Quick Answer
Dreads can get smelly for a few reasons:
– Buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt in the dreads can cause odor. Regular washing and maintenance helps minimize this.
– If the scalp underneath the dreads is not properly cleaned, it can lead to buildup and odor.
– Wet or damp dreads take longer to dry out which allows odor-causing bacteria to thrive.
– Some hair types are more prone to buildup and odor than others. Coarser, thicker hair tends to have more issues.
So yes, dreads can get smelly without proper care and washing. But with a good dreadlock cleaning routine, it’s possible to have fresh, odor-free dreads.
What causes dreads to smell?
Dreads develop a bad odor when debris, dirt, dead skin cells, and oil build up in the locks over time. This buildup creates the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. Here are some common causes of smelly dreads:
Dead skin cell and oil buildup
As dead skin naturally sheds from the scalp, some of these cells get trapped in the dreadlocks rather than falling away. The hair also produces oil (sebum) which coats the locks. Over time, the accumulation of old skin cells and oil causes odor.
Dirt and residue buildup
Products applied to the hair like gels, waxes, and oils can leave behind residue. Environmental pollutants in the air also deposit onto the hair over time. Without proper cleaning, these products and pollutants build up and cause dreads to smell.
Trapped moisture
If dreads stay damp after washing or getting wet, they take a long time to fully dry out. This trapped moisture allows odor-causing bacteria to proliferate, especially if the dreads are not washed frequently. Wet dreads after a shower or swim should be thoroughly dried.
Bacterial and fungal growth
When debris and moistness build up in dreads, it creates the ideal environment for odor-causing microbes like bacteria and fungi to grow. These microbes then produce unpleasant smells emanating from the dreads.
Hair type
Certain hair types are more prone to buildup and odor issues in dreads. Coarser, thicker, and more textured hair tends to have more problems with smelly dreads than silky, smooth hair. The grooves and texture in coarse hair allow more buildup.
Neglected cleaning
The #1 cause of smelly dreads is simply not washing or cleaning them often enough. Dreads need regular maintenance and cleaning, just like any hairstyle, to minimize odor-causing buildup. Neglecting dread hygiene leads to smells.
How often should you wash dreads to prevent odor?
To keep dreads fresh and odor-free, washing anywhere from 1-4 times per week is recommended depending on your lifestyle and hair type. Here are some general dread washing guidelines:
– For active lifestyles and coarse, dense hair – Wash 2-3 times per week
– For normal activity levels and hair types – Wash 1-2 times per week
– After swimming or getting dreads wet – Wash within 1-2 days
– For dry or fragile hair types – Wash 1 time per week maximum
Make sure to thoroughly rinse and dry dreads after washing. Wet, damp dreads allow odor-causing bacteria to grow. The key is to find a washing schedule that works for your hair type and prevents buildup.
What is the best way to wash dreads?
Washing dreads properly is important to lift dirt, debris, and buildup while keeping the locks intact. Follow these tips for washing dreads optimally:
– Use a residue-free, gentle dreadlock shampoo. Avoid harsh shampoos.
– Unravel and loosen dreads gently before washing. This allows water and shampoo to penetrate.
– Rinse dreads thoroughly after shampooing to remove all product buildup.
– Scrub and massage the scalp and base of dreads to dislodge buildup.
– Consider using an apple cider vinegar rinse 1-2 times per month to clarify dreads.
– Dry dreads thoroughly with a microfiber towel. Air dry or blow dry fully to prevent mildew.
– Occasionally deep clean with baking soda or dread soap to remove stubborn buildup.
How to dry dreads properly
Proper drying helps prevent trapped moisture that allows odor-causing bacteria to grow. Here are some tips for fully drying dreads:
– Squeeze out excess water from the dreads after washing. Don’t rub vigorously.
– Wrap hair in a microfiber towel to absorb initial dampness, 20-30 minutes.
– Air dry dreads the rest of the way. Shake and separate dreads while air drying to expose all sides.
– Use a hair dryer on a low heat, gentle setting if needed. Keep the dryer 6-12 inches from dreads to prevent damage.
– Sleep on a satin pillowcase after washing dreads at night. This prevents mildew growth overnight.
– Consider using a waterproof cover or cap if swimming to limit water absorption by dreads.
How to get rid of dreadlock odor
If your dreads are already smelly, don’t worry – you can take steps to get them fresh again:
– Do a deep clarifying wash with dread soap, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar. Let soak before rinsing.
– Scrub the scalp thoroughly when washing to remove buildup and odor at the root.
– Dry dreads completely after washing. Mildew and moisture make smells worse.
– Use lemon juice or diluted tea tree oil as a rinse to kill bacteria and freshen dreads.
– Loosen and unravel dreads and inspect for debris or mold inside the locks.
– Sleep on a clean towel at night until odors dissipate to avoid transferring smell to bedding.
– Repeat clarifying washes and tea tree oil rinses as needed until dreads smell fresh.
Home remedies for smelly dreads
In addition to good hygiene, home remedies can help freshen up smelly dreads:
Apple cider vinegar
The acidic apple cider vinegar kills bacteria, removes buildup, and balances pH for a fresher scalp and dreads. Dilute with 2 parts water, soak dreads, rinse thoroughly.
Baking soda
A baking soda soak removes residues and odors from dreads. Mix 1-2 tablespoons with water to form a paste, massage into dreads, rinse after 5-10 minutes.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice kills bacteria, removes oil and dirt, and leaves dreads smelling citrusy fresh. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Spritz on clean dreads.
White vinegar
White vinegar balances pH, kills microbes, and removes buildup from dreads. Dilute 1 part vinegar with 1-2 parts water. Soak dreads for 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly.
Tea tree oil
The antifungal and antibacterial tea tree oil freshens up smelly dreads. Add 10-15 drops of tea tree oil to 2 cups water. Rinse dreads with solution after washing.
Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate absorbs odors and removes oils from the hair. Make a paste with water, rub onto scalp and dreads, allow to sit for 10-15 minutes then rinse thoroughly.
Tips to prevent smelly dreads
With proper preventive care, it’s possible to maintain fresh, odor-free dreads. Here are some top tips:
– Wash dreads regularly 1-3 times per week based on your hair’s needs.
– Dry dreads completely after washing or swimming to prevent mildew odors.
– Remove shed hair and debris from dreads weekly using fingers or a drain comb.
– Avoid product buildup by limiting gels, oils, and waxes on dreads when possible.
– Use protective styles like headwraps when exercising or during activities that make scalp sweat.
– Allow dreads to breath by wearing hair loose rather than constantly tied up.
– Sleep on a satin pillowcase to avoid odor transfer and mildew.
– Get fresh air circulation to dreads by going outside and allowing breeze through hair.
– Follow a regular dread maintenance schedule with your stylist including deep cleanses every 4-6 weeks.
Will dreads smell worse as they grow?
Typically dreads only smell worse over time if maintenance is neglected. As dreads grow out, a few factors can contribute to increased odor:
– Longer dreads have more surface area for gunk, buildup, and mildew to grow.
– Older dreads at the root area are harder to fully clean and dry as length increases.
– Adding extension dreads can introduce odor if attachments are not cleaned properly.
– Gravity causes more pulling and stress on roots as dreads lengthen leading to increased oils and bacteria.
– Long dreads tend to get messier, fuzzier, and need more frequent upkeep and washing.
As long as you keep up with dread maintenance by washing, drying, and removing buildup regularly, dreads should not have a worse smell as the length increases. Be extra diligent with cleaning habits for long dreads.
Do dreadlocks smell when wet?
Dreads typically do not smell bad immediately when wet. The odor develops over time as the wetness allows mildew and bacteria to breed.
Wet, damp dreads create the perfect environment for odor-causing gunk and microbes to grow. If dreads are not fully dried after getting wet, musty and sour smells can develop in 1-3 days from the trapped moisture.
Some tips to prevent smelly wet dreads include:
– Blotting excess moisture with a towel after washing
– Allowing dreads to air dry rather than tying them up wet
– Using a hair dryer on cool setting to speed up drying time
– Sleeping on a satin pillowcase to avoid mildew transfer
– Dry shampooing to absorb wetness and odor
– Wearing a shower cap when bathing and wash less frequently
As long as wet dreads are dried fully before bacteria and mold develops, they will smell fresh. But lingering dampness for too long breeds odor.
How often should you get a dread retwist?
Getting regular maintenance and retwisting helps keep dreads looking and smelling fresher. Here are some general retwist guidelines:
– First 6 months – Retwist every 4-6 weeks as the dreads set and lock.
– After dreads mature – Retwist every 8-12 weeks for maintenance.
– Really coarse or fuzzy hair – Retwist every 4-8 weeks.
– Fine hair that is neat – Retwist every 12 weeks.
– After washing dreads – Can retwist within 1-4 days once fully dry.
Don’t over retwist. Frequent tight retwisting can damage dreads over time. Find a schedule that works for your hair texture and growth patterns. Ask your loctician for their retwist recommendations.
Do dry shampoo and texturizing sprays make dreads smell?
Dry shampoo, texturizing sprays, and other dread products can contribute to residue and odor buildup. However, when used properly these products shouldn’t cause bad smells:
– Use sparingly and only when needed between washes.
– Apply to roots and scalp area rather than heavily coating length of dreads.
– Ensure dreads are fully dry before applying products to avoid trapped moisture.
– Wash out all product residue thoroughly every 1-2 weeks.
– Clarify with baking soda or vinegar rinses if buildup occurs.
The key is not over-using and allowing products to accumulate on the hair and dreadlocks over long periods. Using as directed and cleaning regularly prevents odors.
Do dreadlock wax and residue lead to odor?
Wax is often used for styling and smoothing dreads but can cause issues if allowed to build up. Wax dries and gets gunky on the hair over time leading to dread odor. Here are some tips for preventing wax buildup:
– Use wax sparingly and only when needed for styling.
– Focus wax application on the ends and outer dread area rather than at the roots.
– Wash out all wax residue thoroughly every 1-2 weeks as part of your dread washing routine.
– Clarify hair by soaking in vinegar or baking soda if wax accumulates.
– Avoid laying or sleeping on wax dreads until the residue fully washes out.
– Consider using an all-natural, homemade wax recipe without chemicals and fragrances.
– For slick, tight dreads use aloe vera gel rather than commercial wax products.
As with any styling product, moderation is key and fully removing residues prevents odor issues with dreads.
What happens if you never wash dreads?
Neglecting washing dreads for extended periods has consequences. Here’s what happens if dreads are never washed:
– Significant buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and dirt leads to matted, smelly dreads.
– Gunk accumulation eventually causes visible residue clumps in the locks.
– Unpleasant odors from mildew and bacteria become difficult to remove.
– Hair damage from the pressure and pulling of heavy buildup.
– Can lead to scalp irritation, dandruff, acne.
– Loss of definition as the dreads loosen but remain dirty.
– Locks may break off due to debris making the hair fragile.
– Increased maintenance time and effort needed to salvage unwashed dreads.
Washing dreads every 1-3 weeks is recommended based on your lifestyle and hair needs. Never washing leads to poor hygiene and dreadlock decline.
Conclusion
Like any hairstyle, dreadlocks need regular cleaning and maintenance to look and smell fresh. Odor issues commonly occur from buildup, trapped moisture, and poor hygiene. With a proper washing and drying routine 1-3 times per week, along with other care tips, it’s certainly possible to prevent smelly dreads. Proper dreadlock hygiene takes some work but allows your locks to thrive in a healthy, clean, and low-odor manner.