Dandruff & Dreadlocks

Want to know what’s totally inconvenient? An icky, scratchy, flaky scalp depositing dry skin into your dreads… That’s what!

Photo courtesy of www.locrocker.com

Having dandruff sucks even without dreadlocks, but once you throw dreadlocks into the mix; it’s easy to be overwhelmed about what you should do next since dreads lock the dandruff in and showcase it extremely well (as if that’s a good thing). Nobody wants to be the guy walking around with flakes weaved into his hair.

There are multiple solutions for dandruff in dreads, but each solution has different results depending on the individual. You must find the fix that works right for you, which may take some process of elimination. Depending on the sensitivity of your scalp, not every solution will give you the results you are looking for. All your hard work will pay off as soon as your dreads are clean and flake-free!

If any of the following solutions results in MORE dandruff, simply try out the next one! Here are a few ways you can try to eliminate dandruff and moisturize your scalp:

Tea Tree and Rosemary Oils- According to an article published on Livestrong.com, concocting a spray for dandruff flares can be done by mixing 20 drops of Tea Tree oil and 20 drops of Rosemary Essential oil in 12oz. of distilled water. Placing the solution into a spray bottle, and spraying it directly onto the dandruff has been proven to work for some dreadheads.

Sodium Bicarbonate- (aka Baking Soda) According to dreadlockssite.com, using diluted Sodium Bicarbonate, with 1 part Baking Soda and 4 parts water, will help break down dandruff buildup on the scalp. Since Sodium Bicarbonate is rather drying on the skin, adding just a few drops of tea tree and rosemary oils will help to moisturize your scalp and leave it smelling fresh!

Apple Cider Vinegar- Using Apple Cider Vinegar helps for many sensitive scalps, because it has moisturizing essential minerals that benefit the skin while breaking down existing dandruff. Apple Cider Vinegar has been sworn-by by many dreadheads with dandruff. The vinegar smell is a little much to deal with, but will be gone once the hair dries completely.

Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo- Although T-Gel isn’t natural, it helps to break down flakes and eliminate the visible dandruff that is weaved throughout the length of your locks. Although this shampoo helps to break down dandruff, it also dries out the hair a lot. Clean, dry hair tends to dread better, so you are looking at a win-win situation if this solution works to eliminate your dandruff. Be sure to separate your dreads from one another after washing with T-Gel as it may cause them to intertwine with one another. T-Gel is also known to help with itchy scalps!

One of these solutions should work for you, and if none of them do, try adjusting the amount of products you put in your hair. Comment here with your results and/or other ways you’ve found successful. Best of luck to your flaky scalp!

Come back next week for more From the Desk of a Dreadhead, and as always have a groovy day!

:)