Ask a dreadlock stylist (typically referred to as a loctician) whether or not to condition locks and one will be sure to get mixed answers. Although many will discourage the use of conditioners (because locks that are too soft are prone to loosening), other locticians recommend using a light conditioner for better management and control.
During one's experience of wearing locks, there may be times in which conditioning dreadlocks is a necessity. Sometimes this may be due to harsh weather or other environmental issues, other times for no apparent reason locks may become dry, brittle and fragile. No matter the reason, one must be very careful in choosing a conditioner as well as how to go about conditioning locks.
Conditioning Before Shampooing vs. Conditioning After Shampooing
One way to ensure against over conditioning locks is to shampoo locks after conditioning (instead of before). This can be done by conditioning hair prior to shampooing, or shampooing hair first, conditioning and then shampooing hair again. Although this technique works well against over conditioning and build up, it is still important to use a light conditioner (one that is not heavy or creamy).
Using Household Items as Conditioners
Ancient women had many beauty secrets that aided them in having gorgeous hair. Some of these recipes are still used today and are great options for dreadlock wearers. A favorite is that of a vinegar rinse. What makes this such a great option for locks is the vinegar's ability to remove residue and build- up (a common problem with dreadlocks). Additionally, vinegar can be great for managing locks while not softening them too much.
Although there are many vinegar rinse recipes on the net, if looking for a quick solution simply add one tablespoon of vinegar for every cup of water used in the rinse, i.e. if one has really thick/long locks, two cups of water might be needed, consequently one would add two tablespoons of vinegar to the two cups of water. After shampooing hair, condition with vinegar rinse, allow to sit for five to ten minutes and then rinse hair thoroughly.
Other household conditioners to consider using are a coffee/tea rinse (a great conditioner but only appropriate for darker hair as the coffee/tea will stain the hair) or olive or jojoba oil (use as a hot oil treatment to condition locks). Stay away from mayonnaise or avocado conditioners as they may cause over conditioning or residue in the locks.
Diluting/Weakening Store Bought Conditioners
The biggest problem with store-bought conditioners is that they are too heavy for locks. Consequently, they have a tendency to weigh down locks and at worst cause a nasty build-up. One way to work with a store-bought condition is to weaken or dilute the product by mixing it with water. Take a spray bottle and fill it with 80% conditioner and 20% water (play around with it until the right formula is found). Again, consider washing the hair after conditioning for more assurance of not over-conditioning.
Note that really new or young locks should not be conditioned as they are prone to loosening and unraveling.
