Dreadlocks are a popular style for both men and women. They can be made from practically any kind of hair, and they often come with a natural sheen.

However, white spots can form on the dreadlocks over time. If you’re not careful, these spots can become permanent and ruin your hairstyle.

In this article, we will show you how to remove white spots from dreadlocks without damaging them. We will also provide some tips for preventing them in the first place.

So read on to learn everything you need to know about removing white spots from dreadlocks safely and effectively!

What Causes White Spots On Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks can often suffer from white spots, which are caused by the build-up of oils and sweat on the scalp. This can lead to a number of issues, such as scalp itchiness, dryness, and even hair loss.

White spots on dreadlocks can be caused by a number of factors and they are often not anything to worry about. If you notice these white spots on your dreadlocks, here are some possible causes to help you figure out what is going on with your hair.

Dye Itself

The most common cause of white spots on dreadlocks is the dye itself. If you used an old bottle of dye or if the dye was not mixed properly, it can cause unsightly white patches in your locks. This is especially true if you used a strong-hold dye such as Manic Panic or Special Effects which tend to be more potent than other brands.

If this happens, try using a rubber band to section off the affected area and wash out the dye using shampoo and conditioner until it runs clear. Do this until all traces of dye are removed from your hair and then rinse well with warm water before conditioning again with a clarifying shampoo like Biolage Cleansing Conditioner.

Fungal infections.

Fungi such as Malassezia furfur and Pityrosporum ovale can lead to white spots on the scalp and skin, including the scalp underneath the dreadlocks. These fungi are usually not dangerous but can lead to itching, dandruff, and sometimes infection.

Chemical buildup (from hair dye or other products).

Some chemicals used in hair dye or other hair products may leave a residue that will discolor the hair shaft over time when exposed to sunlight.

Scalp psoriasis.

Scalp psoriasis can cause white spots on the scalp and is sometimes associated with itching and flaking skin. It may be difficult for someone to tell whether their scalp psoriasis is affecting their dreadlocks by looking at them in person, but it should be possible to see some signs of psoriasis if you take a close-up picture with your phone or camera.

Skin lesions/bumps

Some people get small bumps on their scalps when they have dreadlocks. These bumps are called pityriasis amiantacea, also known as “dreadlock dandruff.” They happen when the scalp’s natural oil (sebum) builds up and combines with dead skin cells.

Dreadlock fungal infection (tinea capitis)

If you have long hair and you wear it in dreadlocks, you’re at risk of getting a fungal infection called tinea capitis. This is because the hair can harbor the fungus that causes tinea capitis. The fungus thrives in moist environments like your scalp (or an unwashed towel). The symptoms of this condition include white patches on your scalp and redness around your hairline.

How To Remove White Spots On Dreadlocks

White spots on dreadlocks can be a result of a number of different factors, including poor hygiene and not properly maintaining your dreadlocks.

Many people are familiar with the fact that dreadlocks can get dirty easily and require regular washing, but they also need to be maintained regularly. This means cleaning your hair periodically, conditioning it, and making sure that no dirt or foreign particles are getting trapped in the locks.

If you aren’t taking proper care of your dreadlocks, one of the most obvious signs is that they will start turning white. The white color is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells in your hair. If you don’t take care of this buildup, it will continue to build up until the entire lock becomes white.

Luckily, there are a few ways to treat white spots on your dreadlocks:

1. Use a Dreadlock Detangler: One easy way to remove white spots on your dreadlocks is to use a dreadlock detangler. This will help to break down the oils and sweat that are causing the problem, and will eventually lead to their removal.
2. Use a Shampoo Specifically Designed for Dreadlocks: If you don’t want to use a detangler, you can also try using a shampoo specifically designed for dreadlocks. This will cleans off the oils and sweat more easily, which should lead to quicker removal of the white spots.
3. Apply an Oils Treatment: Another option is to apply an oils treatment specifically designed for dealing with white spots on dreadlocks. This will help moisturize the scalp and eliminate any build-up of oils or sweat, which should lead to a quicker removal of the white spots.
4. Always wash your dreadlocks thoroughly before and after each use, whether they are clean or dirty. Dirt, oils, sweat, and other debris can cause white spots on your locks. Make sure you rinse all of the soap residues off your locks before placing them in the water again.
5. Avoid using harsh chemicals or products when cleaning your dreadlocks. These chemicals can cause damage to the hair shafts and lead to white spots. Instead, use a gentle shampoo or conditioner that is specifically designed for dreadlocks.
6. Avoid excessive heat when styling or drying your dreadlocks. This can cause breakage and lead to white spots on the locks. Instead, allow them to air dry naturally or style them using a low-heat setting on your hair dryer.
7. Monitor the sun exposure that your dreadlocks receive each day. Sun exposure can cause lightening of the hair follicles and eventually white patches on the locks. Keep dark shades on when sunbathing or swimming if you want to avoid this problem

How To Remove White Spots On Dreadlocks With DIY Mixture

You might occasionally see white patches on your dreadlocks if you have them. Since dreadlocks are a natural product, getting them to look ideal is not always simple. You may get rid of white spots in your dreadlocks in a few different methods, though, without using harsh chemicals.

You will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• ½ to ¾ cup of baking soda
• 1 to 1 ½ cups of witch hazel
• 20 drops of lavender essential oil
• 20 drops of orange essential oil
• a large bowl in which to soak up your dreads (not a metallic one)
• warm water

* Use whichever essential oils you prefer or have on hand. Orange and lavender are just two examples. To mask the smell of vinegar, make sure they are aromatic and calming.

How to make this recipe

1. Put the baking soda, half the witch hazel, half your drops of lavender oil, and half your drops of orange essential oil into the bowl.
2. Fill the bowl with warm water halfway through. Mix all the ingredients with the warm water using your hand until they are blended in.
3. Soak your logs for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Rinse your dreadlocks.
5. Empty the bowl.
6. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, the rest of the essential oils, and the rest of the witch hazel. Fill the bowl again with warm water halfway through.
7. Soak your dreadlocks for 22 to 30 minutes.
8. Rinse your locks very well.
9. Dry them as well as you can.

Your hair should be clean after using this natural method to remove product buildups from your dreadlocks thanks to the vinegar, baking soda, and witch hazel, and it should smell wonderful because to the essential oils you employed.

How To Remove White Spots On Dreadlocks With Limited Budget

Removing white spots on dreadlocks is a simple process that can be done at home. You can use the following methods to remove white spots on dreadlocks:

1. Lemon Juice

Mix lemon juice with water in equal quantities and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for about 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This will help you remove dandruff from your scalp and also prevent new white spots from forming.

2. Olive Oil

Massage olive oil into your scalp and leave it on for about half an hour before rinsing off with warm water. Massaging olive oil helps in preventing dandruff from forming, which may otherwise lead to the formation of white spots on dreadlocks.

4. Vinegar

Mix vinegar with water in equal proportions and soak a cotton ball in this solution before applying it to your scalp. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing off with cold water followed by washing your hair with shampoo as usual. Vinegar helps in maintaining the pH balance of your hair and prevents white spots from forming too soon after bleaching them off.

5. Baking Soda

This is probably one of the easiest ways to remove white spots from your dreadlocks without spending too much money or time. All you need is 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with warm water until it forms a paste-like consistency (you can add more baking soda if needed).

Then apply this paste directly onto each individual dreadlock, working in sections if necessary until all area is covered and wait for positive results.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this post answered some of the common questions surrounding white spots on dreadlocks. Now you have a better understanding of why they arise, how to prevent them, and some ways of getting rid of them.