Thinking about starting dreadlocks? Well, you've made the right step by searching for information online about dreadlocks. Dreadlocks require a huge commitment in time, patience and courage in the beginning stages. Before you begin your dread journey, there are a few things you should know.

First you should understand that obtaining dreadlocks is a process. It's not a style that you accomplish in a couple of hours or even a day. Dreadlocks even from the installation stage will require patience and a lot of maintenance to nurture their development. Realize that when your dreads are first installed, they will not look like mature dreads. In fact, your hair most likely will look like a matted mess, but this is where your patience comes in. In fact, some days your dreads will look great and other days...well...not so great.

The next lesson in the dreadlock process is courage. Since dreads are formed over a period of several weeks, we understand that you won't just stay in your room until they start to look like dreads (that would be pretty boring and you might look pretty pale). As you venture out into the world, realize that your hair is now a celebrity. The first thing people will notice about you is your hair, since dreadlocks are not a style that most people see everyday. The confidence that you possess about your dreads is the confidence that you will exude. If you seem displeased with your dreads, then the response from others will probably be the same. So hold your head high because you're on a dread journey and the end result also will command the attention of the cool.

Finally, there is no right or wrong ways to start dreadlocks so don't allow other people to convince you that your method is wrong. There are, however, some methods that are recommended depending on hair texture, length and density. A professional stylist at Uncle Funky's Daughter is your best source for identifying which method is best for you. Dreadlocks may be started by backcombing, twisting, wrapping, interlocking and wrapping or sometimes a combination of a few of these methods. If you're ready to get started on your dreadlock journey, Uncle Funky's Daughter is happy to oblige. Consultations are available by appointment Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Dreadlocks Q & A
Q: Should I shampoo my hair before I get dreads?
A: Yes. Clean dry hair, no conditioner and no products. We recommend using Dreadhead HQ Shampoo.

Q: How long does my hair need to be for dreads?
A: While dreads can be started with as few as 2 inches of hair, we generally recommend at least 5-6 inches.

Q: Can I shampoo my dreads?
A: Yes. Shampooing and properly drying dreadlocks is very important to keep them clean and mildew free. Yes...mildew free. In the first three weeks after you get your dreads, you should only wash them every 5 days. After the first month, you should begin washing them every 2-3 days. After shampoo, always squeeze dreads to remove excess water and put them in a dry, non-shedding towel to allow them to dry for approximately 15 minutes. Never sleep with your dreadlocks wet and covered.

Q: "Are Dreadlocks and Locs the same?"
A: No. "Dreadlocks" are started using a different process than "Locs". Generally, our dreadlocks are performed on non African-American clients with fine, oily, straight and/or wavy hair types. African-American hair is generally tightly coiled, not oily and dense and therefore locs can be started simply using a comb twist method. Additionally, we use a wax product on non African-American hair types because it helps to maintain the hold needed on straighter hair however we don't recommend wax on African-American hair types.

Q: Do I have to cut my hair extremely low when I no longer want dreads?
A: No. Dreads can be cut off a few inches from the root and/or combed out from end to root. The more hair you want to salvage the more time it will take. Often people will cut the majority of the loc and comb out the top 2 to 3 inches.

Q: Do you offer dreadperms in your salon?
A: No. Our salon does not perform any chemical services, however we can make some pretty cool looking dreads using the methods mentioned above.

Q: Why are my ends not dreading?
A: Generally the dreadlock does not lock to the very bottom of the hair. In many cases, the last inch or so doesn't lock at all. After your dreads begin to mature, the unlocked strands of hair can be cut to achieve blunt ends.

Q: Why does my scalp itch?
A: Your scalp is adjusting to the fact that your hair is permanently sectioned. This is normal. Itching goes away in time.

Q: Why does my scalp flake?
A: Flakes are usually attributed to too frequent shampooing and/or the scalp's production of oily flakes. Alternating your shampoo routine should solve this problem.

Q: How do I remove the odor in my dreads?
A: Odor in dreadlocks can be caused due to moisture trapped inside the locks. To refresh your dreads, shampoo the hair with a clarifying shampoo and following up with an apple cider vinegar or rosemary lemon rinse. Repeat this process a few times over a few weeks to see if condition improves.