Starting Dreadlocks without Dread Wax

Dreading without dread wax?...Why?

Maybe you been convinced that hair that has locked with the assistance of Dread Wax is only glued together, and not truly dreaded because it happens too fast-and only time can dread hair? (If you examine a mature dread properly started with wax and one started without it the only difference is the number of months it took and the level of tightness it reached. It's easy to see that the hair is always free to move and compress during palm rolling, which is when the knots tighten.)

Maybe you've been convinced that the wax remains in the hair and can not be removed? (Observing a mature dread started properly with Dread Wax you'll find the end weight of the dread after the dread has locked and the wax is removed with a hot rinse, is the almost exactly the same as they start weight . Any rational being can determine that if 10 grams of wax were added, increasing the weight of the dread by a measurable amount, and then after removal of the wax the weight returns to the original pre-wax weight, that the grams of wax are no longer there.)

People who choose to dread without wax have different reasons. I think any reason based on objective facts is a good reason - unfortunately most reasons people avoid wax are based on rumors and over active imaginations - not fact. If you have a question about wax don’t be afraid to ask, we’re here to help and we stand behind our product.

I’d love to take the time to debunk every anti-wax rumor right here to be sure that you’re not taking a slower, more difficult path to dreadlocks due to a lack of information, but this article is about how to make natural dreadlocks without using Dread Wax. The facts, and plenty of first hand testimonial from those that have used wax, are certainly available if you go looking. Moreover, what I’ve found is that those who buy into the Anti-Wax doctrine generally do so because of emotional reasons - not rational ones. Facts, physical properties and repeatable experiments are usually trumped by unsupported, anecdotal evidence and speculation. What I’ve come to realize is that those that get caught up in anti-wax lies are probably better off avoiding wax anyway since the proper use of wax requires one to read and follow instructions, and the people that "feel" wax is bad instead of taking the time to "know" how it works are likely to be the very ones that find following the instructions to be too much of a burden.  In other words, if you feel deep down that Dread Wax ruins dreads and that it should be avoided - please feel free to avoid it - it's probably the right path for you. Below are some tips that you’ll find helpful.

What’s different when the wax is left out?

Surprisingly, what you actually do changes very little depending on if you use wax or not. It’s mostly just the time frame and expectations that need to change. Let’s go step by step through starting and maintaining dreadlocks and see what’s actually different when wax is left out of the process.

You’ll still backcomb your dreads in the exact same way. All tips, techniques and suggestions in our instructions section still apply, like washing your hair well before hand, to make sure it’s clean and residue free. The only difference is that when you finish backcombing (assuming you chose to backcomb) you’ll be done. No wax will be added or worked in.

After the dreads are in, the first month maintenance is very similar to what you’d normally do. Instead of having a small amount of wax and palm rolling it regularly you’ll really just leave them be. You can palm roll but without the wax the dreads don’t stay compressed and it will often cause them to come undone (this will be obvious the first time you try it) so most people don’t palm roll unless they are using wax. During the first month you’ll wash them every other day or every 2 days depending on your activity level, just as you normally would. You’ll also use a loose hair tool to pull loose hair into the roots as it pops up.

Normally, the start of month two is when you begin the A-B Maintenance routine. Since wax is used on the B week you’ll essentially just have A weeks all the time. The upside is that any time is a good time to make knots - normally you only make knots on the A week. Since the wax is normally used to compress the knots and keep them from coming undone you’ll probably find that knots need to be created many times before they take. This can be a lot of work and many people give up after a few weeks, unable to put knots in faster than they are coming out. If this happens you’ll see more and more straight hair - eventually you’ll wonder if you have dreads or just sectioned hair.  So, if you’re not going to be using wax be sure to keep up with making new knots.

Some hair types can be a lot more resistant to dreadlocks. This becomes more obvious when wax isn’t used. If you have coarse hair strands and straight hair be prepared to wait it out. Keep making knots so you don’t end up with all straight hair but don’t give up because with enough determination it will probably still lock eventually - at least in some areas of your head.

TIPS for Growing Dreads without Wax

Since you’ll need to make more knots than you otherwise would, get in the habit of using the Locking Accelerator after each shower. This will keep the dreading environment ready to make knots and you’ll have a better chance of making more knots than what come undone. To get the greatest benefit from the Locking Accelerator palm roll each dread after spraying it.

Since wax isn’t on the menu you can try palm rolling with a little bit of Lock Peppa. I know that’s not it’s intended use but I’ve heard from several who have used it during palm rolling with great success. Only a small amount needs to be used. If you don’t have Dread Butta or another moisturizer you’ll need to limit how much Lock Peppa is used since part of it’s function is to dry the hair. Instead of shaking it directly on the dreads, always put a small amount on your palms just before palm rolling the dread.

Normally, wax takes care of moisturizing and thus protecting the hair for the first couple months until you graduate to Dread Butta and no longer need wax. Since you’ll not be using wax, you’ll want to begin using the Dread Butta early on, rather than waiting till later. This will ensure your hair doesn’t suffer damage and breakage due to being overly dry. Once a week should be sufficient. Keep in mind you don’t want to apply Butta just before trying to make knots. Instead, use it at the times when you would normally be using wax, for example, after new knots have just been made, usually a day or more before a shower. (So basically during the B week activities rather than the A week). The obvious question is, “should I palmroll with Dread Butta”. You can. It won’t give you as much benefit as the wax would but it seems to be a lot better than palmrolling with nothing on the dreads. Keep in mind that Dread Butta washes out fully in every washing so you’ll need to reapply it to maintain moisture in the hair.

Lastly, if you feel you've given dreading without wax a good try and you're not satisfied with the results please do not cut your hair and please do not add wax without consulting us first. The best course of action will be different depending on the state of the dreads and it may not be the same for all of the dreads. The best way to figure out how to proceed is to send in some pictures of your dreads, let us know when you started them wax free, and allow us customize a routine that will get your dreads back on track. You'll find a contact form that you can use to reach us here.