When getting new dreads, it is easy to be swayed by misinformation. Avoid being swayed by the following 3 myths when you are starting on your dreadlocks journey:
1 – Myth: Hair growth is slower in dreadlocks.
The truth is your hair seems to gains length much slower in dreadlocks. In reality, the speed is unaffected. Hair grows at the same speed whether it is locked or loose.
The reason it seems to slow down in dreads is because the hair is no longer growing in an unrestricted straight line. New hair takes the shape of the dreads and grows around the locks. For instance, it might take 2 inches of new hair growth for the length to increase by 1 inch.
2 – Myth: Neglect is the only way to get nice dreads
Neglecting your hair and not combing it is not the only way to get nice dreads. For some hair types (especially African hair textures), avoiding combing the hair naturally results in dreads. The results are not always aesthetically pleasing as giant, random mats are formed all over the head.
It takes years for the hair to fully lock and generally, this method results in unkempt and untidy-looking hair.
You have a better chance of ending up with healthy and attractive-looking dreads by taking care of your locs with a daily routine.
3 – Myth – Rubber bands break dreadlocks and thin hair.
Incorrect use of rubber bands can place undue tension on the roots, create thin spots, and cause hair to break.
Used correctly, they are one of the most useful accessory for people with dreadlocks. With proper tensions, rubber bands speed up the locking process by preventing loose hairs and tightening the roots and tips.