How to get the best out of your dreadlocks

For a long time, dreadlocks have been seen as a Rastafarian hairstyle but no more. Today a large number of women have adopted the hairstyle because of the different advantages it offers them. However, women should know that improper maintenance of dreadlocks can lead to hair breakage, hairline thinning, excessive dandruff and other problems.According to Mboka Mwana, a Remera-based hair dresser and dreadlock expert, one can maintain their dreadlocks in the comfort of their home.“Get a good shampoo and wash them very well, making sure you rinse them properly to remove any shampoo residue. Washing them depends on one’s lifestyle but they should be washed at least once a week to keep them from smelling bad especially in a hot season,” says Mboka“After shampooing and rinsing them, you should try to roll them between your palms, one by one, starting from the root to the end of the dreadlock and then dry them properly to prevent them from getting a bad stench, “says Mboka.“Then moisturize them right from the scalp. Use specific sprays meant for dreadlocks”, adds MbokaAs dreadlocks grow they tend to shade off some hair which may make them look ugly and untidy.Emily Silcock, an 18 year old Brit who has been in Rwanda for seven months, sports dreadlocks. To keep them looking nice and tidy, she waxes them. “The person who did the dreadlocks for me told me to wax them whenever I wash them and I have been doing it, and I think you can see they look pretty”.Dreadlock experts say that whenever you go to sleep, it is always a good idea to cover your head with a head scarf.