My scalps so dry and / or itchy.

This is a common complaint among dread heads. Often it is caused by the misconception that you should cut back on shampooing after getting dreads as the build up of scalp oils etc can lead to the irritation. Shampoo as often as desired and as needed based on your scalp needs. Our Soothing Scalp shampoo is infused with Lavender and Rosemary oils which are both known to sooth irritated scalps.

The Aloe Vera based Conditioning Spray not only improves the health of your hair but also has scalp soothing benefits. And finally, Botanical Serum has been developed with itchy, dry scalps in mind. It is super hydrating with a luxurious base of Grapeseed, Jojoba and Neem oils and the added skin soothing, antifungal and antibacterial benefits of Lemon Myrtle, Tea Tree, Rosemary and Peppermint.

Help! I've got dandruff.

In addition to a genetic disposition, flaky scalp often occurs as a result of various types of dermatitis. True dandruff is thought to occur as a result of sensitivity to a yeast called Malassezia Furfur that naturally exists on the scalp. This sensitivity can lead to the growth of extra skin cells that collect and flake off. Since Malassezia feed off the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands of the scalp, regular shampooing (daily or at least, every few days) will assist in controlling the population of Malassezia whilst removing the debris and flakes.

Dread Empire's Anti Dandruff Shampoo is infused with Tea Tree, Cedarwood and Rosemary oils - all of which possess anti bacterial and anti fungal properties. It is our most popular shampoo and we regularly receive positive feedback attributing it to improving dandruff and itchy scalps.

The Lemon Myrtle Shampoo Bar is another option. Again, this one offers strong anti-germicidal benefits with the added bonus of being eco friendly due to no plastic in the packaging. And finally, Botanical Serum offers excellent re-hydration of the scalp and Neem, Lemon Myrtle, Tea Tree, Rosemary and Peppermint are all well known for their powerful anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. These oils have often been utilised to treat dandruff over the centuries.

My dreads feel so heavy and lank and / or they are starting to smell!

Are you shampooing regularly enough? And most importantly, rinsing thoroughly and letting them dry completely before tying them back? That is most defiantly the key when it comes to keeping dreads clean and free from the dreaded dread rot.

Dread Empire's Deep Cleansing shampoo uses Lime & Grapefruit oils to refreshen and deeply clean. But sometimes shampooing regularly still may not cut it! Doing the occasional deep cleansing soak (every 6-12 weeks) will make your dreads feel lighter, brighter and reinvigorated. Our Bi Carb and Himalayan Salt soaks come in 3 delicious flavours with various essential oil blends. Our very popular inflatable basins will make the soak so much more comfy and convenient.

My dreads just won't lock up, how do I fast track maturity?

Squeaky clean hair knots and locks faster than dirty hair. Our Himalayan Salt Shampoo Bar helps accelerating the locking process by deeply cleaning and eliminating build up of oils whilst texturing the hair.

Dread Empire's Accelerator spray functions in a similar way and expedites the maturing process further. It's Sea Salt base is complemented with Aloe Vera, Lime Oil and Pro Vitamin B to maintain your hair's health.

My hairs dry and brittle and my dreads are so scratchy and prickly.

Dread Empire offers a few conditioning options which are designed to restore your hairs moisture level and improve overall hair health without inhibiting the locking process. Our Conditioning Spray is a light, leave in conditioner with an Aloe Vera base and a refreshing scent thanks to Sweet Mandarin Oil.

The Quench range includes 3 delicious flavours and has a Grapeseed Oil base which is readily absorbed by the hair and will effectively soften, hydrate and revitalise.

Our Balm offers both conditioning and binding ability with Shea Butter and Macadamia oils - this one is a heavier formula, designed to stay in and best suited for very dry hair and mature dreadlocks.

My dreads are a mess with lots of loose hair.

Here's a few options which will help tidy up your locs and these can be used by themselves or in conjunction with each other. The most effective way to achieve tidy dreads is by crocheting in the loose hair.

Dread Dust is helpful in getting stubborn hair to lock up and a small sprinkle of dust can be placed on your finger tips before grabbing a few loose hairs, rubbing them between your fingertips to create a dread ball then pull the ball into the dread usinig a crochet hook.

Shampooing regularly will also help loose hair knot up and the Himalayan Salt bar is particularly good for this reason. And finally, the Tightening Gel is another fab way to do a quick tidy up. The Aloe Vera base will hold down loose hair, encourage maturing and it also smells divine. Our Tidy Locs kit which includes the Accelerator, Gel, Dust and Crochet Hook is worth considering as it is more economical than purchasing these products separately.

Arggghhh, how do I avoid Nits?

Head Lice would have to be a dread heads worst nightmare! Our All natural head lice repellent offers an effective way to repel head lice using only organic ingredients. It's a light, non greasy, leave in spray that smells incredibly fresh and zingy... exactly what head lice hate.

I have major thin spots in my dreads.

Loose hair from our weft can be backcombed and then crocheted into the thin area of the dreadlock. The Dread Dust is so helpful during the backcombing section as it texturizes the hair making it less soft and sikly so knots form tight and easily. Use small bundles of hair at a time and worth your way up to the desired thickness.

How can I keep my dreadlocks dry when swimming?

Our Dread Empire swim caps make this easy peasy! Available in Long Hair, Large and Extra Large, there should be a size for everyone. Unlike all other long hair or extra large caps on the market, how silicon is of exceptional quality. It's thick and durable and smoother so it slides on more easily. We also offer a snugger fit around the opening to prevent water seepage. Our Large Shower Caps also offer a quick and easily solution for keeping your dreads dry in the shower.