How can you remove lint from dreadlocks? Dreadlocks are a low-maintenance natural hairstyle that encourages faster growth. However at times no matter how well you care for your locs you always end up with lint and build-up. To always ensure you have lint-free locs you can establish a regimen based on the methods below.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is one of the most popular home-based solutions. It’s very efficient and will remove lint from dreadlocks. Apple cider vinegar is a powerful clarifying agent for hair. It’s great when it comes to removing lint from dreadlocks mostly due to its acidic nature. It will wash out all buildup in your hair while keeping your hair intact. An Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV) rinse can have multiple benefits on your hair, it helps balance the PH on your scalp and it contains antibacterial properties that prevent dandruff and bacteria.
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How to use it
There are 2 ways you can use the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.
Spray Bottle Method
- Mix 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar with 2 cups of water.
- Add the mixture to a spray bottle and saturate your hair with the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and a bonnet to contain the heat in your hair.
- Let this sit on your head for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse your scalp with cool water until you’re sure the ACV is washed off.
This method is best for locs with minimal lint and build up.
Soaking Method
- Fill a bucket/sink or container with hot water
- Add 3/4 a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and stir vigorously
- Add 1/4 cup of baking soda(bicarbonate soda)
- Lie down and ensure your hair is soaked in the mixture.
- Focus on the roots of your hair
- Soak your locs for 30-45 minutes.
- Rinse your locs thoroughly until you’re sure there’s no product left on your hair
- Use a light leave-in conditioner to restore the moisture in your hair.
The combination will remove lint from dreadlocks effortlessly. This is more of a deep cleansing method for your dreadlocks and should only be done 2-3 times a year. This is because too much baking soda will strip your hair of its natural oils. This method is most effective if you have a lot of build-up and lint in your hair.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is a powerhouse when it comes to clarifying hair. It helps in removing toxins from hair due to its anionic properties.
How to use it
- Mix half a cup of Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 cup of warm water
- Mix one cup of bentonite clay with the mixture of water and apple cider vinegar. Only mix with a wooden or plastic spoon. Using a metallic spoon will activate the bentonite clay before you apply it on your hair.
- If the clay mixture is still thick you can add warm water until you get the desired consistency
- Apply the paste on your locs from the root up.
- Wrap your hair is a plastic bag or a showercap for 30 -45 minutes
- Rinse your hair thoroghly and ensure all the misture is washed away.
Baking Soda (Bicarbonate Soda)
Baking soda is great when you want to remove lint from dreadlocks. Its very effective when it comes to removing lint because it helps in dissolving any dirt and oil residue. It’s also a no chemical solution to clearing lint from your dreadlocks. Baking soda is also very effective in removing any smells
How to use it
- Fill a bucket/sink or container with hot water
- Add a 1/4 cup of baking soda
- Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or liquid dishwashing soap
- Soak your hair in this mixture for 30-45 minutes
- Ensure your roots are soaked in the mixture
- Thoroughly rinse your hair and ensure the mixture is completely washed off
- Use a light leave-in conditioner and a carrier oil to moisturize your hair as baking soda can strip your hair of its natural oils
This method should be used 3-4 times a year to prevent the stripping of natural oils from your hair. This method is best for people with a lot of build-up and lint in their dreadlocks.
