How to Unlock Dreads

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If you are tired of maintaining your dreadlocks and want to try another hairstyle, you will have to unlock your dreads. You can go to a beauty salon and have a professional stylist unlock them for you, however, the fees can be expensive. Instead, you can purchase affordable products at your local drug or beauty supply store that will break down the wax used to hold the dreadlocks together, without damaging your hair.

Sit in a bathtub filled with water and soak your dreads for about 15 minutes.

Apply a degreasing shampoo to your dreads and wash them thoroughly. This will help break down any wax that has built up in your hair over the years.

Rinse your hair thoroughly and apply a generous amount of moisturizing conditioner.

Pick from the bottom of the dreadlock to the top using the end of a rat-tail comb, until the hair is free and unlocked. Use your fingers to carefully loosen the dreadlocks and apply more moisturizing conditioner if needed. Keeping the hair moist will prevent damage. Do this for all sections of twisted hair.

Rinse your hair again after you have unlocked all the dreads. Apply moisturizing conditioner to your hair and let sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse your hair and towel dry afterward.

Apply a deep-conditioning treatment to your hair a few days after unlocking your dreads to moisturize your hair. Continue to keep hair well moisturized and style with care.