Stop The Damage Now! 6 Ways You Didn’t Know You’re Damaging Your Dreadlocks

Here at Livara, we celebrate the unique beauty of dreadlocks. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of maintaining this popular hairstyle. Whether you’re a seasoned dreadlock enthusiast or just starting your journey, it’s important to understand how to care for your locs properly. In this article, we’ll be highlighting six ways you may be damaging your dreadlocks and what to do in case you’ve been making making any of these mistakes.

1. Overwashing

Alright, picture this: you’re in the shower, and you think, “Hey, my hair feels a bit dirty. Time for a wash!” So, you lather up those locs with shampoo and scrub away. But here’s the thing—dreadlocks thrive on natural oils, and overwashing strips away those precious oils, leaving your locks dry and brittle. Solution? Opt for a gentle cleansing routine, maybe every 1-2 weeks, and use moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoos like our Sapphire Hair Shampoo.

2. Tight Hairstyles

We all love a high bun or sleek ponytail, right? Well, here’s the thing—tight hairstyles can spell serious trouble for your dreadlocks. Constantly pulling your hair back into tight styles puts massive stress on your roots, leading to thinning and breakage. So, give your scalp and locs some breathing room by opting for looser hairstyles or rocking your dreadlocks down whenever possible.

3. Over re-twisting

Ah, the infamous dreadlock maintenance ritual—re-twisting. While it’s essential to maintain the shape and neatness of your dreadlocks, over re-twisting can do more harm than good. Excessive twisting can weaken your hair shaft and cause thinning and actual hair loss, especially along your hairline. Instead, aim for a balance between maintenance and letting your dreadlocks naturally mature over time.

The frequency with which you re-twist your locs depends on a number of factors, including personal hair growth rate. The best way to know when to get a re-twist is by observing your hair. As the new growth becomes more noticeable, it’s worth considering a retwist to maintain your dreadlocks.

4. Neglecting Moisture

Dreadlocks may seem low-maintenance, but they still need hydration to stay healthy and strong. Skipping moisturizing treatments can lead to dryness, frizz, and overall dullness. Treat your locs and scalp to regular moisturizing sessions using water-based sprays like our Tsavorite Spritz Moisturizer Hair Spray followed by a natural oil of your choice to seal in the moisture and keep them looking and feeling their best.

5. Using Harsh Products

Your dreadlocks deserve the best, right? So, why subject them to harsh chemicals and products laden with sulfates and parabens? These nasties can strip away moisture and leave your locks feeling dry and lifeless. Opt for natural, nourishing products like our all-natural and organic Livara products that hydrate and protect your dreadlocks. Our line of products includes such gentle shampoos, moisturizers, and nourishing natural oils.

6. Not Protecting Your Locs While Sleeping

Tossing and turning at night against fabrics like the cotton that many of our beddings are made of can cause friction and breakage, so it’s essential to protect your dreadlocks while you sleep. You can pick from three options to protect your dreadlocks as you sleep; cover your locs with a silk or satin bonnet, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf, or sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction and help your locs retain moisture while you snooze away.

Bottomline

Maintaining healthy dreadlocks is all about finding the right balance between maintenance and gentle care. You are a gem. And so is your hair. Treat your locs with love and care, and they’ll reward you with unique beauty.