Seasalt Solution for Cleaning Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks have been worn for centuries by many different cultures. In some countries, dreadlocks symbolize wisdom and freedom. However, they have also become a fashion statement, especially with teens and young adults. Giving yourself dreadlocks is a long process that cannot be achieved in only a few days. Creating and caring for dreadlocks takes patience, time and effort. One important item to purchase when caring for your dreadlocks is sea salt. Sea salt is vital in caring for dreadlocks, both for tightening and cleaning.

Keeping your dreadlocks clean is important. Dirty dreadlocks can smell, and using excessive product (such as dread wax) can even lock moisture into the dreadlocks, causing mold. This will cause your dreadlocks to become unhealthy, slowly deteriorating until they eventually break off. Dreadlocks should be cleaned every 2 to 3 days to keep them healthy. Residue-free shampoos can be used when cleaning your hair, but a sea salt solution can also be used. A natural way to begin dreadlocks is by initially washing your hair with a mild sea salt and water solution instead of using shampoos. Fill a large bowl with the solution and dip your locks into the mixture. Then, massage the sea salt solution into your hair and scalp. This will cause your hair to begin to clump after some time. Unfortunately, your hair will look quite out of control at first but will eventually tighten up. Once your hair has been clumped to your satisfaction, you can begin pulling apart the chunks into the sized dreadlocks you desire.

Once you've created your dreadlocks, the important part is upkeep. At the beginning, dreadlocks can easily fall apart, so it is important to use sea salt to keep them tight. Mix about 3 cups of hot water with about 3 tablespoons of sea salt. Then, squeeze the juice from a lemon into the mixture and stir until everything is dissolved. The mixture may have to be strained to remove any lemon seeds or pulp before using. Once the mixture has been dissolved and strained, pour it into a spray bottle, lightly spray it over your entire head and let air dry. This method can be used after shampooing or on a daily basis. However, if you live in an area where the climate is dry, avoid spraying your hair with the solution daily. The salt and lemon juice can severely dry your hair out, causing the dreads to become unhealthy.