Applying products like beeswax is very important in your dreadlock hair care routine. Follow this guide and learn everything you need to know about using beeswax on your dreads.
Why Is Beeswax Good For Dreads?
Beeswax is a natural product and has long been used for its ability to protect, soften and seal just about anything. It is totally natural, non-toxic and has no harmful fumes or ingredients.
Why Does Beeswax Work For Dreads?
It works by creating a barrier between the hair or skin and the elements (sunlight, heat etc). It is waterproof and therefore protects the hair from the elements while also supplying a protective layer against friction. When friction occurs you get frizz which, in turn, leads to dread rot and other natural dreading problems.
Applying a very thin coating of beeswax will help prevent your hair from getting wet when it rains or snows because the water simply beads up and rolls.
It also prevents fallout from loose hairs so it keeps your dreadlocks looking newer longer.
How Much Beeswax Should I Use?
1/2 teaspoon per dread is about right. You can always add more if you think it needs it.
How Do I Put Beeswax On My Dreads?
1) Melt the wax in a double boiler. To make your own double boiler twist together two saucepans, one smaller than the other so that it will fit inside it with some room to move around. Fill up about an inch or two with water in the bottom pot and place it on your stove to heat up. Don’t allow the water to boil or touch the bottom of the upper saucepan. When the water is hot, turn it down to a simmer.
2) Using a spoon, remove some wax from the jar and put it in the top pan. The wax will start to melt immediately. As it melts, stir it with the spoon so that all of it is liquified.
3) When melted and liquified, there won’t be any bubbles anymore, only very small ones that come from tiny bits of wax still in your jar. This step is important because if you put the melted beeswax into your dreads with bubbles intact, they could become trapped in the dread and create pockets that are difficult to cleanout.
4) Taking one of your freshly washed but still very wet dreads, stir the melted wax around with your finger so that you have an even coating all over the dread. Then pick up the dread by its stem or loop and let it hang down, ensuring that the wax doesn’t drip off.
5) When you’ve got a coating of wax all over your dread, set it down on a piece of aluminum foil or other non-stick surface and use your fingers to pack the wax into the center of the dread and spread it out towards the end (you can also use a hair tie or band to do this.
6) Repeat the process of waxing and shaping for all your clean dreads.
How Long Before My Dreads Are Dry?
It depends on how thick you put the wax on and how much you use, but generally speaking, it takes about 10 minutes or so. You can tell when they’re dry because the wax will look shiny and stiff rather than tacky.
Beeswax is designed to be very hard-wearing so it’s best not to put too much on or you may find that it comes out in clumps.
What do I do with my dreads once they’re dry?
Just leave them alone and they’ll set nicely!
What do I do if my dreads feel stiff after applying beeswax?
You probably used too much wax. This is easily fixed by just smooshing your dread around a bit to soften it up then washing them again. If you’re out of the shower apply some fresh wax, wash them again tomorrow and you’ll find they’ve softened up nicely.
How To Remove Beeswax Out Of Dreads?
Beeswax is relatively easy to get out of dreads and should simply pop out when you pull on it. If you’ve applied too much wax and your dreads feel stiff then put your dreads into a bowl with high-quality shampoo with warm to hot water. This should loosen up the wax and make it easier to remove. Then just wash them as you would normally. Lightly scrubbing the dreads with a brush will help if you’re having a difficult time.
Can I Use Other Hardening Products In Place Of Beeswax?
Absolutely! You should avoid using things containing petroleum though, as these types of ingredients tend to be sticky and can damage dreads. Coconut oil is good for this purpose but beware that it only lasts a few washes.
You can also use natural glues such as flour and water, milk protein or egg whites if you have them to hand.
How often should I add Beeswax to Dreads?
About once a month is good enough for most people but it depends on how dry the climate is in your area and how much you play in the water, so monitor the situation and adjust as you go along.
Final Words
So now you know how to put beeswax on dreadlocks!
Remember, start with clean hands without moisturizer or soap residue. Put it on THINLY and use less than you think you need. Add more as necessary but too much will be difficult to remove.
If your dreads feel stiff after the application of beeswax, smoosh them together to work it in and they should feel better.
Also, be aware that the wax is visible so using coloring or other additives will show up! You can use dry shampoo or whatever you like but keep these things in mind.
It’s best if your dreads are completely wet before applying the beeswax as this will make it easier to work with and get an even coat.
Good luck!
