Dandruff is a common issue and doesn’t affect dreadheads only, however, if you suffer from dandruff with your “normal hair” it’s possible that dreads can increase your symptoms.
Or, if you never had dandruff then you may get them during your dreadlocks journey especially with starter locs. With young dreads, some scalp irritation occurs because you can’t wash your hair as often as you use too.
There are many reasons dandruff affects dreads but the three main reasons are the sudden change in your hair washing routine, dry scalp and, increase oil buildup.
Change In Washing Routine And Oily Scalp
Because you can’t wash your young dreads as often as you would wash your “normal hair” scalp irritation and dandruff increases. If you used to wash your non-dreaded hair, every single day and now wash your baby dreads once a week.
Before you were stripping away your hair naturals oils(sebum), leaving your scalp to increase the production of sebum to prevent dry hair. Now, that you are washing your hair weekly, the excessive oil production will remain on your scalp leading to dandruff.
If this is the case, you need to give your scalp time to adjust to your washing routine that is, increase your washing day to every other day or every three days, etc.
When your hair has gotten used to your schedule your scalp will decrease its natural production of sebum in turn, reducing dandruff.
Dry Scalp
I have always suffered from dry scalp when I had my “natural hair” with that said, I’ve found adding essential oils to my scalp gets the job done. Oils like Peppermint and Rosemary ease up my dreads dandruff.
After washing my dreads in the shower with TGel, I wring out the excess water, air dry my dreadlocks, and apply oils to my scalp. By doing this, I’ve noticed 98% of my dandruff symptoms decreased and the inching has gone altogether.
Note: I wash my hair once a week and use Neutrogena T/Gel once every two weeks.
How To Choose The Best Shampoo For Dreads
Not everyone has the same scalp, that’s why finding the best shampoo for your dandruff is so important. Therefore, there are some guidelines to follow when picking a shampoo.
- Do not buy a shampoo with conditioner properties. Conditioners soften your hair and loosen your knots.
- Look for a shampoo that leaves little to no residue.
Many people including me have experienced great results with Neutrogena T/Gel. T Gel Shampoo is a medical shampoo for dandruff that is, low in residue, you can find it in any local stores including Amazon and Walmart.
Also, you can try Spraying Apple Cider Vinegar on your scalp fifteen minutes before washing your dreads lot of people suggest this.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Dreadlocks Dandruff
Apple cider vinegar is an affordable option for dandruff. According to the Healthline, they improve scalp health and strengthen hair strands. Apart from this, it soothes itchy scalp and has disinfectant properties. An ACV rinse controls any bacteria or fungus in your scalp or dreadlocks.
ACV rinse is popular amongst the dreadlock community therefore, it is recommended to wash your hair at least three times for the year. However, you can purchase shampoos with ACV as an active ingredient. Like the WoW Shampoo, which features ACV and sweet almond oil that moisturizer the scalp in the process.
An ACV rinse not a soak use ½ Apple Cider vinegar with 1 ½ water. Leave in for 3-5 minutes before shampooing. Use your moisturizer as usual with homemade growth oil and rosewater.
Dreads related dandruff is manageable with the right products. However, If your dandruff has worsened, you can always visit your dermatologist.
My name is Penny Thomas, I love blogging, and the founder of HTW dreads. I had dreadlocks for the past tens years. However, I cut my hair off to grow them with natural oils and no wax. Apart from my hair, I love reading and swimming.