Dreadlocks: Maintaining a chic look

Wearing dreadlocks is easy; after all, they are perfect if you are not so keen on combing your hair. Any bad hair days to come can be avoided by ‘locking’ your hair.

Wednesday, June 01, 2016
Twisting dreadlocks is one way to style them. (L. Atieno)

Wearing dreadlocks is easy; after all, they are perfect if you are not so keen on combing your hair. Any bad hair days to come can be avoided by ‘locking’ your hair. 

But they too need attention and of course care in order to keep a clean and chic look.

So, do you know how to maintain them?

Ann Ntusarare, a hair dresser at Kimisagara Market, highlights a few steps on how to maintain them.

She explains that dreadlocks, when maintained, are just as elegant as any other hairstyle.

"Maintaining dreadlocks is easier and more affordable than other hairstyles, if one knows how to go about it,” she says. She adds that the only challenge comes when they grow. She points out the following;

When locking your dreads, avoid using wax, as it tends to stay in your hair for long, this can turn your hair from black to grey or brownish with time.

When treating them after growth, one should make sure they use natural shampoo and oils to avoid the bad odour that comes with fake shampoos.

Depending on the look that one wants to wear, locks always look good when neatly twisted together.

With locks, one is free to wear any style as they are versatile. Also, wigs and weaves are the best option if one wants to have a different look.

For those who are new to dreads, visiting a hairdresser once a week is ideal. Since they take long to tighten, a hairdresser will ensure they are in good shape.

Look for good quality products to keep your locks clean. (Net photos)

Changing your look often is essential, this may come along by wearing them up or down, braiding them, letting them loose or curl as well as straightening them.

However, Ntusarare advises that those who opt for non permanent dreadlocks should not stay with them for more than three years, as they may alter the structure of your hair.

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