“Should I use this or should I use that?”

“What can I put in my hair?”

“Is it okay to wash my hair often?”

We ask ourselves a lot of questions when taking care of our locks. However, maintaining healthy hair can be simple (in fact, foolproof) when you know what to do and what not to do with your hair. This article will give you some basic tips on what to do and what not to do when it comes to lock maintenance. Before I introduce you to the do’s and don’ts, keep in mind that there is no way to make an exhaustive list, however this list will get you started. When caring for their locks, many people are bombarded with what they CAN’T do, that they forget to enjoy what they CAN do. Consider the NO’s and adopt the YES’s. The new freedoms your locks provide also give you the opportunity to DO a lot! Here are the “Dreadlock Commandments”:

YOU WILL NOT USE WAX TO START YOUR LOCKS.

No matter what, never put any kind of beeswax in your hair. In the past, many believed that using beeswax was the only reason to start locks. However, this ideology could not be further from the truth. In fact, using beeswax is actually not good at all. One of the main reasons wax is a “no-no” is simply because of the fact that wax does not break down in water. What does this mean? It means that no matter how much you wash your hair, the beeswax will be in your locks forever. Wax also attracts residue, lint, dirt, contaminants, and other unwanted things to your hair that can also be difficult to wash out. If you ever know someone who uses beeswax in their hair, take a look at their strands and you’ll see the buildup that waxing has left behind over the years. There are other products that can be used to block the hair that are also beneficial for the hair. Products like lanolin, honey, olive oil, avocado butter, shea butter, and similar items can have the same holding power as wax, BUT lead to healthier hair.

YOU SHOULD NOT MAKE THE CARE OF YOUR LOCKS COMPLICATED.

Lock maintenance is as simple as it sounds. Some try to make the process a complicated labyrinth so that others do not want to make this commitment. The only thing a lock user really needs to do is develop a good hair routine and stick to it. If necessary, you can get up and go without doing anything to your hair. Keeping the process simple makes this engagement even more appealing.

YOU SHOULD NOT WEAR YOUR HAIR IN THE SAME STYLE FOR A LONG TIME (OR REPEATEDLY).

Sometimes we get anxious when we get to different stages in the lockdown process. A big milestone will be when your hair is long enough to put in a ponytail. Once you reach that stage, you may find yourself needing to pull your hair up into a ponytail, EVERY DAY. Please resist this urge. Repeatedly wearing the hair in the same hairstyle day after day will create weak spots in those areas that are continually under stress due to tight hair ties, bobby pins, hair ties and other hair accessories. For example, if you like to wear your hair in a ponytail every day, you may notice that in the same area on each strand you have a spot where it looks like your strands are going to break. This weak point is the constant use of a hair tie to hold the ponytail. Additionally, always pulling your hair back can also cause traction alopecia due to the constant stress on your hairline. Just be mindful and try to give your locks time to JUST BE.

DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR HAIR WITH TOO MANY PRODUCTS.

You’ll get advice from people about what your locks need; But, be careful what advice you listen to. Always research any tips you are not familiar with. For example, someone might recommend that you use conditioner on your locks; however, during the initial stages of the lockdown process, conditioner is a no-no. If you use a locks stylist to maintain your locks, ask their advice when it comes to unknown recommendations. Remember, the less you put in your hair and do it, the better.

YOU WILL FIND AN EXPERIENCED LOCK STYLIST TO HELP YOU START YOUR LOCKS (OR TO CONSULT YOU).

Unless you are familiar with the lockdown process, you may find seeking out a knowledgeable lockdown stylist a great value. It is advisable to schedule a consultation with a lock stylist, before starting on your locks. During this appointment, you can discuss your goals, try lock sizes, and provide images of the type of locks you are looking for. Additionally, during this appointment, you can also interview the locks stylist about her experience as a natural hair stylist. Even if you plan to maintain your tresses yourself after starting, having your tresses started by a professional will ensure that your beginner tresses are even and properly sized. When it comes to starting locks, SIZE DOES MATTER! If you start your locks too small, then your mature locks will be even smaller because the locks tighten as they mature. Also, starting with strands that are too small will lead to the unintended consequence of breakage and weakening later on.

YOU MUST LEARN ABOUT THE BLOCKING PROCESS BEFORE YOU START BLOCKING YOUR HAIR.

Arming yourself with the knowledge about the transformations your locks will undergo will help make the entire locking experience more enjoyable. Additionally, learning about lock stages will help you know whether or not your locks are following the norm when it comes to lock stages. This knowledge will also help you determine if your hair is doing anything weird that you want to discuss with your stylist.

YOU WILL EAT RIGHT.

Remember, your hair is the product of what you put into your body. This includes the food you eat, the fluids you drink, and any medications you are taking. For example, if you find that your scalp is excessively dry, you may simply need to drink more water to hydrate yourself, rather than adding unnecessary oils to your hair. Eating healthy not only benefits your body, but also helps your hair grow and shine. In addition, exercise has also been shown to help with the growth of your hair.

YOU WILL DEVELOP YOUR OWN “LOCKOUT” SUPPORT SYSTEM.

Note that you are not the first person to block. So there is always someone who has been where you are in the blocking process. When you feel the need to give up or give up, reach out to those who understand your plight and can help you get off the ledge. The lockout process is NOT easy. It’s the best decision you’ve ever made, but it takes effort to stick to your locks commitment. So tell those friends who are already locked out that you’re making that transition and you’ll need their support. If you don’t have friends or family around to talk, look for help online. There are many hair blogs, forums or social media pages with many people who can tell you that what happens to you has happened to them. Also, having a support system can help you see your goal more clearly.

YOU MUST DOCUMENT YOUR LOCKOUT PROCESS.

A Locking Journal is a great investment. This journal filled with pictures of milestones and words written by you will help you better measure your growth. You will be able to remember problems you had 6 months ago that you DON’T have now. In the diary you can also keep track of any new hair products or regimens you have taken in case you notice any changes in your hair. Also, keeping pictures of your hair at different stages of the styling process will help you “remember when.” So even if you hate your hair, take a picture. Months from now you will return to that photo and appreciate that setting a little better. After years in the blocking process, you’ll look back at your journal, laugh at yourself, and value your blocks even more.

YOU WILL ENJOY EVERY STAGE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR MIX.

Each stage of the lockdown is unique and comes with its own set of events. To continue with the entire process, it is important that you appreciate the fuzzy locks just as you will appreciate the mature locks. Consider your locks as your child and just like a child, you need to raise them from a newborn to an adult. Be patient with your hair and know that if you treat it right and are thankful for little occurrences and milestones, your hair will grow into well-mannered adult locks. Just don’t get discouraged and give up because your hair won’t obey you.

YOU WILL HAVE THE FINAL OBJECTIVE IN MIND.

This is probably one of the most important rules to live by. Understand that what your locks look like at first is NOT what they will look like in their mature state. This means that when you start blocking, your blocks may be larger than you want. But keep in mind that as your hair gets tangled, they will get tighter. So a pencil-sized strand will initially be smaller when it matures. Also, there will be shrinkage at first, but as your locks grow, you will forget about it. Keep that in mind when you start to block and it will give you something to look forward to as your blocks evolve.

YOU WILL BE OPEN TO QUESTIONS.

Just like you didn’t know everything about locks at first, when people see you with locks, they’re bound to ask you questions. Respond to people if they have valid questions. Now, you don’t have to open yourself up to bullying, but answering valid questions could help another person feel comfortable in their skin and step onto the “blocked side.”

YOU WILL EMBRACE THE NEW YOU.

Deciding and proceeding with your hair lock requires the wearer to have a certain level of confidence and style. Your new style can also lead to changes in your wardrobe. Do what is best for you and your comfort level. Pulling your hair back gives you a new sense of freedom that will spread to other areas of your life. Accept the changes and have fun with them.

NOTE: You may discover, during your lock scan, that there are other items that can be included on your personal DO/DON’T list. Feel free to adapt this list to your personal experience, adding those other things that also worked or didn’t work for you.