Dreadlocks.org

Q. I wanted to make a few fat dreads and use them to pull back my hair into a ponytail or a bun…but I want the rest of my hair to be undreaded. How can I dread those sections while I would continue to wash, comb and maintain the rest of may hair??

A. You can try to dread just a few locks if you want, but dreads tend to grab any other loose hair that’s around it and dread it too. If you’re quite conscientious about separating the regular hair from the locks when that happens, you could probably do it. Washing is not a problem, but conditioners are, because they untangle new dreads.

Q. I want dreads and my mom can’t stand them (I already told her about how you can still wash them but she didn’t care). I’m only 14 so I can’t exactly move out. You knotty guyz and girlz got any tips for me?

A. Unfortunately, I never really know what to say to kids that can’t get their parents to let them have dreads even after all that, other than just stick it out and be glad that your biggest problem right now is not getting to have dreads. Before you know it, you’ll be in college and although, while you now would assumably finally have the dreads you’ve always wanted, you also suddenly face a bleak future of 4 or more years of school and then a lifetime of making crappuchinos at StarBucks because you can’t find a better job, despite your degree. Now THOSE are problems – so be glad that you’re 14 and in high school and still having fun being a kid.

And maybe you can strike up some kinda deal with your parents in the mean time, like you’ll do a whack of yard work or get good grades or something in exchange for them letting you get dreads… it’s crazy that people have such a problem with them, cuz dreads are just like any other hair style, like braids or whatever, but I guess there’s all this stigma attached to the look, etc. I dunno, just don’t sweat it too much, have fun and see what happens. Dreads are cool, but not really worth getting hung up on if you can’t have them – enjoy being a kid while you can. You’ll be able to nap up soon enough.

Q. How can I make my own lock accelerator??

A. You can make an effective lock accelerator solution yourself by adding the juice of one lemon or a dash of RealLemon to a sprayer bottle full of warm to hot water and 2 to 3 tablespoons of sea salt, shake well, and spray a few times a week. Spray only on your dreads, not on your scalp as sometimes the drying sea salt can cause scalp irritation and itch. This solution can be adjusted to your need, but don’t make it too strong or you’ll burn your scalp off!

Also, Knotty Boy sells a lock tightening gel that is an aloe-based, spray alternative.