Do You Blow Dry Hair Before Locs: Do’s and Don’ts

If you’re considering getting locs, you may be curious about the best way to prepare your hair beforehand.

Specifically, you might wonder if blow drying your hair is a good idea to make it straight and long.

In this article, we’ll discuss whether you should blow dry your hair before getting locs, how to prepare your hair and scalp, and things to avoid to ensure your loc journey gets off to a great start.

Should You Blow Dry Hair Before Getting Locs

Blow drying your hair before getting locs to stretch it and make it appear longer is not the best approach.

Although blow drying can temporarily lengthen your hair, the locking and matting process will still result in shrinkage.

Furthermore, blow drying can cause frizz, heat damage, breakage, and hair loss.

It’s essential to dry your hair before starting locs, as it’s easier to manipulate and lock dry hair. However, using heat from a blow dryer can potentially damage your hair. Instead, consider air drying or using a microfiber towel to gently dry your hair without causing harm.

Read Also: Hair struck in blowdryer and how to prevent it

Hair and Scalp Preparation Before Getting Locs

To ensure a successful loc journey, it’s crucial to properly prepare your hair and scalp. Here are some tips to follow:

• Thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp to remove any product buildup or residue. Use a clarifying shampoo or a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.
• Deep condition your hair to ensure it’s well-moisturized and strong before beginning the loc process.
• Detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to minimize knots and tangles.
• If needed, trim any damaged or split ends to ensure the healthiest hair possible.

Things to Avoid Before Getting Locs

To protect your hair and encourage a successful loc journey, avoid the following:

• Using heat tools like blow dryers, flat irons, or curling wands, as they can cause heat damage and weaken your hair.
• Applying heavy oils, waxes, or other products that can cause buildup within your locs.
• Coloring, relaxing, or chemically processing your hair right before starting locs, as these treatments can weaken your hair and lead to breakage.

Is Blow Drying Bad for Dreadlocks

Blow drying can be detrimental to dreadlocks if not done correctly. Excessive heat can cause damage, weaken the hair, and lead to breakage.

If you need to dry your dreadlocks quickly, use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment on the lowest heat setting or the cool air setting to minimize the risk of heat damage.

Should I trim my hair before getting dreads

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to trim your hair before getting dreads. Dreadlocks can be started with short, medium, or long hair, depending on your personal preferences.

However, long hair dreads may cause issues such as bunching and frizzing.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to have healthy, clean hair and a healthy scalp before starting dreads.

You don’t want to begin your dreadlock journey with product build-up or scalp issues like dandruff. Tackle these problems first to ensure a successful start.

Moreover, if you have split ends or damaged hair, it’s advisable to trim your hair before starting dreads.

This will ensure that your locks are healthy and strong from the get-go.

Additionally, trimming your hair can help create a more uniform length, making it easier to achieve the desired style.

To sum up, while it’s not necessary to trim your hair before getting dreads, addressing any hair or scalp issues and trimming uneven or damaged hair can set you up for a healthy dreadlock journey.

 

How to prepare hair and scalp before getting dreads

To prepare your hair and scalp for dreadlocks, follow these simple steps:

• Wash your hair with a residue-free shampoo to remove any product build-up. Avoid using conditioners, as they can make the hair too slippery for dreads.
• Detangle your hair thoroughly to ensure that it’s free from knots and tangles.
• If needed, trim any damaged hair or split ends to promote healthy dread growth.
• Give your scalp a gentle massage to stimulate blood flow and ensure a healthy foundation for your dreadlocks.
• Allow your hair to air dry completely before starting the dreadlocking process.

 

Can you start locs with long hair

Yes, you can start locs with long hair. However, be aware that long hair dreads may present challenges such as bunching and frizzing.

Additionally, long hair might take longer to lock and may require more maintenance during the initial stages of the process.

 

Things to avoid before getting dreads

Before getting dreadlocks, avoid the following:

• Heavy hair products like wax, grease, and silicone-based serums, as they can cause build-up and hinder the locking process.
• Hair treatments like relaxers, perms, or coloring, as they can weaken the hair and make it more prone to breakage.
• Excessive heat styling, which can damage your hair and make it more difficult for dreads to form.
• Tight hairstyles that can cause tension on the scalp and hinder healthy dread growth.

 

Tips before starting locs

Here are some tips to help you start your loc journey successfully:

• Research different dreadlock methods and choose the one that best suits your hair type and lifestyle.
• Consult with a professional loctician if you’re unsure about the process or need guidance.
• Be patient, as the locking process can take time, and your dreads will go through several stages before reaching maturity.
• Establish a proper maintenance routine to keep your dreads healthy and looking their best.
• Stay committed to your dreadlock journey, and remember that the end result will be worth the effort.

 

Conclusion

When preparing your hair for locs, it’s best to avoid blow drying, as it can cause damage and doesn’t offer any long-term benefits in terms of length.

Instead, focus on properly cleansing, conditioning, and drying your hair without heat.

By following these tips and avoiding potential pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and healthy loc journey.