If you ignored the above advice regarding shampooing, at least take the time to RINSE your locks separately over the tub or sink.  Since the faucet in your tub is larger and generally has a stronger stream, you may prefer this option.

When you rinse, mentally divide your hair into four sections.  Concentrate the water stream on each individual section before moving to the next.  Squeeze and manipulate the hair in each section to insure that the water is reaching each lock, root to tip.

Depending on your hair length, allow ample time for your final rinse.  The amount of time you allow for rinsing is really up to you.  If you wish to conserve water, simply wash your hair every 3 weeks as opposed to every 2.  Don't skimp on a proper shampoo in the short-run because all it will do is lead to long term problems...Build-up.


Face the Facts
Lint, Dirt, Debris and Dandruff are inevitable.  Unlike loose hair, you can't use a comb or brush to remove the build-up of these substances.

One of my friends swore her locks were clean.  Her locks are beautiful and approximately 2.5 years old.  She uses only oil to twist and felt the need to argue with me over the idea that locks can not be 100% clean.

So I made bet with her.  If she would cut about 1-2 inches off the tip of one of her locks and we examined and found nothing, I'd give her 50 bucks.  If we did find something, she'd have to apologize and realize that the Queen D...is me!

She agreed and sho'nuff when we ripped that puppy open there was build-up inside her locks.  She freaked.  I got my apology and all is well in naani land.

The facts are, everytime you twist, you may be unknowing twisting lint into your locks.  The facts are, when you scratch your head, some of that dandruff will never find its way to floor or down the drain.

Shampoo doesn't dissolve lint and although it may bind with dirt/dandruff, it may not easily find itself out of mature Dreadlocks.

This doesn't make your hair dirty, or filthy.  For the most part, you'll be hard pressed to find dirt in some areas of our locks.

What it does mean is that to some degree, build-up is natural.  It's no different than the realization that we all have natural yeast that lives on our skin or that bacteria live and thrive inside our bodies or that penicillin, a common antibiotic, is derived from molds....ok, am I grossing you out now?

Removing Excessive Build-Up
Antiseptics and alcohol treatments, hot water baths and vinegar rinses.  These are a number of ways in which you can loosen up product build-up inside your locks.  naani's natural

s Aromatherapy Witch Hazel or All-Purpose Astringents and Essentially Herbal Vinegar Rinses are available online.  The former relies on an alcohol base to remove oils and loosen debris, the latter uses the traditional cleansing and deodorizing properties of apple cider vinegar, organic herbs and 100% pure essential oils.

The extreme solution would be to use a dish detergent like Dawn.  Dawn is typically what's used to clean wild-life that are effected by oil spills (tar).  But more typically, a Clarifying shampoo should do the trick.

What are Clarifying Shampoos?
The quick and easy answer is that clarifiers work to deep-clean and remove buildup resulting from styling products, mineral deposits from hard water and environmental factors (smog, smoke, dust, etc).

Clarifying shampoos contain heavy-duty Surfactants-the detergents used to cleanse the hair and remove oils.  Some also contain natural, acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon to further cut through build-up that generally leaves your hair feeling heavy and looking dull.

Many professionals suggest using a clarifier before undergoing a chemical procedure (i.e. relaxing or coloring) because doing so helps remove deposits enabling the treatment to work more evenly and effectively.

How Often do You Use a Clarifying Shampoo?
Generally this depends on your product usage.  If you're the type who regularly uses lots of styling aids-pomades, oils, hair sprays and/or gels, you will probably have to use the clarifier more frequently than others.

Because clarifying shampoos are so intense, they can also leave the hair and scalp feeling dry and brittle.  This is why they shouldn't be used as a regular shampoo.

I suggest using the clarifier in one shampoo and a moisturizing shampoo for your final washing.  Follow it with a good conditioner and you will minimize any negative results associated with the clarifier.

For those with dreadlocks, how often you use the clarifier will generally depend on how often you wash your hair.  If you're the type who goes 3+ weeks in-between shampoos, the use of a clarifier during at least one shampoo will help strip any build-up that has resulted in that time frame.  Again, follow the clarifier up with a moisturizing shampoo and a conditioning treatment to avoid dryness.

For those with straight/natural hair, you can generally use a clarifier less frequently.  Unless you're using a lot of product in-between shampoos, generally those with African hair types can use a clarifier every 3-4 shampoos, if not more.  There's really no set time frame.  Some folks can go 6 months before needing the use of a clarifier so use your discretion.  It is however a good idea to use a clarifier the week or so before you relax/color your hair.


Natural Remedies
Our hair is naturally acidic.  Apple-cider vinegar and citrus essentials are naturally acidic (although more acidic than hair).  Doing an rinse with these will serve as a natural alternative to clarifying shampoos.  Keep in mind however that they are also drying so don't overdo it.  Once a week will sufficiently remove any build-up that has accumulated.

Rotating Shampoos & Conditioners
To avoid overall build-up, the easiest thing to do is to rotate your shampoos and conditioners.  Most professionals suggest rotating your products every 4-6 months.  By doing so, you will get the best results from the product and will avoid having to undergo a product-switch every time you think the products lose their effectiveness.

So, it's best to have 2 or 3 product lines that you know will work well with your hair and rotating them every few months to keep your hair looking its best.