Article: New Dreadlock Extensions: How Long Should You Wait for the First Wash?
New Dreadlock Extensions: How Long Should You Wait for the First Wash?
Before you shampoo and wash your hair for the first time after getting dreadlock extensions, you should wait at least 14 days, or two weeks.
The most important thing you can do to keep your new extensions from slipping or coming loose is to wait this amount of time. At this point, your natural hair needs to start locking with the extensions. This creates the strong bond that keeps them in place.
Why You Need to Wait 14 Days
The tight bond between your new extensions and your natural hair keeps them in place. Allow some time for this connection to "set."During the first two weeks, your own hair starts to swell and tangle around the base of the extension. This strengthens the bond, making it more lasting.
If you wash your hair too soon, the shampoo and water will smooth the hair. This can lead to:
- Slipping: The extension might slide down or even come loose from your hair.
- Unraveling: The new lock at the root will become looser, weakening the bond.
- Frizzy, Loose Hair: Your new style will no longer look clean and neat, and it will likely require more maintenance.
For a style that lasts and stays in place, give your locs these 14 days to settle.
Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair: Same Waiting Time
The 14-day waiting rule is the same for both real and synthetic hair extensions. After the waiting period, however, you should treat them differently.
Dreadlock Extensions Made of Real Hair
These extensions are made from real hair, so they act, look, and feel just like your own locs.
- Washing: Once the initial wait is over, you can fully wash human hair dreadlock extensions. They are made to absorb water and get stronger and tighter over time, just like your hair.
- Durability: Real hair extensions last a long time and can be dyed, styled (with low heat), and treated just like your own hair.
Synthetic Hair Extensions for Dreadlocks
These are made from man-made fibers like acrylic or kanekalon. They are typically lighter and great for short-term styles or bright colors.
When you wash synthetic fibers, they don't absorb water or get damaged. To clean them, you only need to rinse the surface of the fibers and clean your hair.
Watch Out! Synthetic extensions may be even more slippery than human hair, making them more likely to slip if washed too soon. They also hold water, which makes them harder to dry.
Manage Scalp Discomfort During the Wait
Waiting two weeks can be uncomfortable, especially if your scalp gets itchy or oily. You can (and should) clean your scalp without soaking your new locs.
Spot-Clean Your Scalp (Dry Wash)
- Get a Spray Bottle: Fill it with lukewarm water. You can add a small splash of witch hazel or a few drops of tea tree oil to help with itchiness.
- Target the Scalp: Gently move your locs to expose your scalp. Lightly mist the solution only on the skin, not on the locs or the attachments.
- Dab, Don't Scrub: Use a clean, damp cloth or cotton pad. Gently press and dab at your scalp to lift any oil or residue. Do not scrub, as this will create frizz and pull at your roots.
- Pat Dry: Use a dry, lint-free towel to pat your scalp dry.
Soothe the Itch
If your scalp is itchy but not dirty, a simple spray can help soothe it:
- Mix distilled water with a few drops of peppermint or tea tree essential oil.
- Lightly mist this spray directly onto the itchy parts of your scalp for an instant cooling, soothing feeling.
Warning: Do not use any oils, conditioners, or creams on your scalp or locs during this 14-day period. They will only contribute to buildup and make your new extensions more likely to slip.
How to Prepare for Your First Wash
Once you’ve passed the 14-day mark, you can prepare for your first full wash.
Check Your Installation:
Gently feel the base of your locs. A little bit of new growth and frizz is perfectly normal. You are checking for any extensions that feel extremely loose or like they are about to fall out. If you find any, it's best to contact your loctician.
Get a Residue-Free Shampoo:
This is the most important product you will need for your locs. You must use a residue-free clarifying shampoo.
Regular shampoos and (especially) conditioners are designed to leave behind oils, silicones, and softening agents. These ingredients create a waxy film that builds up inside your locs. This buildup leads to "dread rot"—a heavy, musty, mildew-filled loc that will not dry properly.
A residue-free shampoo cleans your hair and scalp completely and rinses out 100%, leaving no film behind.
How to Dry Your Locs Correctly
Your locs must be 100% dry after every wash. If you leave them damp, mildew and bacteria will grow inside them, creating a sour smell that is very difficult to remove.
Squeeze, Don't Rub:
Once out of the shower, do not rub your locs with a towel. This creates frizz and can damage the hair.
Instead, grab sections of your locs and squeeze them firmly from the root down to the tip to push out as much water as possible.
Use a highly absorbent microfiber towel for this. It is much more effective and gentler than a standard cotton towel. Using the right products is crucial, and you can find essential items in our collection of dreadlocks accessories and tools.
Use a Blow Dryer:
Do not rely on air drying alone, especially with dense new extensions. They will feel dry on the outside while the core remains damp for hours.
Set your blow dryer to low or medium heat and strong airflow.
Focus the air on your roots and scalp first. Gently lift your locs to make sure the air reaches your scalp from all angles.
Work your way down the locs until they are completely dry. This can take 30 minutes or more. Be patient.
Your locs should feel light and your scalp should be completely dry to the touch. This step is the key to keeping your afro kinky human hair dreadlocks and curly dreadlock extensions healthy and smelling fresh for their entire lifespan.
Conclusion: Listen to Your Locs
Waiting 14 days is the most important step for new extensions. After that, your routine is simple: wash your locs when your scalp is dirty, always use a residue-free shampoo, and always dry them completely. This direct routine is the best way to keep your afro kinky human hair dreadlocks or curly dreadlock extensions clean, light, and healthy.
Daixidreadology offers premium 100% human hair dreadlock extensions that are made to be washed and cared for properly. Explore our collection to find your style.
