How to Get Rid of Dreadlocks

You and your dreadlocks have had a great run, but it's time to say goodbye. Many people believe that the only way to get rid of dreadlocks is to shave your head. Even though cutting off your dreadlocks is the fastest and easiest option, it is not the only way. With time, patience and a few supplies, you can comb out your dreadlocks and save most of your hair, even if you have had dreadlocks for many years. This article will describe both methods of at-home dreadlock removal, and give instructions on having your dreadlocks removed in a salon.

EditSteps

EditCutting off Dreadlocks

1. Cut off each dreadlock with scissors. How short you cut the dreadlocks depends on how much hair you wish to retain. Perform this step even if you plan to shave your head, it will make the process a lot easier.^[1]
   
   • If you plant to shave your head, cut the dreads off close to the scalp where the hair is less tangled.
   • If you want to retain a bit of length without too much work, cut off lock 1-2" from the scalp. The remaining hair should be relatively easy to untangle and comb out.
   • If you wish to keep more than an inch or two of hair, see the method below for combing out dreadlocks.
2. Wash your scalp and hair thoroughly. If you are not planning to shave your head, you should also condition your remaining hair with a leave-in or hot oil conditioning treatment.^[2]
   
3. Deal with the remaining hair. You can either keep going and shave off the rest of your hair, or comb out what is left.
   
   • Option 1: Shave your head using clippers, or shaving cream and a razor. Be careful not to cut yourself!
   • Option 2: Once the remaining hair has been thoroughly conditioned, comb out the tangles using a sturdy comb and a detangling spray, conditioner, or oil.
4. Style the hair you have left and enjoy your newfound freedom! Head to a stylist to have your remaining hair cut and styled as you like. It is normal for hair that has been in dreadlocks to act up for the first few days, so you might want to wait until it settles down before getting it cut.
   

EditCombing out Dreadlocks

1. Block out some time and recruit some helpers. Dreadlock removal is a very time-consuming process. You should plan on it taking a few days if you are going it alone. The more friends you have helping, the faster it will go.
   
   • Many people recommend taking a long weekend, or even a few days off work to complete the process.^[3]
   • If you cannot remove your dreadlocks in a single block of time, consider working on just one section at a time, and either braiding the loose hair, or disguising it in a ponytail. You can also cover your work-in-progress hair in a head wrap or scarf.
2. Assemble your supplies. There are a number of commercial products that are designed for dreadlock removal, but you can easily assemble a do-it-yourself kit at a local drugstore or salon supply store.
   
   • A strong comb for each person who will be helping. A metal rat tail comb works best. If you end up using plastic combs, have extras on hand for when they break.
   • Deep-cleaning shampoo. If you have ever used any kind of wax on your dreadlocks, you will need one formulated for wax-removal. Many people swear by baby shampoo as a great residue-remover.
   • 2-4 bottles of conditioner to lubricate the hair and make it easier to untangle. Any conditioner will work, but a specialized detangler, knot removal or "slippery" conditioner will be more efficient. Some people also swear by children's detangler sprays, or even coconut or olive oil.^[4]
   • A spray bottle filled with water.
3. Trim the ends of your dreadlocks. If you have not had your dreadlocks for a long time (less than 2 years) you may skip this step, but most people find it helpful to trim at least the bottom 1/2" from each dreadlock before they begin. The more you cut off, the less combing you have to do!
   
4. Soak your dreadlocks. It is important that your dreadlocks be saturated with water while you comb them out. Soak your dreadlocks for 10 minutes in the warmest water you can tolerate.
   
5. Shampoo your dreadlocks. Thoroughly shampoo your dreadlocks with a deep-cleaning or wax-removal shampoo. Rinse them until there are no more suds in the rinse water. This could take 20 or 30 minutes.
   
6. Saturate your dreadlocks with conditioner. Begin at the top of each dreadlock, and work your way to the bottom, using both hand to massage conditioner into the dreads. Add a little extra conditioner to the ends.
   
7. Untangle the dreadlocks, one at a time. Choose a lock to start on. Begin 1/2" from the bottom of the lock, and use the tail of your comb to begin picking it apart. Pick some hair loose and then use your fingers and the comb to detangle the strand, and finally comb it out smooth. Once this is done, go up another 1/2" and repeat the process until you get to your scalp.
   
   • If you have helpers, have them work on the strands in the back, while you work on the strands up front.
   • A rat tail comb is not the only tool you can use. Some people like to use a regular comb, or even sewing and knitting needles to pick the knots out. Use whatever you have on hand that gets the job done.
   • This process takes a lot of time and patience, so plan some entertainment in the form of music and movies to keep yourself distracted.
   • Your arms, shoulders and scalp are likely to get very sore in this process. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed to manage the discomfort.
8. Keep your dreadlocks wet and lubricated. Have a spray bottle full of water on hand and make sure the dreadlock you are working on stays wet as you untangle it. You can also add conditioner as needed, either by massaging it in with your hands, or using a spray conditioner as you work.
   
9. Be prepared to comb away a lot of hair. As you detangle and comb your dreadlocks, a lot of hair will pull free, but don't panic! Most of this is hair that you shed naturally a long time ago, not new hair loss.
   
10. Wash and condition your newly dreadlock-free hair, and enjoy! You will probably need a trim to even out the ends, but wait a few days for the hair to settle down before getting this done.

EditHaving Dreadlocks Professionally Removed

1. Find a stylist that specializes in dreadlocks and dreadlock removal. Use a search engine to look for a salon in your area online (try search terms: "salon dreadlocks") or ask around for a recommendation.
2. Schedule a consultation. This gives you a chance to meet the stylist, and the stylist a chance to assess your hair and give you an estimate of the time needed and costs involved. Keep in mind that a salon removal will still be very time consuming, and a full dreadlock takedown can cost upwards of $500.
   • Consider getting a few estimates, since this is a such a large investment.
3. Book your appointment and enjoy! Treat the appointment like a mini-vacation, and try to have fun. Your pocketbook may sting afterwards, but your arms and hair will probably thank you.

EditTips

• If you are not sure if combing out your dreadlocks is a project you can manage, start by combing out just one lock and see how it goes. Once you have a better idea how long the process will take, you can decide what option will work best for you.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Get Rid of Tangles in Your Hair
• Undo a Knot in Your Hair
• Make Nappy Hair Look Wavy

EditSources and Citations

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