Believe it or not, the way you sleep and treat your dreadlocks before bedtime will have a large effect on their overall appearance and growth. To help reduce frizz, direct locks in the right direction, and to prevent unnecessary stress or damage it has been so helpful when I wrap my hair up before hitting the hay. Also, once I've shampooed or used a conditioning/ tightening spray, wrapping my dreadlocks keeps unwanted fuzzies and other little things from sticking in my hair. |
- Personally, I choose to wrap my locks up with a cotton headband that is large enough to unroll down my dreadlocks when they sit straight on my back. I tie a bandana around the front of my head to keep the headband in place. This allows my locks movement when I sleep so I can place my head down on the pillow comfortably, while still keeping them together and neat.
- To get a tighter hold for the night for restless sleepers, a scarf seems to work well. A scarf is longer and larger allowing all your dreadlocks to be secured into place. EHow suggests a scarf to primarily prevent dryness and breakage. http://www.ehow.com/ how_2240810_care-dreadlocks-sleeping.html
- There is, of course, the option to tie your locks up on top of your head. This, however, promotes growth up and night after night of this will form the dreadlocks upward or loosen what you've already tightened. I always have an issue with the dreadlocks on the back and bottom of my neck pulling hard when I wear them up to sleep, too.
- Though it sounds peculiar, I have heard from many dreaded friends and read on Dreadlocks.org that placing a nylon stocking or pantyhose on your locks is the way to go! The nylon stocking gives a tight enough hold but also allows you to tie your locks up and then cap the stocking over your bun. http://www.dreadlocks.org/ sleeping-with-dreads/
It may sound annoying to have to take this extra step before bed, I know I have a hard time dedicating time every night to wrap my hair. But I have sincerely noticed a difference. When I wake up in the morning after I have wrapped my dreadlocks, I am not shocked at the mess I've created on my head while sleeping. Instead, I am met with neat locks when I look in the mirror and have always had shorter prep time in the morning when getting ready.