Jan
16
2009

Two Year Dreadiversary

Filed under: Dreadlocks

Another year has gone by…a year of seeing AMAZING sights, meeting INSPIRING people, and LIVING life to the fullest. Let me just say…I’m so glad I didn’t have to do my hair for any of it! Ok, well, I take that back. I did “do” my hair for my sister’s wedding and that was fun. But other than that, my hair didn’t slow me down or cause me any strife. I love my dreads. But they are definitely still in process. I’m waiting for the magical three year mark, which is the time when other dreadies have said they really started to enjoy them.

My dreads are constantly changing. There is a lot of loose hair and new growth, particularly around the crown of my head, and then those hairs just pick a dread to attach themselves to or they start a new little dread on their own. I’m not one to mess around much with my new growth…I figure it will just do it’s own thing. I have several dreads around my face that seem to be hanging on by just a few hairs, so I may intentionally join those with some other hair to reinforce them. But it’s pretty crazy how strong just a few strands of hair can be!

They are definitely mature dreads…I don’t do anything to them except for wash them about once a week with Dr. Bronner’s and then rinse with a dliuted solution of apple cider vinegar. They take about 18 hours to dry, so I will occasionally use a blow dryer to get that process started. No need to have ice in my hair as I run out into the Montana chill. They stay a bit “fluffier” that way too it seems.

Although I love to be “au natural”…I’ve never been so happy as when I dyed my dreads blonde this summer. They felt so much more like me after that! I had them done in Eugene, OR at an “alternative” hair salon. I didn’t really love the bright, barbie-like color at first, but it toned itself down after awhile. There was a little miscommunication with the stylist I dyed them again at an Aveda salon right before my sister’s wedding. I’m letting them go through this pregnancy and then will dye them again right before the baby is born.

I still love to put little beadies and peyote stitches in the “decorate” them. My dear friend, Becky…the one who put my dreads in for me…sent me a fun green and white one at Christmastime (as seen in the photo above). Yay! The colorful hemp string that she put in last year is still hanging on with no signs of coming out anytime soon. It’s fun to see how much they’ve grown since she tied that in.

Speaking of growth…yes, they’re longer. But not long enough! The thing is that they are all different lengths because my haircut at the time of putting them in was layered. If I had to go back and do it all over, I would probably wait until my hair was the same length before putting them in. Makes things a lot easier! I still have really short pieces all around my face, and then long in the back. Kind of a dread mullet if you will. I’m hoping all this good eatin’ and prenatal vitamins will help them grow, grow, grow this year.

When I’m out of the house, I ALWAYS have them in a bandana, headband, or wrap. It’s not that I’m too self-conscious to wear them down, they just get in my way. Those short pieces around my face aren’t quite long enough to keep themselves tucked behind my ears…so they hang right in my eyes. I actually like using some bobby pins to pin the front back, but I don’t often do that. It’s so much easier to just throw something on them and go. At home, I let them down and relax a bit more.

I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many really cool dready mamas (and papas!) while we’ve been on the road…and have put dreads into several people’s hair as well Some have left them in…and some haven’t. And that’s why I love dreads. They allow you to explore parts of your inner being…things that you never knew existed…feelings surface that you never knew you had…and you come out the other side a changed person. Whether you HAVE dreads now, HAD dreads, or WANT dreads…they will always stay with you. Ahhhhh…the journeys of life. Here’s to another good year!

Click here to see the entire process, including a couple of other 2 year photos.

Posted by Sara @ 10:00 pm | Leave a Comment

http://theorganicsister.com TheOrganicSister

Oh they are lookin so great Sara! I’m at about 8 months now; just venturing into the shrinking stage. Still very loopy and natty looking. I usually keep them wrapped and usually tied back as well because I’m afraid they look too crazy right now.

My only real issue is dandruff. Bronners tends to make it worse. I’m not sure why but it only started in the last cpl months, so I’m assuming it’s winter weather drying me out. Stinks though.

We also had a run-in with a kiddo with lice recently. Out of fear, I treated just in case. I learned a whole lot about how to treat lice organically. I’m gonna blog about it soon.

Other than those stresses, I’m lovin’ my locks!

Happy 2nd Dreadiversary!
http://walkslowlylivewildly.com Sara

Hi Tara!
Thanks for the encouragement…dandruff is no fun. I would suggest a few things (but maybe you’ve tried it already):

*Make sure you are seriously diluting the Dr. Bronners. I usually say 1 part soap to 8 parts water…but you could go even less than that. It’s potent stuff and I find that if I get too much soap in there, it really cakes on and builds up, resulting in dandruffy flakes.

*Do you rinse with apple cider vinegar? I think this might really help you if you aren’t doing it already. I use the same dilution and just pour it on after washing…and then rinse it out really good. It helps to get rid of any residue, reduces “scaly” issues of the scalp and also balances the pH of your scalp. It’s worth a try! You can also infuse it with lavender or other yummy things. It’s good stuff.

Hope that helps! Take care…
http://insomniamama.blogspot.com Denise

Happy dreadiversary, they’re lovely, Sara! As soon as my hair is longer I’m planning on dreading it. I’ve wanted them for 13 years now, it’s finally time to do it! I’m glad you mentioned wishing you’d waited until your hair was one length, I was wondering if this would be the best way to go.

A question for you, if you don’t mind. I think for myself, I want “skinny” dreads. Is there anything special you need to do to get them to be this way or do you just hope they turn out like that on their own?
http://emilymichelle.blogspot.com/ Emily

Happy Birthday, dreadies! They’re looking so great

Mine are just about eight months old and definitely in that awkward in-between stage. Like you I’m holding out for the 3 year mark, but still loving them right now, loops and all.
nicole

I just have to make myself known- I found your dread pictures on flickr ages ago, and the way they seemed to be so right for you was inspiring! so now- mine are a few months old and it really was a wonderful decision for me, and I only hope that I look half as in harmony with mine as you do with yours. it really is a hairstyle that is a reflection of how you feel on the inside- you have to have some sense of being at peace with yourself inwardly and a level of self-love that truly radiates when you wear your hair with happiness. you wear them wonderfully
julie

wow…those look great! the pics of your hair in the updo at your sis’s wedding is amazing!
http://www.immaculateeclection.com Jen

I’ve been following your blog for a while now, and I just have to tell you how much I enjoy reading it. Thank you!

Also, LOVE the dreads. I’ve thought about getting them done for many years myself, but am convinced they will not look nearly as fantastic on my head as they do on yours.
http://scrapsofstarlight.blogspot.com SuzyQ

I think they look amazing! Some part of me always wanted to go for dreads. Maybe someday hey :0)
My inner dreadie is inspired I have to admit! Especially after looking at your great flickr pictures!
I bet they’ve been a really liberating experience!
http://babydavies.blogspot.com Sabbath

Ahhh look at those lovely locks! Simply gorgeous. I almost always have mine in a headband, wrap or bandana. They are wonderful!
http://www.makingahomeandfamily.com Jennifer

Your dreads are so beautiful. You were one of my inspirations to put dreads in my hair.. although they only lasted about 6 months – you are right. They taught me a lot! It was such a beautiful experience. I’m glad you continue on your journey. *Hugs*
http://livingsimplicity.blogspot.com Tammi

They look awesome! I remember when you first started and how you made me want some of my own. I haven’t committed yet but still think they are beautiful. Here’s to many more years of dread love.
http://www.stampinmama.com Erika Martin – Stampin’ Mama

Happy Dreadiversary!

Mine had their 2 year mark back in September. And I went blonde a year ago this past Dec. and never plan on going back. I adore the look of blonde dreadies.

Yours are looking amazing!

I’m gonna grow mine to my bum!
http://flipflopmamma.com flipflopmamma

They are beautiful! I’m getting ready to celebrate my one year dreadiversary, this month! Mine are just now getting to where everyone elses seem to be around 6 months. I think it’ll be another year before they’re where I’m really confident with them. I just have so many loops and so much craziness going on! But I really do love them, and so does my hubby. AND my hub is growing his hair out (he usually shaves his head) to start dreads! Awesome!
http://www.easysite.com/gilliamfamily Katie

Sara, they look great! I finally convinced Josh to let me get dreads. YAH! My hair right now is only about 5 inches long. What length would you recommend I start at? Happen to know anyone in South Carolina who could do it for me?:)
Great to see all your photos-just beautiful!
http://www.laundrypile.blogspot.com Heth

You are lovely.
http://www.mightier-than-any-sword.blogspot.com Anne-Marie

Thanks for the update, Sara. I was amazed to see in your Flickr pictures how much they’d grown. They suit you so much. I hope you continue to enjoy them!

It’s been six weeks since I last combed or brushed my hair – I’m still washing it as normal, once a week – and my dreads are forming so fast. Almost every day I find a new one! They’re quite thin and tapered but I expect they will go through many changes before they’re done.

To the commenter above, Denise, who asked about getting thin dreads. Sara backcombed her hair in to sections to form dreads, which is the usual method of getting dreads. That way you can choose how thin or thick you want them – but thin dreads take longer to lock up. I’m using the neglect method, which basically means letting my hair do its thing. So I have less control over the formation of my dreads.
http://walkslowlylivewildly.com Sara

Katie…the MINIMUM to start dreads is 5 inches, but personally, I would wait until they are a little past your shoulders. That is just my preference…because when you start them at 5 inches, you will literally have little nubs all over your head They shrink like crazy. So 5 inches could become 3 inches. It’s do-able…but not ideal.

Denise…like Anne-Marie said, thin dreads take longer to lock, longer to put in…and from what I know from friends who went that route, they tend to get even more tangled and they try to “mate” with each other much more often than a little thicker dread. I would stick with a “thinner medium size”…maybe a little less than an inch section when you’re starting off.
http://www.giddygoat.wordpress.com Amanda

I know I am going to sound like a total snob, but I need to confess: Your dreads have made me so much less judgmental of others. I always thought dreads were for pot smoking, hippie, unclean street people. I was super narrow minded about this issue. How ignorant of me, eh?!

Whew. I feel better for getting that off my chest. Thanks.
jessica

i love the look of dreads and have entertained the thought of putting them in, but the main concern i have is headaches… i have had my hair fairly long for a good portion of my life (middle of my back) and would easily get headaches from putting it in a ponytail or just pulled back in a messy pile, so i have been keeping my hair short enough to not weigh my neck… i suppose i could get a regular massage or chiropractor appointment to keep things from going out of place for me, but until i decide that it’s worth the attempt and the possible literal pain, i’ll just stick to admiring

does anyone who has dreads experience much for headaches from the weight?
http://walkslowlylivewildly.com Sara

Amanda…don’t feel bad There are a lot of misconceptions about dreads and until you explore it and meet those who have them, you just don’t know!

Jessica…I would say that if you get headaches already from long hair, that you would probably have the same issues with long dreads. You could always dread it up and then keep them shorter (you can trim the ends the length you want). I have heard of that being a problem for those who have SUPER long, heavy dreads.
http://ashluvs2.blogspot.com ashlee

Sara,

I absolutly LOVE your blog. It ALWAYS inspires me! I have wanted dreads for over 10 years and I am finally ready! My hubby is so-so about it but supportive. My hair is going to be pretty short when I’m finished but thats how hubby likes it:) I just wanted to say you have inspired me to greatness! In my faith and in how I view myself. God HAS set me apart and what a better way to express it than through myhair:)
please keep up the wonderful posts, because you truly are a blessing to so many!
Happy dreadiversary SARA!!!
http://alifeprofound.wordpress.com Cynthia

Sara,

Your dreads are beautiful. I am approaching the one year anniversary and mine don’t look near as well now as yours at at the very beginning. Sometimes the process can be discouraging but I have loved the journey. My husband and children combed them in, much smaller than yours. At first, I was manic about maintenance then I learned to relax and let them do their thing. Ten months into it, and I had several large sections that had originally came uncombed and never tangled on it’s own so my husband just redid those. But, I have lots of dreads that are doing very well.

My hair right now, looks like a bit of tangled mess, with lots of loops. I just keep holding on though because this is the first time ever that I really feel like my hair is an expression of who I really am. I have always been identified by my hair … it’s red and very thick but it never was me, until now.

I have a question for you … re: hair wraps. My husband wrapped one of my dreads in embroidery floss. Purple, so beautiful. Can I wash my dreads with that in? Will it dry properly?

Thanks for sharing your dread journey. It inspires me. I don’t think you need to wait until the 3rd anniversary, they are beautiful now.
Ellen

Congratulations, and I hope you never get headlice

(just recovered from major lice problem, they were in my hair too!)
Elizabeth

Seems that would make your head itch a lot…I am constantly fiddling with mine, though have grown it out longer…and now too thin headed to do something like that. I admire your ability to “leave it alone”!!
http://walkslowlylivewildly.com Sara

Cynthia…yes, you can absolutely wash them with the wrap on it. It will dry just like normal cotton/fabric would dry.

Ellen…bummer! Glad you’re over it!

Elizabeth…no itchies here!
Noelle

Sara- your dreads look great! I’ve always wanted them but it never seems like the right time. My boyfriend had them years ago and now they reside in a bag in his closet. I always wondered why he held onto them but now I think I understand.
I look forward to seeing how yours continue to grow and change!
http://boulevarddesigns.com Sarah

I’m curious how they’ll weather my favorite postpartum period – the hair falling out in massive quantities bit. (which is where I’m at right now.)
http://boulevarddesigns.com Sarah

And, also, they look great!
http://laurareaux.typepad.com Laura Reaux

They really do look great now, Sara. Surely the prenatals and hormones will help them grow even more though. Hopefully Jeromy will decide he wants me to be able to dread mine. He finally explained that he just loves my hair so much. He’s always had an attachment to my hair. Anyway, whenever I finally go for it, I think I would like to go blonde first. Hmm…
http://livetobeahundred.blogspot.com Gina

Aww, congrats on the “dreadiversery” I just cut mine out! After a year and a half, it was time for a change. It was such a hard decision, as I had wanted dreads for so long. So cutting them out was sad, but I think I enjoy seeing other people’s locks better than I liked having them myself! You have beautiful dreads, keep em rockin!
Lise

Just finding your blog. It’s great! I’ve had dreds for 4.5 years. Into organic living, homebirth, attachment parenting, homeschooling, etc. too. Guess I’m really “crunchy!”

God bless and thanks for sharing about your life.
http://livetobeahundred.blogspot.com daniel ellison

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