10.31
There are two basic ways to remove dreadlocks – and yes, there are ways to do it without cutting your hair, contrary to popular belief.
Myths:
* The only way to remove dreads is to shave your head, or cut them off very close to the scalp.
* If you don’t shave your head, removing dreadlocks is painful and damaging to the scalp and hair.
Fact:
* It is possible to have dreads, and then remove them no matter how long you may have had them.
Here are the 2 basic methods.
1. Shave or cut dreads
By far the easiest method of dreadlock removal if you don’t wish to save any of your hair.
Materials:
* scissors and/or clippers
Duration:
* less than an hour
Directions:
Whether you want to shave close or cut leaving an inch or so of hair is entirely up to you.
1. Begin by using scissors to cut the dreads off one at a time near the root where the hair is less tangled, and then shaving clean with clippers if you so desire.
(You can also leave 4-6 inches and pick out that amount of hair with a lot of conditioner and a strong metal comb if you are willing to put in a little more work in order to keep some hair. For picking instructions – see below).
2. Finish by washing your scalp and remaining hair thoroughly.
2. Picking out dreadlocks
Extremely time consuming but very successful if you are willing to put the time in.
Materials:
* strong comb (preferably metal)
* high quality de-greasing shampoo
* high quality verrrry slippery conditioner
Note* We recommend the Knotty Boy removal kit, for removing dreadlocks. it has both, they also have metal combs for a good price. It is possible that you will run out of conditioner if you have really long hair or a lot of hair, so you can supplement this with another quality conditioner to finish the job.
Duration:
* up to 15 hours total, depending on your locks. We are serious about this. Typically 4-8 hours but we have heard of it taking 2 days!
Directions:
1. Lay in a bath and soak your dreads completely for at least 10 minutes.
2. Wash dreadlocks thoroughly with shampoo, and with water as hot as you can safely stand it. This will help melt the wax or whatever greasiness has built up over the years. Do this by working small amounts of shampoo into each section of each dreadlock to get the soap into the middle as much as possible.
3. Rinse
4. Work conditioner into each dreadlock and begin to GENTLY pick each dread out carefully with a metal comb, beginning from the bottom and working your way up to the scalp. This will take a LONG time – but be patient – you will get your hair back.
5. Once you have picked out all of your dreads, condition all of your hair again with a lot of conditioner and allow it to sit in your hair for 5 minutes. This will help repair some of the damage caused by picking.
6. Go to a salon and get yerself a nice new hairstyle!
Thanks for the information, but there are more than two basic ways. At our salon we use the TAke Down Remover Cream and we have taken out dreadlocks that were 9 years old. We have pictures. Please check out the Tangled Hair Techs before you make a decision to cut your dreadlocks off completely.
Your hair is your crown and glory.
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so, i put twists in my hair in late december, and after 3 months they have reallydreaded.How long can i keep them in before its too late to take them out? I love them,but I want to keep them as long as I can plz let me know.
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hi, i decided to loc my hair 2 years ago and ive been very happy. but some changes have ocurred, i had to move out n obviously quit my job and here where i live now, nobody wants to hire anybody with dreadlocks. i have a 4 year old princess and i really need a job. im a single mom. if it wasnt because of her i wouldnt really care, but, you know… so i hate to say it but i guess im gonna have to take them off and make things easier
i hope somebody takes the time to give me some advice. because i dunno what to do about my hair. ive been unemplyed since january. thanks . peace.
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hey, i’ve recently started thinking about getting dreadlocks. i have fine, below the shoulder length hair that gets knotty pretty easily. i’ve neglected it a bit and i have about 6-7 dreadlocks forming in my hair. i think i want to get dreadlocks professionally but i will have to comb out my already formed ones first. is a good heavy duty conditioner and about 6 hours spare time all i need?
please help
thanks x
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I am planning to take my locks out and want to keep the length. Does anyone know of a salon in the DC area that provides take out service?
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hey i have an appt. to get dreadlocks this tuesday, i am a little nervous, i dont know if i should leave some bang hair loose and not dread it, do people ever do that? also my stylist told me that if you dont dry your dreads really good that they can start to mold in the middle, is this true? i hope i stick with my plan to get them because i have been wanting them for like 4 years.. im also concerned with being able to find a job after i have dreads? answers or comments anyone?? thank youu
peace and love- ash
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I’m fifteen years old, and I really do like the look of dreads. But everybody I have talked to about this tells me not to. NO DISCRIMINATION: but I am white with long, brown, thick & straight hair. And I’m not quite sure they will work out for me. I NEEED some adviceYOu can email me at: jessica.babie.kay@hotmail.com ; actually, please do. Anything helps. Good luck all of youu! (:
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I have had my dreads for about two years now, i really wanna take em out without cutting my hair and keeping my length. I want hair too look good after i take em out. My mother will do the process she is a licensed cosmetologists but i want a second opinoin! Any helpful hints or anything?? PLEASE HELP ME!!!
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Don’t freak out over how much hair is coming out
Doesn’t a human lose 80-100 a day?
I’d recommend cutting off the bottom inch or maybe two before you start if you can stand to.
When I removed a couple of ‘oops’ dreads that were in the wrong spot, I conditioned them twice in the bath. After,when they were damp, (not soaking) I doused them in a conditioning detangler (There’s a Frizz-Ease one and Schwarzkopf carries similar products) – it seemed to help with picking them out.
Good luck! I hope you’re patient
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I am in the process of trying to take down my 10 year old locks, I started yesterday at around 6 and worked until 11 with 4 people. Today I have been untangling for 3 hours. I have successfully removed 2 thinner locks and actually cut one out due to frustration. This process is grueling and extremely time consuming, BEWARE!
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Had dreads for 6 years. I want to cut them off, but I don’t want to shave my head. I was hoping to end up with a pixie cut or short hair style at the end. Is this possible?
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I had dreadlocks for six years (im a white girl) and while they were definitely locked, i did have that frizzy look around the crown of my head.
Was sad to do it, but had to remove due to career and moving forward with my job. (already lost a few sadly b/c of locks)
I was very hesitant to cut off my hair, but thought it was the only way. Its not! (good news, ladies!) I cut my locks to a little above should length. Then i just started patiently combing out with a fine toothed comb from the bottom of the lock. When I came across a knot i simply could not undo, i would cut to right above..and start combing again. Its a long and arduous process..so i spread it out over 2 weeks. I started with the locks at the back/bottom of my head and worked my way up and just wore my hair in a tight ponytail or bun for a few weeks. Also, my locks were medium thickness..about nickel and dime sized..so for the fatter locks i would cut them up vertically and essentially separate into two..easier to comb out locks. (this helped sooo much!) It was actually really a sad thing to do, but had to do it.
It was easier to comb out freshly washed/conditioned/wet, but that made the hair stick to everything! You will comb out a LOT of dead hair, so do it over the sink or something like that.
I didnt use any de-locking kit. I have heard rubbing baby oil or anyting slick will help. You CAN comb them out..and i recommend not doing it all in one sitting. you might get frustrated and cut too much. I was able to keep my hair to about my shoulders, then just went to get my hair cut to get rid of the unhealthy parts. Its still recovering, but looks normal. Good luck and dont cut! comb!
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yes it is! i just posted how i did it. i was thinking i would have to go pixie cut, but was able to keep hair to shoulder length. and im not peddling any sort of remover..i just did it myself over a couple of weeks. it sucks, but better than shaving your head. see my comment (had mine for 6 years too)
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you might try cutting them a bit shorter, and also you can cut them vertically and separte into much thinner, easier to comb out locks.
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So, I’m 17 going into my last year of high school and my friends have been telling me that I’d suit dreadlocks really well, and I’ve been talking about getting them too. I know the basics of dreads; how to put them in, take them out but not really the whole maintenance process. I’d like some advice from someone who knows… I have SUPER curly hair and for a month at a time I don’t comb or brush my hair and it’ll start getting in that dread look. I’m just looking for advice, a little knowledge and information. Anything,
Thanks!
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I have been working on my three-year-old dreads one at a time- and have been doing so as time has allowed for three weeks! I am about halfway done, but here is what I would suggest- let your hair grow out for a month ago without knotting. Try untangling from root to tip. Sometimes, it helps to work from both ends and meet in the middle. I have curly hair and thought it would be hell… well, it has been. I would also recommend Aveda’s first shampoo, the clove kind, for getting the gunk out. It also somehow helps with the scalp pain that you will no doubt encounter from the detangling. Good luck!
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no body has mentioned the growing them out method!!!
like growing colour form your hair… just dont maintain and grow your hair how ever long you want them then comb the roots down so they dont dread from the root. then cut the dreads off when your ready… id be sad to see my dreads go.
http://www.myspace.com/thedreadlocker
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Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
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is this really possible? i thought it wasnt? it would be great if it was… i have been using conditioner all the time i have had my dreads (for six years now), because i like to have some loose hair in between, i like the wild mixed look it gives. i have no wax in them either. but they still go dreading themselves without me doing nothing to knot them. (im a white girl) u say that i should comb the roots so they dont dread, i havnt tried this yet, i will start today, but i will be really amazed if it works:) have u really tried this? or any one else? how did it go?
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I AM 14 YEARS OLD THINKING ABOUT GETTING DREAD LOCK SO MY HAIR CAN GROW AFTER MY HAIR GROW I WILL TAKE DOWN MY DREADS I’M ASKIN ALL OF YOU WILL THIS WORK WILL MY HAIR GROW????? CAN IT GROW DOWN TO MY BACK IF I HAVE DREADS FOR 5 YEARS???? ALSO WILL I BE ABLE TO TAKE THEM OUT.
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I AM ABOUT TO START HIS PROCESS AND HAVE CHECKED OUT ALL THE SUGGESTIONS. I THINK I WILL LET THE ROOTS GROW FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THEN CUT SOME OF THE ENDS AND THEN UNTANGLE. I EXPECT THIS TO BE A LONG PROCESS, WISH ME LUCK:)
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I decided that i was going to comb out or “take down” my dreads about 2 weeks ago. so I ordered the knotty boy dreadlock removal kit. it did not work at all. the shampoo cut down on waxy residue but the conditioner didn’t help at all. i suggest buying stuff from a normal store. i’ve been working on this process for more than 10 hours with very little results. if i would have known the chances of being able to accomplish this were so slim….. i might have not touched them. I’m going to try the cutting off the ends thing…. maybe it will help. Someone mentioned cutting them vertically, but doesn’t that cut the remaining lenght of the strand? Any suggestions?
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NO DON’t CUT THEM! It IS working, it takes 10 hours for most people I think. Buy another bottle of cheap conditioner and keep picking them out, it will work … hang in there. The kb kit has done the first step, now you have to just keep picking!
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How do you remove synthetic dreads that were braided in then backcombed?
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Is there any religious or cultural technique that I should use to dispose of the locks that I cut, when I shortened my locks. Should I just throw them in the garbage or what?
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Try the detangler from the baby section. There is a cute little brown baby on the front of the bottle. I wish i had it here to tell you the name. The stuff works just take your time and go slow with a rat tail comb .From the end to the roots. Again take your time. The oil in this detangler helps alot.
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I’m 28 years old and I’ve wanted to get dreads for a longgggg time, but I can’t find a place that does it and I don’t want to just trust someone who has watched an on-line tutorial even if they are a friend. I want someone who knows what they’re doing. I live in Waukesha, WI. Not far from Milwaukee and just an hour from Madison. Can anyone help me find a place or does anyone happen to know anyone in this area who knows how to dread who would be willing to help me? Also, my hair is about past my shoulder blades….how much length do you think dreads will take off?
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I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU A QUESTION I’M JUST NOW STARTIN HIGH SCHOOL AND I HAVE DREAD
LOCKS AND I WANT TO TAKE THEM OUT WHEN I’M IN 12TH GRADE BUT PEOPLE ARE SAYIN I SHOULD GET LOCKS BECAUSE IT WOULD BE EASY TO TAKE OUT WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DREAD LOCKS AND LOCKS????????????
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I’ve had my dreads for atleast 3 years now and I want to take them down so bad but my mom won’t help me and says it’s a bad decision. What do you think? I wasn’t thinking of putting any bad chemicals in my head just wear my hair in a different style than dreads
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If anyone is interested in seeking services to remove their dreadlocks my name is Kay and I offer these services in New York City. You can email me at http://www.moisturecare@aol.com or call me
at 917-693-5497. Come for a consultation before making the big chop to see what I can do for you.
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i’m 14 years old and i have had my dreads for 6 years now how would i take my dreads out.
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Hi Kay, we are so glad you do not cut dreadlocks off. So many people are brainwashed to think that you have to cut all that beautiful hair off. Do you use the Take Down Remover products? If so, we can refer some more people to you.
We detangle severely matted and tangled hair, and sometimes we are so busy-we don’t have time to provide dreadlock removal services. We use the Take Down Remover to detangle knots and very matted tangled hair.
Thanks so much
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you do not have to cut your hair. just use the Take Down Remover product. It is the #1 remover for dreadlocks and very matted or tangled hair. Read the reviews on the internet…..the product is amazing.
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Hi Tatianna- I don’t know where you live but if your parents are somewhere in New
York you can use the contact information I provided in my comment section to get
further assistance removing your locks. If not you can also send me an email link
and I will forward my Dreadlock Removal information in more detail to you.
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Hi Sheila–
I have a few product lines that I use, some of them are not labeled as a Dreadlock Removal product,
but I have used the Take Down Remover. Which products and what method I used has been based
on the client, the maturity of their locks, and what products I have in stock at the time.
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i have a big concern. Would the knottyboy removal product keep your hair natural? I am willing to try this but I am concern about the fact that at the end of this i find myself with ‘permed’ hair?
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ya, all their products are natural. they list their ingredients for all their products here: http://www.knottyboy.com/learn/ingredients/
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wow im in the proses of doing option 2 and i would like to say…
15hr – 2 days my ass!
its taking me about a week to do this even with the knotty boy stuff…
but it is working fine^^
but im curius that becuse im white/black/Asian/and Indian (lol) could my weird complicated hair be the reason its taking so long?
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Hi Arashi
You can’t expect for something that was done over the course of years to be undone so rapidly. Also the way that your locs were installed, your hair texture, and how they were maintained will play a role in the complexity of the removal process. Double strand twist and palm rolled locs are easier to unlock than say interlocked dreads because it’s easier to pull apart. You have to have a very patient hand when unlocking your dreads but once your finished it will feel fabulous! You can explore the many new hair styling options that have been developed under natural hair care since you may have been aware of before you locked your hair. If I had known about temporary locs or loc extensions, which I now have in my own hair, I would have done it a long time ago. The process is a day long, you have instant locs, the hair is a lot shinier than other locs, and the instant length and styling is the best!!!! I can’t walk down the street without being stopped at least three or four times. It’s also very good for those who still want styling versatility because you can remove them whenever you please and have the look of locs without the long term commitment. I provide this service at a much more affordable price than others that do loc extensions, plus my method is a lot less painful and you won’t have these stiff pointy things sticking out of your head for a week like other stylists’ locs. You don’t have to sleep in a chair for a week and take Tylenol when I’m done!!!! Much like my other styling methods, I spend a considerable amount of time avoiding installing styles that cause a lot of discomfort and follicle damage. I can email pics to anyone that is interested. My email is http://www.moisturecare@aol.com
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i live in san antonio and i have been looking for someone to put dreads in my hair im willing to pay
my contact info is 210 478 7963
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In no form or fashion will this product alter the state of your hair’s texture Carina. The purpose of this product is to assist in loosening your locs. It’s a super detangler and that’s all.
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I was the same way im just like u but im onli in the 11th grade all my friends were telling me that dreads would fit me very well too so I got them fell in love with them an then right back outta love because they were too much to maintain unless you no someone that will twist them for free id advise you dont dread your hair because it is expensive to up keep them and you NEVER want someone who doesnt kno what they are doing to do your dreads i went to south Carolina to visit mi dad my step-mom claiming that she knew how to twist i ley her do my hair just to fill you in she did it terrible and put all this bees wax in them so after that they looked a hot MESS. So if you do get them make sure you have the money to go the salon every three weeks to get them done that way they wont look bad never get them done in so(60 dollars every 3 weeks) to maintain them thats the main reason why im taking them out today. Its alot of work and money to keep them nice and neat
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yo
Just the way i did mine. I never put beewax in my hair or anything like that. I grew my hair out, had some one braid it. Left it braided and twisted it that way. I lived off the coast of Nc and used a lot of ocean salt water! The salt water really helps. Went swimming then twisted.Or you can just mix water and salt did that too. I also use tea tree oil. My dreads stay clean and when it comes to taking them out no gunk. I’m gonna take mine out soon my only worry is bald spots.
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I am interested in “Taking Down” my locks. I have been growning my locks for 3 years now, but I started mine with a combo of honet and aloe jelly rather than wax….any suggestions on removal? I will be happy to get more details and possible set up to use your services. I am out of the city, but will be back this summer. I can forward pics if needed to get an idea of what I am working with. I was going to cut my locks 2.08.2010 -personal reasons-to start “anew”, but thinking that now, i can start my new chapter with my hair in a natural state…w/o locs…what so u think?
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Want someone to remove my locs. Have had them for two years. Located in Falls Church, VA. Contact me at 254-493-9724.
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im a 35 yr old female who just had 4 children all at once and been on bed rest for 7 months (hospital bound atleast 5months,. you do the math). i got box breads when i found out i was preggos. the back and some of my sides are jacked. how can i remove my unwanted dreads before my babies come home
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