Dread Rot: Getting Rid of Mold From Your Locs

Stop Dread RotThe dreaded dread rot can drive fear in anyone wearing dreads. If you notice that your dreadlocks are smelling like mold lately, dread rot may be the reason. Mold and mildew may be growing inside them. Although it may be a bit challenging, thankfully, there is hope. There’s no need to panic, since you can save your dreads with these few tips.

What Causes Dread Rot?

First, I want to give a brief overview of dread rot. A lot of people who have dreadlocks may not even know that they have this issue or that there is even such a term. This occurs over a period of time when your dreads are washed and are not properly dried. This is even worse for people with thicker ones because it takes longer for their hair to dry.

What happens if your hair is not completely dry, is the locs retains the water, creating a damp environment. We all know what happen when an area is constantly in a damp state. Yes, mold starts to grow. Unfortunately, this can also happen with dreads.

What Should You do if You Have Mold in Your Locs?

Some people may get frustrated and cut them off. Depending on how bad the mold and mildew is, there is no need to cut your dreadlocks. You may can find a natural solution to save your hair. Some may be more effective depending on how much advance your dread rot is.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar for Dread Rot

Use organic apple cider vinegar and baking soda to remove the mold and mildew from your locs. In order to permanently remove it, you will have to soak your hair for a while, and repeat if necessary. You may also use a vinegar rinse cleanser that will penetrate through the twisted strands hair to remove the mold and the bad smell.

  • Choose a Clarifying Shampoo

Washing with a natural residue-free shampoo can help get deep into the strand of locs, removing build-up, which allows your hair to dry quicker. With less buildup, air can flow through the strands much easier.

  • Drying Your Dreadlocks Properly

Drying your hair the right way will prevent a damp environment for the mold and mildew to continue to grow.

When you get rid of the dread rot or during the process of getting it out, you should use a hair dryer to get rid of all the water from your hair. You can also try one of these bonnet dryers for more direct heat.

If you want more direct heat and faster results, you can also try attaching a blow dryer heat cap. This way you can multi-task, since your hands are free to do other things. Your hands will also get a break from holding the hair dryer so long.

By applying all these simple tips, you can avoid having to deal with the annoyance of dread rot and continue to maintain your beautiful head of dreadlocks.