hi angela :)

the only problem with dishsoap, is that they usually contain colours and fragrances, which are residues. You are better-off with a non-residue shampoo, or you could also try baking soda diluted in water. When you have locks, shampoo actually lasts a long time...so although it may look pretty expensive, in reality, you'll have the bottle a lot longer than you normally would with regular shampoo. I use dreadhead shampoo, and a bottle can last me 6 months, washing once a week. With baby dreads, it would probably last even longer, as i would recommend diluting even the dread shampoo, to not be too damaging to your new locks.

bravo on going without wax! It does nothing but make your locks look neater in the short-term. In the long-term, it actually hinders your dreads locking together. for hair to mat/dread, the individual hairs need to move around and intermingle. wax prevents this.

How much work your dreads will require depends on the route you wish to go. What kind of locks do you want? Do you want more natural looking locks? or more perfectly formed? as long as you have GOOd advice from dreadheads in the know (unfortunately there is a LOT of bad information out there...) you should be fine :)) xx

hope I helped :)

Dreadlocks definitely take a LOT of work. Most of the time people who don't have dreadlocks are the ones who say they don't take any work at all, but that's completely false. I've had mine for a year and a half and they take constant maintenance with palm rolling and getting the lose ends tucked in. I probably about 2 hours working on them every 2 -3 weeks. They are a big commitment, so be sure you're ready! After all, they are permanent....unless you shave your head of course.

And I agree, not using wax is probably best. Like Beksta said, wax can really hinder the locking process, plus, it can attract a lot of dirt and permanently lock it in your dreadlocks.

As for shampoo, I personally don't like to use any chemicals on my body, so I've gone with Dr. Bronner's. You can get a huge bottle of it for like $18 at Whole Foods and it will last you forever. Unlike many shampoos ( even shampoos for dreads), Dr. Bronner's leaves absolutely no residue behind, so instead of being left with that slimy, "just conditioned" feel (which really is just chemicals being left behind), all you're left with is clean hair.

Good luck!

~Ziggy

i'd empty my pockets for someone on the sidewalk with a "need $$$ for dreads" sign! :P

really though, like beksta said, you'd have to be careful with the dishsoap, but my stuff hasn't any fragrance in it, so it may be an option.

dreads do require a lot of work, but it's a different kind of work..some of it's like fidgeting and you can skip a day! i work on my hair during class (it's sort of fun to watch the girl next to you jump when you rip a couple of biggies apart!), on the bus, watching movies; it's something to do when my hands are idle; it's not something i _have_ to do in the morning when i'm running late! i think everyone who wants them should get them- everyone! it's hair. it's a commitment, but if it's too much for ya, in the long run, you always have the opportunity to shave your head!