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How To Remove Locks & Braids

silhouette of woman with dreadlocks

Some of the most common questions we get relate to how to remove braids, how to get dreads out, and other hair additions, or how to remove the bonding glue. This guide was written to answer these questions and to offer helpful tips on removing styles such as braids, weaves, hair extensions and locks or dreadlocks.

This guide is also helpful when it comes to removing bonding glue. Contrary to some opinions, locks or dreadlocks can be safely removed. You will probably experience some hair loss and will see shedding of the hair that is no longer attached to the hair but is still in the lock. You may have to cut off some amount. But, with patience and the proper tools, you can remove your locks.

We have formulated a product, Treasured Locks Knot No More to minimize the damage that can happen when removing braids, weaves, bonding glue, hair extensions and dreadlocks. Many stylists and consumers simply do not know how to properly remove these styles or what to use. Knot No More was originally formulated specifically for taking down of these styles

Here are our best tips to save your time and hair when removing Braids, Weaves,and Dreadlocks. Treasured Locks H2G Knots No More Tangle Remover

Tools you will need:

  • Knot No More - - depending upon the amount of hair involved and your hairstyle, you may require several (2-4) bottles. If you'd like help figuring out how much your style may require, just ask us. We're experts on this topic!
  • Rat tail comb or similar instrument to the pointed end of a rat tail comb. NuBone Fine Tooth Rat Tail Comb.
  • Wide Tooth Comb.

 

The process for removing braids, weaves, extensions and locks:

    1. Braided, weaved or locked hair can become dry and matted together. So, you must use a product that softens, oils and moisturizes your hair.  Do not try to remove these styles while your hair is dry.

    2. Do not shampoo or relax your hair until it is completely combed out and detangled. If you try to wash away clumps/knots of matted or tangled hair, what happens instead is you end up with a big matted mess. If you try to perm or relax the knots and tangles out of your hair, you will end up with a similar result. Relaxers are not designed to penetrate through clumps of matted or tangled hair.NuBone II Wide Tooth, Hand Crafted Wide Detangler Comb

    3. When removing braids or twists, remove one at a time and comb through each unbraided or untwisted section of hair thoroughly before moving on to the next one.  Do not try to brush out your locks. Use a comb.This is very important. If you do not do this, you will end up with very matted hair that will be very difficult to untangle.
    4. Before you begin to remove:
      1. Braids, soak the roots of your hair and the braids with a removal cream.
      2. Sewn-in weaves, you should also soak the roots of your hair with the removal cream.
      3. Extensions should be cut off first, then, soak the cornrows with a removal cream.

This will prevent tearing and breaking of the hair when you are combing through it.

  1. Dreadlocks may be removed and do not have to be cut off. Locked hair can be unlocked. However, it cannot be done in one day. It will take patience and work. Removal cream can salvage your hair.  You will have some shedding. But, for the most part, you can keep your hair.

  2. When removing dreadlocks that are 1-4 years old, all that needs to be cut off is the tip of the lock. If your locks are older than 4 years, then approximately 1/2 of the lock should be cut off before beginning the removal process. It's very possible that you will require several bottles of removal cream to soak the locks enough to get them to loosen up. Also, it might take several days to work through all of your locks. Use the tip of a rat tail comb (the fine toothed comb with the pointed end) to begin working the braids, locks or twists apart. Use your fingers to complete the detangling. Work gently and slowly to remove the styles.

The process for removing bonding glue:

  1. Please do not use conditioner or oil sheen to remove bonding glue from the hair. It was not created for that purpose. Aerosol based products that contain alcohol are very drying. And, those products do not remove excess bonding glue from the scalp. Over time, excess bonding glue builds up on the scalp and can cause damage leading to temporary balding.

  2. If you do use oil sheen to remove bonding glue from your hair, do not relax your hair immediately afterwards. Your scalp will be tender and vulnerable to damage from the relaxer.

  3. It takes time and patience to remove braids, locks, weaves or hair extensions properly. Many people think it’s too costly to visit a salon to “take down” a style. You can do this at home. But, do not pull and tug on your hair, ultimately damaging it. You cannot rush when removing these styles.
  4. Please take your time. It’s worth it to save your hair. Allow yourself enough time to take the style down properly. Most likely, this will be several days.

  5. Be patient with whatever type of hair you have. Take time to learn about your hair and what it needs.

How to use Knot No More as a conditioner:

After shampooing, apply to damp or wet hair. Separate hair into large sections. Apply Knot No More to section. Work the product into the hair from the roots to the ends. Use a wide tooth comb and comb hair from the ends working your way up to the roots. Repeat through the entire head. Leave or rinse out. Dry and style.

To Detangle and Reduce Frizz:

Knot No More doesn't cause any build up. Can be used daily. Apply a liberal amount to wet, damp or dry hair natural or extension to remove tangles and reduce frizziness. Start from the back. Separate a section of hair and apply Knot No More directly to the area that is tangled/frizzy. Use fingers to distribute product through the hair.

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