It's generally believed that you can only untangle your dreads by clipping or shaving your hair, but you can actually untangle and untangle your hair without losing the length of your hair. This can be done although the process takes a long time and is a bit of a pain.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Method One: Unraveling the Dreadlocks
Step 1. Take plenty of time
You can "untangle" your dreads without cutting them, but the process will take some time. Short dreadlocks that are only about a year old or less can probably be deciphered in four to eight hours. Long dreadlocks that you've had for several years will probably take 15 to 48 hours.
Step 2. Solve all major problems
Before untangling individual dreadlocks and knots, look for dreadlocks that are knotted together and large knots at the roots of the hair. Gently separate by hand.
- Do it as close to the scalp as possible when working.
- If you can't untangle your hair without damaging your hair, it's best to let it sit until you've finished working the little twists before untying these big knots.
Step 3. Soak your dreads for 10 minutes
Fill a sink or basin with warm water and lean back, soaking all your dreads. Let your dreads soak for a full 10 minutes.
Step 4. Wash the dreads with shampoo
Use a small amount of deodorizing shampoo or oil remover on each part of each twist. Also, wash each dreadlock with hot water.
- The water should be as hot as you can stand it without scalding.
- Hot water and shampoo will help melt the wax and oil that has built up.
- Rinse the shampoo thoroughly from your dreads before continuing.
Step 5. Use conditioner on each gimbal
Use a small amount of conditioner on each part of each gimbal. Rub the conditioner into each twist with your finger.
- At this point do not rinse the conditioner out of your dreads.
- If needed, you can wrap your hair in a towel so it doesn't fall on your face until you're ready to move on.
Step 6. Slowly outline one dreadlock starting from the bottom
Use a metal comb to penetrate the underside of the dreadlocks and untangle any knots there. Do it gradually along the twist in the same way.
- The sasak comb is the easiest to use. You can use the tip of the comb to poke the bottom of your dreadlocks.
- If you're using a regular comb, you'll need to stick the teeth of the comb into the bottom of the dreadlocks.
- After piercing the comb into the dreadlocks, gently work it out with your comb and fingers. Don't be afraid to add a little pressure.
- If the dreads are too tough to break down, apply more conditioner and warm water to your hair before trying again.
Step 7. Comb the loose sections of hair regularly
Once you've separated about 1 inch (2.5 cm), comb from the top of the unraveled section to the bottom.
- Repeat this step for every 1 inch (2.5 cm) you have outlined.
- Removing the knots and hair loss during the untangling process will reduce the problem rather than waiting for it to finish.
Step 8. Repeat on the remaining dreadlocks
Once you've outlined one dreadlock, repeat the process on the other gimbals. Work through each dreadlock one at a time until they are all unraveled.
If you're having trouble untangling the dreadlocks with a comb, you may find it easier to do this with a metal knitting needle or a long sewing needle. When using a needle, poke the tip into the loop near the end of the dreadlock and gently pull the loop out. Repeat as needed throughout the gimbal
Step 9. Condition your hair
Use more conditioner on your hair once it's all unraveled. Leave the conditioner in your hair for five minutes before rinsing it off.
This conditioner can help repair some of the damage caused by the puncture process
Step 10. Take good care of your hair
Your hair may look unhealthy immediately after undoing the dreads, but if you condition and condition your hair on a regular basis, it will improve quickly.
- Use a leave-in conditioner every time you wash your hair for the first week or so.
- When drying hair, use a low temperature setting.
- Straighten your hair with a straightener to set waves or curls.
Method 2 of 3: Method Two: Cutting the Dreadlocks
Step 1. Check the gimbal
The hair closest to the scalp is untwisted, so it's important to identify any new strands of hair that are still loose.
- Most newly grown hair that has not been twisted can be saved using this method.
- Remember that old dreadlocks tend to be closer to the scalp than new dreads.
- Also remember this process is the fastest way to get rid of your dreadlocks and usually takes an hour or less.
Step 2. Cut the dreadlocks close to the roots
Trim the dreadlocks one at a time with sharp hair clippers, trimming over the solid part of each dreadlock.
You'll have 1 and 2 inches (2, 5 and 5 cm) of hair remaining on your scalp
Step 3. Wash thoroughly
Once you have no more dreads to deal with, wash the rest of your hair with warm water and shampoo. Rinse clean to remove residue.
- Also, use conditioner on the hair. A concentrated conditioner can repair the damage and make the decomposition process more successful.
- Washing and conditioning your hair now will make it easier to brush and straighten it later, so it's highly recommended that you do this step before doing any further grouting.
- Do not dry your hair at this stage. Do this only after your hair has been brushed and cut.
Step 4. Brush the hair
Use a strong metal comb to brush the remaining hair on your scalp, making it as straight as possible.
Don't expect your hair to be completely soft. Curls are normal, but you should brush off as many knots and loops as you can
Step 5. Tidy up
The hair remaining on your scalp may look uneven at first, so you'll need to smooth it out with scissors or a razor.
The easiest thing to do is to shave the scalp clean using a razor, but this is not really necessary
Method 3 of 3: Third Method: Combination Technique
Step 1. Allow sufficient time
This method doesn't take as much time to completely parse, but it will take more time than cutting your dreadlocks.
Depending on how many dreads you have, how long they've been, and how long you want your hair to be, this process can take anywhere from 2 to 15 hours
Step 2. Decide how long you want your hair to be
The exact length is up to you, but usually, you should plan to leave at least 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) to be worth the time spent on this method.
This method is best if you want to spare your hair but have dreadlocks that are more than 4 years old. When you have dreadlocks that are more than four years old, it's best to cut your hair in half or more before trying to detangle the rest
Step 3. Cut the gimbal in the same position
Use a hair clipper to trim the dreads one at a time, leaving the hair the same size.
Step 4. Soak the remaining dreadlocks
Fill a bucket or sink with warm water. Sit in front of the water and keep your head down, submerging your dreadlocks as much as possible.
For best results, try soaking your dreadlocks for 5 to 10 minutes. Although, no matter how long you soak your hair it's better than nothing
Step 5. Wash thoroughly
Use a detangling shampoo on your dreadlocks, scrubbing it thoroughly with your fingers. Also, use hot water during this process.
- The water should be hot, but not so hot that it scalds your scalp or fingers.
- Washing your hair will help remove any buildup that can interfere with the unraveling process.
- Rinse the shampoo from your dreadlocks before continuing.
Step 6. Condition the remaining dreadlocks
Rub a little conditioner or a special dread removal product on each dreadlock, doing one at a time.
Do not rinse conditioner out of your hair after applying it
Step 7. Pierce the dreadlocks one by one
Pierce the bottom of the gimbal with the tip or teeth of a metal comb. Use a comb to pry out the braids and twists in each dreadlock.
- Start at the bottom and gradually work your way up along the gimbal.
- Comb the loose hair every 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Repeat this process on each dreadlock, working one at a time, until all of the dreadlocks are unraveled.
Step 8. Give conditioner one more time
After untangling your dreads, apply the conditioner again to your hair.
- Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
- The extra conditioner you apply now will help repair your damaged hair.
Step 9. Cut off the uneven ends
Brush loose hair and carefully trim the ends to balance the whole style.
Remember that perhaps the easiest way to do this is while your hair is still wet. Dry your hair after styling it, not before
Step 10. Treat your hair
At first your hair may look frizzy and unhealthy, but if you wash it regularly and use conditioner after every wash, it will be healthier in a week or two.
