How Long Does It Take to Grow Dreads to Your Shoulders
Starting your dreadlocks journey is such an exciting and transformative experience. However, many people often wonder how much time it takes to grow their hair to a desired length when considering this popular hairstyle. How long does it take to grow dreads to your shoulders? This blog post will look into the fascinating world of dreadlocks, exploring the timeline, factors, and insights that contribute to the journey of growing shoulder-length locks.
What it Takes to Grow Dreads to Your Shoulders
The straightforward answer is that it takes roughly 1 year and 2 months to grow dreads from ear to shoulder. However, if your dreads already reach your chin, it will take 8 months.
Generally, hair grows 6”/year. It means half a foot growth will happen to your dreads when maintained with great care. However, many factors play a vital role in this growth.
If you start dreadlocks in long hair, the dread will reach your shoulder within 13-14 months. On the other hand, if your hair length is only a few inches when you start, after 12 months, the dread will barely reach your jaw.
For best results, proper care of your dreads is mandatory. You will gain a lot of lengths if you ensure the optimum care. While your dread will not reach an expected length if you don’t wash or retwist as required.
How Long Does It Take to Grow Dreads from Bald Hair?
Generally, hair grows half an inch per month. The dread-locking process can be started once your hair gains a little bit of length. If you start dreads from bald, you will achieve butt-long dreads in 12 – 15 years. However, growing dreadlocks from bald hair is an exceptional experience that demands patience and dedication. The amount of time it takes to grow dreads from bald hair can vary depending on factors like how fast your hair grows, your genetics, and how long and thick you want your dreads to be.
How Can I Speed Up My Dreads Growing?
People are worried about the dreadlock’s growth when it is knotted. If you take proper care, dreadlocks can grow faster than regular hair. Here are a few methods to speed up your dread growing.
Method 01: Change Your Diet Plan
Yes, changing your diet plan is the first secret to growing your dreads faster. Consuming the right vitamins and minerals will promote your dreads growth.
Eat Vitamin A More
Add more food of Vitamin A to your daily meal list. Vitamin A is a healthy method of growing your dreads quickly.
- Fish oils, milk, eggs, and liver are great sources of Vitamin A
- You will also find Vitamin A in leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, squash, cantaloupe, and apricot.
Increase Vitamin E Intake
Hair growth will increase when you start taking Vitamin E more. Add extra Vitamin E to your good list and check if your dreads are growing.
- Vitamin E-rich foods are vegetable oil, seeds, and nuts. Fortified cereals and various leafy greens are also good sources of this vitamin.
- Kiwi, tomato, hazelnuts, peanut butter, mango, almonds, sunflower seeds, and corn oil contain Vitamin E.
Start Consuming Flaxseed
The best thing about flaxseed oil is that you don’t need to add a large amount. A small amount can do the trick for the fast-growing of your dreads. Visit your local grocery store and buy it.
- Sprinkle flaxseed oil over different vegetables and fruits.
- Look for bakery items like pieces of bread and muffins made baked using flaxseed oil.
Intake More Protein-rich Food
Protein is efficient enough in promoting dread growth. Incorporate protein in your daily meal items. So what is protein-rich food? Whole grains, beans, fish, and nuts are high in protein.
Biotin Supplement is also a Good Source
The overall appearance of your skin and hair will improve after consuming Biotin supplement and vitamin B. Intake biotin supplement one time per day and eat cauliflower, eggs, and nuts which are a good source of vitamin B.
Method 02: Take Proper Care of Your Hair
As stated earlier, proper care will promote the expected growth of your dreads.
Thoroughly Wash Your Dreads One Time per Week
In terms of washing dreads, there is a misconception. People think that washing dreads once a week is unnecessary. The truth is, when the dread is created, regular washing is mandatory.
However, don’t wash your dreads daily; make a periodic plan for washing your dreads.
- Buy a shampoo that is specifically formulated for dreads.
- Thoroughly rinse your dreads for at least 2 – 5 minutes. Also, make sure shampoo residue is not available in the dreads. Flaking may happen if you don’t wash properly.
Wrap Your Hair at Night Before Going in the Bed
When you are in bed, proper care is necessary. You can use a hair cap, blanket, or scarf to wrap your hair. Don’t forget to follow it every night. This will ensure healthy and safe dread growth.
- If you find shedding problems, catching stray hair will be convenient by wrapping your hair.
Scalp Massaging is the Key to Success
Massage your scalp gently one time a day. This way, dead skin cells can’t build up, and hair health will be promoted.
At the same time, massaging your scalp promotes blood flow throughout your head. So, it would be best if you don’t forget to massage your scalp for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Apply Mixture of Coconut and Castor Oil in the Dreads
Prepare a mixture of coconut and castor oil. Then apply it before washing your dreads with shampoo. The process is:
- Apply the oil mixture properly
- Give it a rest for 30 minutes after applying
- Wash the oil properly using warm water
This process will help your dread grow faster, and you will get the result in 2 weeks.
Method 03: Try Multiple Methods
You can follow the below methods simultaneously with the earlier methods.
Visit Hairdresser Periodically
If you don’t experience visible growth of your dreads, make an appointment with a qualified hairdresser. Tell the hairdresser about your procedure of taking care of the dreads. The hairdresser will help you identify anything wrong in your process. Also, a hairdresser will advise you to maintain your dreads accurately for fast-growing.
Start Taking Supplement
There is a wide range of supplements available for growing dreads. However, you can’t buy any supplements without consulting a skilled hairdresser. Discuss with a doctor and follow their advice meticulously. By following the tips and tricks of the doctor, the expected result will surely be achieved.
Have Required Sleep
Many of us sleep late at night and don’t pay attention to proper sleep. Your overall health will be seriously damaged due to poor sleep habits. At the same time, hair growth will also be slow. In this case, having the right pillow will be helpful. A silk pillow will help you avoid breaking and tangling your hair.
On average, dreads grow ½” per month. So; in a year, your dreads will be 6” with proper care.
FAQs About How Long Does It Take to Grow Dreads to Your Shoulders
How Long Does It Take to Grow Dreads to Your Shoulders
The time it takes to grow shoulder-length dreads can vary depending on factors such as your hair type, growth rate, and maintenance routine. On average, it may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months or longer to reach shoulder length from shorter lengths.
Does everyone’s hair grow at the same rate for dreadlocks?
No, everyone’s hair grows at different rates, and this can affect the time it takes to achieve shoulder-length dreads. Factors such as genetics, age, health, and hair care practices can all influence hair growth.
Can I speed up the process of growing shoulder-length dreads?
While there’s no guaranteed way to accelerate hair growth, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and minimizing stress can contribute to optimal hair growth. Additionally, avoiding damage to the hair and scalp through gentle handling and proper maintenance can help promote healthy growth.
How often should I maintain my dreads to encourage growth?
Regular maintenance is essential for healthy dreadlock growth. This may include washing your dreads regularly with residue-free shampoo, palm rolling to tighten the dreads, and separating them to prevent matting. However, overly frequent maintenance can potentially slow down the growth process, so it’s essential to strike a balance.
Are there any tips for caring for shoulder-length dreads during the growth process?
Yes, there are several tips to care for shoulder-length dreads as they grow. These include keeping the scalp clean and moisturized, avoiding excessive manipulation or tension, protecting the dreads while sleeping, and using natural oils or moisturizers to keep the hair hydrated.
Can I still style my hair while growing shoulder-length dreads?
Absolutely! While your dreads are growing, you can experiment with various hairstyles and accessories to express your style. From updos and braids to hats and scarves, there are plenty of ways to rock your evolving dreadlock journey with flair.
What should I expect during the transition to shoulder-length dreads?
As your dreads grow, you may experience some changes in texture, length, and appearance. It’s normal for new growth to be softer and less tightly locked than mature dreads. Embrace the journey, be patient, and enjoy watching your dreads evolve and mature over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Growing dreadlocks to your shoulders is a journey that requires patience and consistency. It’s possible for some people to grow locks to their shoulders in about a year, but it can take longer for others depending on various factors that are unique to each individual. To achieve and maintain healthy, shoulder-length dreadlocks, it’s important to prioritize regular maintenance, proper care, and patience.
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