Wearing dreadlocks looks cool and unusual, and it is definitely a good way of turning everyone’s attention to yourself and stand out. In some cultures, this hairstyle is a traditional way of wearing locks due to climate specifics.

But are dreadlocks harmful? Is it safe to wear them regularly? Let’s see what can be found on that topic.

Dreadlocks: Harm Or Heal?

If you were ever curious about dreadlocks, you probably heard all those discussions and arguments trying to convince us that dreads are bad for the hair whilst another party was insisting on this hairstyle beneficial effect for the chevelure.

The truth is that dreads in fact have more positive effects on our tresses than the negative ones. However, this can be achieved only if we get ready for their installation properly and if the hair arrangement will be done professionally.

If all the nuances are considered and the rules are followed.

What can be the perks of wearing dreads?

1. They are economical in terms of maintenance. Dreads need to be washed once in seven to ten days, and they definitely need way fewer products to take care of them.
2. Dreads work for our hair protection. When the tresses are tied together to form a dread, they hold more strength. Besides, dreadlocks are less prone to external factors like heat, sleet, or wind that often damage our locks.
3. When being woven in dreads, our hair grows faster, and that is an already proven fact. 
4. Wearing dreads promotes the hair volume and strength because you are wearing the hair in a natural way without any styling tools applied like flat irons, straighteners, or hot combs that often lead to hair loss or locks burns.
5. Finally, it looks stylish and unusual being a great way to express your personality!

Things to Consider When Wearing Dreads

There is a rumor that wearing dreads will lead to hair loss, and that makes people doubt whether to go for this hair arrangement or not. Well, in fact, dreads themselves don’t cause hair loss if they are installed and maintained correctly, however, if you’re about to install dreadlocks, make sure you avoid the following mistakes that can actually harm the tresses:

• Don’t pull the hair too tight

Wearing knots, buns, and ponytails when having dreads will create excessive pressure on your scalp and hair roots. If done constantly, it may result in hair stops growing in those areas.

To avoid this scenario, wear the dreads loosely, especially during the first few days after installing them, stop styling (at least for a while), and go for headbands or beanies to exclude any pressure and tension to the roots.

• Don’t touch your head too much

If it’s your first time with dreads, you might want to touch the roots often to ensure the hair looks neat. Stop doing that. Your scalp needs some rest between the care sessions to let it grow hair.

• Avoid itching the scalp

Another bad habit of the dread owners is to scratch their scalp too often. Yes, the itchiness will develop since it’s a known side effect of dreads, but you won’t have it constantly. 

To relieve it, hydrate the skin of the head by applying pure aloe vera or rinsing the scalp with apple cider acetum after each wash. To keep the body hydrated, drink enough water.

And remember: excessive itchiness may lead to scarring and inflammation of the scalp so take care of it now.

• Don’t dye them!

If you apply the pigment to the dreadlocks, the dye will have a way more destructive effect: since it’s impossible to wash it out completely, some leftovers will remain at the dread core and will keep on ruining your tresses from inside.

The only way to avoid that is to refuse any dyes. If you still want to add more color to the deads, opt for the colored extensions or go for henna.

With these hints, your dreads will stay healthy and good-looking longer.