Smelly Dreads - Dreadlock Experts Help!

[mscocoface]

My son has Dreads and he plays baseball or he is conditioning or at practice just about every day so they never really get the chance to completely dry out.

Is there a spray he can use that would help with this? Something we can purchase or make? I don't care which. Otherwise, Momma is about to take the clippers to this boys head!!!!!

Your help is MOST appreciated!

 

[melissa-bee]

You will have to blowdry them to help them dry. My mum had thin dreads and even she had to user a blowdryer otherwise they just stay damp.

 

[FearlessNik]

There's no miracle product. Continuously wet hair= MILDEW in the hair. An acv rinse/ wash will help kill the bacteria. I also suggest blow drying them.

 

[mscocoface]

This will be interesting watching this 19 year old handling a blow dryer.

Thanks ladies.

 

[melissa-bee]

If you want more info on how to deal with locs you should check out Nappturality. They have a locs sub forum there.

 

[Tiye]

If he can sit outside on the porch/deck for about 30-60 minutes after he washes his hair that should dry his locks most of the way. Then if he ties his hair in a cotton scarf that will take care of the rest of the moisture while he sleeps. That's how I've always handled it the locks always dry - never any mildew. This applies only in hot weather. For cold weather a blow dryer is a good idea. Just show him how to move his fingers through his locks as he moves the dryer. I'm sure he can handle it.

 

[Ivonnovi]

Essential oils will lessen or mask the smell (I like red-grapefruit) He'll need to rub about 7-10 drops in his hand and smooth through the dreads.

ALSO, he needs to do a cleansing rinse after each workout; everyother at the least; I've not tried this but many on Nappturallity.com recommend using a ShamWow to help extract or soak the extra moisture out of his hair.
....Clean hair does not smell so cleanse and rinse brother rinse!

 

[MzSwift]

It helps hubby and my little guy when I put a sprinkle of sea salt into their daily spray mix. If I don't use it, my little guy's locs will smell like mildew. Once I add it, within a week of daily use (day and night) they smell better.

Their mixes are primarily water (90%) + a few squirts of grapeseed oil or EVOO + some lavender/peppermint/citrus EO for scent and a little sea salt. Shake before each use.

GL!

 

[mscocoface]

Thanks for the info.

 

[JustKiya]

Keeping them dry will help hugely, but preventing the mildew from growing will help too.
I'm assuming he's rinsing out his hair/washing it daily? He needs to be using something with tea tree oil in it - that will reduce the likelihood of 'mustiness/mildew' even in damp hair. The salt trick is a good one too - basically, changing the 'condition' of the hair so that even if it IS moist, it's not conducive to mildew/bacteria growing.

 

[Raspberry]

When I had long locs the ShamWow worked wonders to significantly speed up drying time.

ETA: if you get a ShamWow or a knockoff never put them in the dryer after washing... ruins the fabric.

 

[Evolving78]

My son has Dreads and he plays baseball or he is conditioning or at practice just about every day so they never really get the chance to completely dry out.

Is there a spray he can use that would help with this? Something we can purchase or make? I don't care which. Otherwise, Momma is about to take the clippers to this boys head!!!!!

Your help is MOST appreciated!

shampoo his hair with Dawn dishwashing liquid to get all of the gunk out. next do an apple cider vinegar rinse. like soak his hair in it, put a plastic cap on, or let him dunk his head in the sink or bowl for a couple of minutes. afterwards, let him get under the dryer, so they fully dry. get some tea tree oil and mix it with some water and put that in a spray bottle.

 

[Tiye]

I forgot to add, a good shampoo like Aveda rosemary mint will help. Most guys enjoy the minty tingle and Aveda shampoos have real essential oils that will keep his scalp and hair clean and disinfected. I'm not trying to make this an infomercial for Aveda but most hair care products have artificial fragrances that don't get the job done. The alternative is to go to a health food store and look for a clear shampoo with real essential oils. Or buy unscented shampoo and add your own essential oils to it.

 

[Nonie]

@mscocoface, I didn't know dreds had this problem since I wear extensions for years and don't seem to have a smell. So I thought it was an easy fix but I just did a search online and it seems it's a common problem. So it appears there's some deodorizer made for them: Knotty Boy Natural MISTic Deodorizer & Fragrance Spray

 

[mscocoface]

Thanks Nonie I just found this also. I did a check on their store locator and even found a braiding/dreadlock salon here in Orange County. Much to my surprise and shock.

Thank you all for your help with this. I believe his Dreadlock journey just may continue. I will put the clippers back in the closet......for now.