Neat dreadlocks for children

Tony Airo

Q. I want dreadlocks for my three-year-old girl. Please advise me on suitable products to use and what to expect in terms of time and cost.

A. I am sure your mind is already set on putting the dreadlocks. While this is not a bad idea, be prepared to spend a lot of time in the salon if your daughter is the obstinate type. To achieve a neat look, the locks will have to be twisted slowly and carefully and this will take up a lot of time. On the other hand, a simple twist gel will work for her.

The cost is pegged on how often you take her to the salon.

Q. The declining economy means I can no longer afford salon costs. I am now thinking of cutting my hair and switching to a blow out instead. Please advise me on how to go about this.

A. Thank you for your genuine question. It is good that you are aware that you can do your hair at home. First, buy a blow out chemical from any cosmetics shop. After shaving your hair, apply a base cream like Vaseline to your scalp to prevent irritation. Remember to wear gloves throughout this process in order to protect your hands from the harsh effects of the chemicals. Ensure you have running water, not basin water, to avoid reusing the water as this encourages further processing which is hazardous to your hair. Use a wide toothcomb when applying the chemical and comb in the direction you prefer. Five to 10 minutes later, rinse, neutralise (using an appropriate shampoo) then condition your hair. Finally, apply a curl activator gel.

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Q. Thank you Tony for your lovely column. I have a problem with dandruffs. Although they occur seasonally, they also appear on my eyebrows. Please advise me on what to do, as it is so embarrassing.

A. The condition you describe is not a common one. I suggest you see a doctor both when the dandruff manifest and in their absence so that he/she can diagnose the problem.

Q. I live in the UK and I thank you for all the tips you share in this column. What is the longest time one should stay without retouching her hair?

A. That will depend on how fast your hair grows. If you have very fine hair, you could comfortably stay up to three months. People with thick course hair could last for just three weeks since it cannot be combed and it cuts a lot without retouching.

Q. A few months back, my hair used to grow disproportionately, and break a lot. This improved after medication from my doctor. However, some time this year it started cutting again. What do you advise?

A. I recommend that you go back to the medication if you stopped using it. Find out from your doctor if discontinuing its usage would affect the growth pattern of your hair or cause it to fall off. If the answer is yes, ask your doctor to prescribe an alternative that works in the long term.