Yes. I try to be as gentle as possible, but, unfortunately, there's no avoiding some discomfort or even pain.

This is because locticians are trained to do them tight, and while I don't do them as tight as some other locticians (I believe it can cause scalp damage if done too tightly), if they're not somewhat tight at the root, your dreads will become loose and require even more maintenance.

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If you are concerned about the pain, let me know upfront at your appointment and I will be as gentle as possible.

In very rare cases (and if installed incorrectly), getting and maintaining dreadlocks can cause scalp damage, balding and/or alopecia.

This happens when dreadlocks are maintained too tightly, the sections to create each dreadlock are too large or there is a history of alopecia and/or balding in the client.

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However, if your dreadlocks are installed correctly, maintained not-too-tightly and you have no history of balding/alopecia, then you don't need to be concerned about this.

Yes! Contrary to popular belief, dreadlocks can and should be washed regularly!

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Dreadlocks actually mature better if they are clean - it gives them a nice texture and helps them lock together. However, you do have to use the right shampoo so you don't get buildup in your dreads, and you have to make sure the shampoo is washed out thoroughly for the same reason.

There are lots of shampoos on the market and most of them are not suitable for dreads, even some that brand themselves as dreadlock shampoos!

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Basically, you need a shampoo that is residue-free and doesn't contain ingredients such as silicone and unemulsified oils.

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Here are some shampoos I've tried and highly recommend:

- Raw Roots (Hydrating Shampoo and shampoo bar)

- Dread Empire (Classic, Deep Cleanse and Anti-Dandruff varieties)

No conditioner needed! Conditioner is made specifically to leave residue and oils in your hair to protect the strands - great if you have normal hair, not so much if you have dreadlocks.

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If you have dreadlocks and use conditioner, the oils from the conditioner create buildup in your locs, which you don't want. It will prevent them from locking up and maturing. It may even reverse the locking process that some of your dreads have undergone so far. The buildup may then cause your hair to smell and become moldy.

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So, a whole lot of "no thank you!"

This is largely up to you and your dreads. Generally, every 2-3 months, but I have had clients who maintain theirs every two or three months and others who only maintain them once a year. 

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It often depends on what level of untidiness you feel comfortable with and how mature your dreads are. You will most likely find that you will have to come more often after having them freshly installed, compared to years down the track, as your dreads will mature and your hair will naturally start dreading into the correct sections on its own.

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Saying this, everyone's hair is different. For example, thicker and straighter hair often struggles to dread on its own, even years on, whereas curlier, fluffier hair is probably already trying to do this even if you don't have dreadlocks!

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It also depends on palm rolling.

Palm rolling is a technique that keeps your dreads tidier for longer. You do it by placing one dread at a time between your palms and rolling, gently, down the length. It is time-consuming and not particularly fun, and I will be the first to admit: I don't do it.

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However! I still recommend it because the results speak for themselves. It keeps your dreads straighter and tidier, from the root to the tail. It keeps lumps and bumps out for longer and once your dreads get through the ugly phase, will most likely mean you will require less maintenance sessions.

Yes, the "ugly phase". Your dreads will go through this phase after being installed and it can last for months.

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It's the period when your dreads are thin, fuzzy and look unkempt. It is discouraging, but everyone who gets dreads goes through it. Unfortunately, it is a part of the journey.

There are multiple benefits to getting dreads:

- They are low maintenance: a quick get-up-and-go hairstyle

- Many people believe they promote hair growth

- They are a protective hairstyle

- They encourage organic, oil-free shampoo use

- You can decorate them

- They look amazing!