How to Wash Wool Dreads: The Ultimate Guide

Washing wool dreads is easy as well as cost-effective. You can do it at your home with soap or shampoo.

It is recommended to wash wool dread every week to keep it clean and in good condition but you can wash them whenever you like.

In this article, I will show you the correct method to wash wool dreads and things to avoid while washing to keep wool dreads away from damage.

How to wash wool dreads: Tips and Tricks

You can wash the wool dreads without uninstalling them, but it is recommended to wash them in the bowl than on the hair. Why? I will explain it later.

Proper way to wash wool dreads

Take a bowl and fill it with lukewarm water. (Don’t use hot water as it damages the wool fiber and causes it to shrink and eventually break.)
Soak dreads in water and apply soap on them. I recommend using Dollylocks bar or olive soap.
Let the dreads sit on soap water for 1-2 hours.
Then, take out the dreads and rinse with clear water. Gently squeeze them and remove all the soap residue present in the dreads. (It is advised to use vinegar to remove soap residue, make fiber softer and preserve its color.)
After that, wring the dreads and let it air dry. It will take a couple of days to air-dry the dreads. You can use the hair dryer but don’t use heat.

You may be thinking of using a washing machine for washing the dreads. But, let me warn you: washing machines can damage delicate dread wool easily so do handwashing only.

Washing wool dreads without removing it

You can wash wool dreads without uninstalling them. For this, you should use residue-free shampoo. (Never apply conditioner on it as it leads to build-up and damages the fiber.)

Tie 3-4 locs together to make a bundle. Then, put water on the scalp and root of dreads and apply shampoo as required. Gently massage the scalp for a few minutes. After that, rinse the scalp with clear water for 4-5 minutes until there remains no residue of shampoo.

To dry the dreads after washing, use a microfiber towel or use a hair dryer quick action.

Washing dreads on the scalp does save time. But, it comes with some serious consequences and these are:

Wet dreads are heavier and create more tension on the scalp and also damage the existing hair fiber.
It makes dreads longer and thinner when you wash them frequently as it gets stretched each time.

Can you take shower or swim with wool dreads?

Wool dreads will not stop you from swimming or taking shower. But, don’t forget to wash them thoroughly with clear water to get rid of chlorinated water or shampoo residue from it.

How to soften Marley hair

Marley hair is a type of synthetic hair extension that mimics the texture of natural Afro-textured hair. It’s versatile and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for various protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, and faux locs.

One common issue with Marley hair is its rough and scratchy texture, which can cause discomfort when worn. The coarse texture can also make it more challenging to manage and style, increasing the likelihood of breakage.

To make Marley hair easier to manage, reduce breakage, and increase comfort, you’ll need to soften it. Here’s how you can do it:

Soak it in hot water: Fill a large bowl or basin with boiling hot water. Place the Marley hair in the bowl and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen the hair fibers and make them more pliable.
Add apple cider vinegar: Adding apple cider vinegar to the hot water will help remove any residues from the hair and further soften the fibers.
Remove the hair from the water and gently pat it dry with a towel or cloth. Be careful not to rub the hair, as this can cause tangling.
Stretch the hair gently to help loosen any kinks or tangles. This step will make it easier to style the Marley hair and prevent breakage.

Daily care routine for Marley hair

To keep your Marley hair looking fresh and well-maintained, follow a daily care routine that includes moisturizing, detangling, and protecting the hair at night.

Use a leave-in conditioner or a light oil to keep the hair moisturized and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.

Detangle the hair gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage.

Finally, protect your hair at night by wearing a satin or silk headscarf or sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase.

Can Marley hair be dipped in hot water

Yes, Marley hair can be dipped in hot water to set the hairstyle, seal the ends, and soften the hair fibers. Ensure the water is not boiling, as this can damage the synthetic hair.

Can you wash Marley hair

Yes, you can wash Marley hair to remove dirt and product buildup. Use a gentle shampoo and lukewarm water to clean the hair, followed by a light conditioner to maintain its softness.

Allow the hair to air dry to prevent heat damage.

How to keep synthetic hair curly

To maintain the curls in synthetic hair, avoid brushing or combing the hair while it’s wet, as this can cause the curls to lose their shape.

Instead, use your fingers to gently detangle the hair and reshape the curls as needed. You can also use a curl-defining cream or spray to help maintain the hair’s curly texture.

Read Also: What is synthetic hair and how to care it

Bottom Line

To sum up, washing wool dreads should not be hard as you can easily do it at your home. But, take care of a few things described above to avoid damage to both dreads and scalp.