Unfortunately, many people don't find out the truth about dreadlock wax until after they've already purchased and used it. There's no need to panic though, removal can be done!

The most efficient method of removing dread wax, though probably also the most unpopular, is to simply brush out your new dreads, wash all the wax out (this may take several washings, depending on how much wax is used) and simply start over. Yeah, we're not too fond of this idea, but if your dreads are brand new, less than a few weeks, they can easily be combed out and your hair can be cleaned thoroughly. Like I said, this isn't the most popular method. But it is an option, and it works.

Now, another option is to melt the wax out of your hair. There is more than one way to do this. One way to melt it out is to wash and soak your dreads in very hot water, as hot as you can stand. You'll likely need to do this several times, but you should notice a definite improvement.
Another method of melting is by using a blow dryer. This takes a while because you have to work with one dread at a time, but I've read about other people using this method with fantastic results. Hold your blow dryer so that it blows parallel with your dread instead of directly into it, you don't want to melt the wax deeper into the dreadlock. Using a dry towel, rub away the melted wax as much as you can. Personally, I believe that using a combination of these two steps (hot water+blow dryer) would have the fastest results. 

Of course, deep cleaning is also a very beneficial step in helping to remove all the dirt and debris attracted by the wax. Kyndmama's deep cleaning concoction really does work wonders for your hair. The before and after shot from one of our members really speaks for itself.


Check out the forum thread about the concoction here.
Or see the general maintenance FAQ for more info.

NOTE: Just as an FYI, dreadlocks do not attract lice or bugs any more than other hair types. If you are in close proximity with someone who already has lice chances are you can get them, regardless of whether you wear your hair in locks or not.

Community member Moonshyne has provided her anecdote (and antidote!) here.

We have provided an excerpt from her remedy here:


"This is cheap, effective, and does not require you to chop off all your lovely locks!

To start, pull your dreads up and try to bun them up if you can, or at least pull it into a high ponytail. Use about a half bottle of rubbing alcohol (70% or higher) or however much it takes to cover your scalp. Don't worry about soaking your dreads, because the fumes will kill them (the lice) as much as the alcohol itself. Tie a plastic bag or wear a shower cap tightly around your head for about 30 minutes. It'll itch and its annoying and stinky, but it'll kill the bugs. Rinse it out, and watch the bugs fall out. 

Now, you'll have to do this again in about 3-5 days because the alcohol only kills the bugs, not their eggs (remember, most of the actual lice shampoos don't kill the eggs either...) so you'll have to do this process over again to kill any newly hatched critters, before they have time to reproduce. At this point you really should be lice free, though I would suggest you do it yet again in another 3 days.... just to be on the safe side. 

This is a cheap, easy and very effective way to get rid of lice. It has never once failed us. Just make sure you do it in a well ventilated area (we don't need you passing out on alcohol fumes), and it helps to have a friend or relative to help so you don't accidentally pour the shit in your eyes. That shit ain't cool. Also, no smoking, as alcohol is highly flammable. (don't want you head to go up in flames, do you?) And ta-da! Lice free, for under 5 bucks, and without having you sacrifice your lovely locks! The alcohol rinses out with no residue, and it'll disinfect any wounds you have on your scalp due to scratching. It will dry out your locks if you have to do it very often, but not anymore so than any of those harsh shampoos would....this is nothing a little aloe wouldn't cure. 

One more note... using tea tree oil in your hair acts as a lice/insect repellent. Dr. Bronner's makes a soap with tea tree oil, and that's what we use. You can also buy it as a fancy, overpriced spritzer to spray in your hair. I think you're better off with the soap, personally. We also use tea tree oil in the deep cleaning concoction. I've read that rosemary also acts as a lice repellent, though I've never used it myself."