use this to your benefit for holding your tips tight. Just jump in the ocean. Just to be clear, the avoidance of ocean water with dreadlocks is primarily due to the products used in twisting Afro Locs. With this method, it’s the opposite.

• Just keep them dry in general
You can see the trend here. Avoid low pH lubricating products and stick with clean dry dreadlocks. That dryness will invite damage to the hair over time, but it’s also very necessary for holding the knots in place.