Dreadlocks look elegant, however they need due treatment to keep them fresh and healthy. A good dreadlocks treatment should help you grow long, tight and beautiful locks that can be easily maintained at home with proper care. The best way to treat dreads is by washing them with residue-free shampoo. This will prevent the build-up of oils and molds, which can lead to dandruff and itchy scalp.

Ensure to include a lot of protein in your diet, as this will strengthen your hair. Lean meats, fish, eggs and soy beans are great sources of protein. You should also eat lots of vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamin C, which will encourage the growth of new hair follicles. Also, drink plenty of water as this will help your dreads retain moisture.

Wash your dreads at least once every week with a sulfate-free shampoo. This will prevent your dreads from drying out and becoming dry and brittle. Washing your dreads on a regular basis will also help you get rid of dirt and other unwanted substances that may be stuck in the hair, such as dead skin cells or fungus.

When you are ready to wash your dreadlocks, start by sectioning the hair horizontally a few inches above the nape of your neck. Secure the rest of your hair with sectioning clips. Next, pick up a small section of hair and begin backcombing it from about an inch below the roots. Continue to backcomb the hair, moving down its length, until it becomes tangled and knotted. Then, begin twisting the hair in a circular motion with your fingers until it forms a tight cylindrical shape.

Vegetable oils such as coconut oil, olive oil and jojoba oil are good for your dreadlocks. These natural oils contain fatty acids triglycerides that can soften the dreadlocks and reduce brittleness. They can be applied to dreadlocks after washing them, in between washes when they need softening and as a hot oil treatment once a month.

Another important tip is to moisturize your dreadlocks regularly by applying some kind of hydrating hair mask to them. Try to use a natural product such as aloe vera gel, a mixture of half rosewater and half black Jamaican castor oil or some other hair mask that contains pure, organic ingredients.

You should also oil your dreads on a daily basis by massaging them with some of the best dreadlocks oils for growth and maintenance. Some of the top dreadlocks oils that are available on the market today include: jojoba oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil, shea butter, and some others. Always remember to choose the products that are safe for your hair type and that are free of sulfates, parabens and other harmful chemicals.