DreadFul Perspectives: Part 3 (Things To Know and Do)

      

UnLoc'd

 Things to Know and Do When You Want To Un-loc

This is the end of the three-part series on dreadlocks. I hope that everything said before was not taken in vain and that you all learned something new. Something different. 

For this final part of the series, I will be discussing what you should know and do when you want to untangle the locs. 

The things that you should know and do are pretty simple and has proven to be effective for those who have tried it.

As you may or may not know, there are several ways to remove locs from your hair. Three of the most used are cutting, going to a professional salon that specialises in loc removal and combing out locs. 

The last one-combing out locs, will be discussed in detail. 
If you do not want to cut off your ras or go to a professional for help there is an alternate choice for you. If you are interested in retaining a good amount of length after you revert to looser curls, combing out your ras should be your top choice. 

I know of one person who has recently combed out their locs and already their hair looks super healthy. So, there is hope for the hopeless. 

Let us get into what you should know about combing out locs. 

1. Do Your Own Research!
It is always important to do research before you decide to make any final decisions, period. In doing research you will understand if combing out your locs is something that you really want to do. It is a lot more time consuming when compared to cutting off your ras. But, if you really want to preserve most of your loose curls I would advise you to do your own research. There are many influencers, YouTubers and bloggers who can assist in this area. All you have to do is be willing and open to the information that will be presented to you. It will be a huge transformation, especially for those who had locs for a very long time. 

2. Build the Confidence To Do it On Your Own
This process will test you over and over again. One solution will be to talk to someone who has combed out their ras before. By talking to people who have gone through what you might be going through can help boost your confidence and guide you through the process. They will give you the steps, tools and techniques to use to achieve the results you want after combing out your locs. They can even put you on to someone who has even more experience with loc removal. Knowing the above will increase your confidence and you will be equipped for looser curls.

3. Be Prepared To Do Majority Of The Work Yourself
Yes, some times it will be difficult to rely on people to help you with anything. However, once you build the confidence and prepare yourself for what's to come you can do it. The majority of work when it comes to unlocking your locks will have to come from you. If you get someone or several people to help you then great, the work will be done at a faster pace. However, if you do not have the help you can take your time. Research has shown that some people who do not have help with unlocking their ras take approximately 1-3 weeks at their own pace. So, the work will be done once you put in the time. If it takes you 1-3 weeks without help there is no need to be scared. Whenever you have to leave the house whether it is for class, shopping or simply to go watch a movie, you can tie your head in a scarf, bonnet or head tie. Make sure that the listed options above are silk or satin.  

4. People Will Question Your Decision
Combing out your locks is ultimately your decision. People will question your choice and ask why you chose to comb it out instead of just cutting your hair short. If retaining length is that important to you then you should not feel guilty if someone is against it, especially someone who has never worn ras before. The decision is up to you. The truth is, not everyone will look attractive with a short haircut and it will not suit their face. Therefore, deciding to comb out your dreads instead of cutting it off will be the better option. 

5. Shedding Of Hair While Combing Out The Locs Is Normal
It is no surprise that your hair will naturally shed when you start combing it out. Do not get frightened or discouraged. It is completely normal to shed hair, especially when you have locks and decided to comb it out. Once you are gentle and do not pull the hair while combing it out the shedding will not be extreme. Be sure to cut the ends of the locks before you start combing it out. The ends are the most knotted part of the locks and trying to comb out from the ends without cutting it first can cause more harm than good. So, always remember to cut the ends first then start combing out from the unloosed ends working your way up the hair shaft until you reach the roots.

6. Have Good Products During and After The Procedure
Having the right products at hand is key to retaining and maintaining healthy hair. Whether you prefer homemade remedies or store-bought products they all can have an impact on how your hair looks, feels and grows. Make sure you choose wisely. Next week I will be posting my DIY (Do It Yourself) recipes that I have incorporated in my hair regimen. It can save you from having to purchase tons of products that may or may not work for your hair. And by saving you can inject that money into other areas of your life. For example, creating and implementing a better healthier meal plan.  A good diet is also important for hair growth. As you may know, your hair starts to grow from the inside so whatever you put in is what you will get out. 

7. Be Patient
Yes, I have and will always mention this because it is an important aspect of any hair journey. You have to be patient to see positive results. If you wish to have your hair grown at a faster pace I have some sad news for you. There is no potion or magic spell that can get you the results you want right away. Instead, you have to come up with a hair regimen and maybe even keep a diary at hand to document all that you have been through throughout your progress or lack thereof. Documenting your journey can also be therapeutic. It can also help you dissect what works and what doesn't. This way you will know what to keep in your hair regimen and what to avoid completely. 

Now that we have dealt with what you should know, let us get into what steps you should take. 

We must remember that not everyone who grows locs have the same textured hair and type. Therefore, it is important to read up on ways of removing locs from people who have a similar hair texture to your own. This first step will be beneficial for the rest of your unlocking process. 

1. Shampoo Hair
Using a clarifying shampoo after unlocking your hair is very beneficial. It is important to ensure that your hair is clean. After combing out your locks this is the first step that you will have to follow. Make sure you read the ingredients at the back of the shampoo you will be using. This way, you will have an idea of what you will be putting on your hair. An alternative can be to ask a professional who is tailored to dealing with locks, locs removal and treatment of looser curls. 

2. Condition Hair
This is one step that was always avoided during your loc'd days (using conditioner would have made the locs soft and untangled) but after you comb the locks out it is very essential. Conditioning, deep conditioning and using a leave-in conditioner are all important for enhancing the hair's strength and elasticity. Deep conditioning should be done right after you shampoo or condition your hair. It should also be done whenever you wash your hair. Who wants stringy, thin and unhealthy hair? No one does. Maybe you should consider doing a protein treatment after taking out the locks. Protein can help to strengthen the hair and it must not be used regularly but only when necessary. You will know when your hair needs a protein treatment. It can be a result of moisture overload (hygral fatigue). Ensure that there is a balance between protein and moisture for stronger looking and smoother hair.

3. Ensure That Hair Is Always Saturated
Always make sure that your hair is fully saturated with water. This allows the products to do what they are meant to do better. The amount we use can also lessen when our hair is completely saturated with water. It is very important and it should be done before you shampoo your hair. 

4. Have A Spray Bottle Present At All Times
If you do not like to apply your leave-in conditioner in the shower then be sure to have a spray bottle at hand. You can never have too much water in your hair. This will allow the products to work better on your hair. 

5. Massage The Head
Massaging the hair with a tool or simply with your hands can be so beneficial. It circulates blood flow throughout our head which stimulates hair growth. So, massage your head before you shampoo. This can be done during the hot oil treatment phase which will be discussed in the next point.

6. Use a Hot Oil Treatment
Whichever oils you decide to use as a Hot Oil Treatment is totally up to you. Some of the most basic yet effective oils are coconut, olive, almond, avocado, Jamaican black castor oil, peppermint and any other oils of your choice. Place all of these oils in a bottle and mix it together. You can even add shea butter to the mix if you like. Mix them together and place it in a bowl of hot water. Allow it to cool for a minute or 2 then apply it on your hair thoroughly. Massage the head and then cover with a plastic cap. You can also utilise the Greenhouse Effect which is allowing the natural heat from your head and the oils to penetrate layers deep. When the heat is trapped and mixes with the oils it creates a Greenhouse Effect. You can leave it on for a few hours or leave it overnight, rinse then shampoo. 

7. Trim and Cut When Necessary 
Trimming and cutting the hair when it is needed is important. However, if your hair is healthy and doesn't need cutting or trimming then what are you really doing? This can result in cutting or trimming good hair which can stunt hair growth and length retention. It is beneficial to have a schedule but if your hair really does not need trimming then you should just leave it alone. Also, never use regular scissors on your hair. Make sure that you are using shear scissors. 



8. Repeat 1 Through 6 Regularly and 7 Occasionally
 Repeating these steps can constitute to a hair regimen.  And as we know, a hair regimen is done by repetition of the steps listed above.