Dread rot is very scary when you have dreadlocks. But it’s not as bad as it sounds and it’s not a death sentence to your dreads. Once you take care of your dreads, then this wouldn’t happen to you.
So, what is Dread rot? This happens when you leave your dreadlocks damp often. The symptoms include an unpleasant smell when wet even after wash. As the dead rot increases, your hair will smell like a wet dog or gym socks even when your dreads are dry. Also, a sudden discoloration of your dreads may indicate dread rot.
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There are some instances where dread rot appears after using many products in your hair. That’s why it is so important to use natural oils compared to products filled with grease and unnatural ingredients. When there is dread rot because of build-up then you may not notice the smell while your hair is dry, however, as soon as your dreads are wet there is a sudden dirty socks scent.
You wouldn’t get dread rot if you leave your dreads damp once or twice. However, if you continue to have damp hair or don’t air dry or use a blow dryer to dry your dreads then you are at risk. Keep reading to find out some simple ways to prevent and treat dreadlocks.
To cure dreads rot:
- Essential oils- like Tea Tree.
- Baking soda and Apple Cider Vinegar.
- Dread cleanse.
How To Treat and Cure Dread Rot?
If you have dread rot, replace your regular dreads shampoo with a deep dread cleanse until the symptoms have disappeared.
How to deep cleanse your dreads?
Soak your dread in a mixture of baking soda, Apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. You can find more information here.
Steps To Avoid Them
- Always dry your dreadlocks properly.
- Don’t tie them in a bun or wrap them while damp.
- Don’t sleep on them while they are still wet.
- Maintain a regular washing routine.
To prevent dread rot make sure your dreads are completely dry. If you’re not sure they are dry, use a blow dryer on its lowest setting. Anything you can do to speed up the drying process will decrease your chances. Furthermore, use dread shampoos– they are designed to protect dreadlocks because they are residue-free.
Baking soda and apple cider vinegar rinse twice a year is an excellent way to prevent dread rot. There are a host of benefits when using this rinse these include: balancing your hair and scalp pH levels, soften your dreadlocks, stimulating hair growth. You can use any brand of ACV but the best brand is BRAGG. Hence, you will need 1 cup of ACV to six liters of water with 1/2 cup of baking soda for the mixture.
How To Make The ACV Rinse For Dread Rot?
Items needed:
- Thermos.
- Measuring Cup Small Cup 1-2.
- Shower Caps.
- Hooded Dryer.
- 1 c Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar(with the Mother).
- ½ c Baking Soda 6 liters.
- Water 1-liter boiling hot water (optional).
- Jamaica mango and Lime Tingling Shampoo.
- JBCO Lavender Taaliyah Wajid Hair and Scalp Oil.
(Set timer for 15-20minutes)
Directions
- Pour apple cider vinegar and baking soda into warm water.
- Immerse hair in water (use a cup to pour the solution on the scalp).
- Within the last 5 minutes, pour 1liter boiling hot water into the water.
- Wash 2x with Jamaica Mango and lime Shampoo (Wash hair from roots to tips).
- Use Any Hair Oil and pour it from roots to ends.
- Apply JBCO to Edges.
- Put on A shower Cap or 2 (depending on length).
- Sit under the dryer for 30 minutes.