Can you remove dreadlocks without cutting your hair?
Yes.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about dreadlocks. Many believe that the only option is to cut them off, but that is far from the case.
With patience, the right products, and the right tools, most dreadlocks can be combed out again. However, the process takes time – especially if you have had your dreadlocks for several years.
Put on your favorite series, make a good cup of coffee, and tackle one dreadlock at a time. It’s not a project you'll finish in an evening, but many find it almost meditative along the way.
There can be many reasons for wanting to remove dreadlocks. Perhaps you’re ready for a new phase in life. Perhaps you simply want to start over with new dreadlocks. Or perhaps you're just curious to get your loose hair back.
If you’re unsure, you don’t have to make the decision all at once. Many choose to comb out some of their dreadlocks first or switch to partial dreadlocks. This allows you to feel it out as you go. We also find that some people regret it once all their dreadlocks are removed.
Before you begin
You can easily remove your dreadlocks without cutting them off, but it requires time, patience, and the right tools.
We recommend our RAW ROOTs Dreadlock Removal Kit, which is specially formulated for the detangling process. The kit contains everything you need to make the process as gentle as possible for both hair and scalp.
The kit includes:
• Midnight Magic - Cleansing Shampoo Bar
A deep-cleansing shampoo bar that helps loosen buildup and makes hair easier to comb out.
• Conditioner Bar
A nourishing conditioner bar that makes hair softer and more manageable. Grate a small amount of the bar and dissolve it in warm water in the included spray bottle to create a conditioner spray that can be used continuously during detangling.
• Metal Comb
A strong metal comb with robust teeth, making it possible to gently work through the dreadlock without breaking.
• Spray Bottle
Used for the conditioner spray to keep hair moist during detangling. This makes the process both easier and gentler.
Step 1 - Wash your hair thoroughly
First, wash your dreadlocks thoroughly with the Deep Cleansing Shampoo Bar. Massage the shampoo in well, especially into the lengths, to loosen any buildup.
Rinse hair thoroughly.
Step 2 - Soften dreadlocks
Massage the Conditioner Bar directly into each dreadlock.
You can also grate a little Conditioner Bar and dissolve it in warm water. Let the dreadlocks soak in the mixture for a few minutes, then pour the rest into a spray bottle so you can continuously add moisture during detangling.
Step 3 - Detangle one dreadlock at a time
Always start at the tip.
Use the comb's tip or teeth to gently loosen hair by hair and knot by knot. Work your way slowly up towards the scalp.
Continuously spray with the conditioner mixture to keep the hair moist and make it easier to separate.
Don't be alarmed by the many loose hairs
When you start to comb out a dreadlock, surprisingly many hairs will come out.
This is completely normal.
We naturally shed about 50-100 hairs a day. When you have dreadlocks, these hairs stay inside the dreadlock instead of falling out.
When the dreadlock is combed out, all these hairs are released at once. It can therefore look dramatic, but it doesn't mean you are suddenly losing a lot of hair.
Step 4 - Comb through the hair
Once a dreadlock is combed out, thoroughly comb through the hair to remove any remaining loose hairs and small tangles.
If you have very long hair, a flat iron along the way can help keep the hair smooth so it doesn't tangle again.
Repeat the process until all dreadlocks are combed out.
When you are finished, you can advantageously conclude with Hydrating Oil to add moisture and nourishment. If your hair is very dry or damaged after detangling, we recommend Lush Repair Oil instead, which provides more intensive care.
Step 5 - Aftercare and maintenance
After detangling, hair will often feel dry, porous, and have more frizz than usual.
This is entirely expected after such an extensive process.
A light trim of the ends can give the hair a fresher look, and in the coming weeks, you can advantageously give your hair extra care with conditioner, hair mask, or oil while it returns to its normal structure.
Your next hair journey starts here
Whether you've chosen to remove your dreadlocks to return to loose hair, start over with new dreadlocks, or try something completely different, it's a big change.
Give your hair some time. After many months – or perhaps several years – in dreadlocks, it needs to get used to being free again. It may feel different at first, but with a little extra care, it will gradually return to its natural structure.
And remember: Removing dreadlocks does not necessarily mean the journey is over. For some, it's the beginning of a new hairstyle. For others, it's simply the start of a whole new chapter with dreadlocks.
The most important thing is that the decision feels right for you.
