Combing Dreads Out
Separate your dreads into single locs. Isolating your hair into single locs will make them easier to comb out. Undo any hair ties and start working with one loc at a time. Start with an easily accessible loc on the side of your head and use a mirror so that you can see what you're doing. It may be easier to have a friend comb them out. Don't break or pull apart the locs. Using hair clips to hold back your other locs may make it easier to comb them.
Saturate the end of your loc with water. It’s important for the hair to be wet before you start to comb it out. Fill a spray bottle up with water and spray the end of the loc to saturate it. Work the water into the loc with your hand and continue spraying it until it’s completely wet. Don't start brushing any part of your dreads without saturating it first or you will break your hair. Work in 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) sections.
Apply conditioner to the wet end of the dread. A conditioner will help soften and moisturize the hair, which will make it easier to comb out the locs. Put a couple of large dabs of conditioner into the palm of your hand and rub it into the end of the dreadlock, making sure to fully saturate the area that you wet with water. You can use a basic commercial conditioner to comb out your locs.
Brush the end of the dread with a small-toothed comb. Hold the loc and brush the end of the dread, pulling the brush outward. Continue brushing out the dread until the hair fully separates. As you comb, built up hair that you’ve shed over time will start to come out into your comb. Don’t be alarmed, this is normal.
Apply water and conditioner to the rest of the dread and comb it out. It's important that as you comb you keep your locs fully moisturized and conditioned as you comb them out, or you may break the ends of the hair. Continue to brush up the lock, working towards the root of your hair a few centimeters at a time.
Repeat the process on the rest of your dreads. Condition and comb out the rest of the dreads on your head. Once you’ve combed out all the locs, you’ll have successfully removed your dreads. Completely combing out your dreads may take days to complete, so patience is important.
Cutting Dreads Off
Cut the dreads 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) from the root. Determine how long you want your hair to be, then use a pair of scissors to cut the dread 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) from the root. Cut all of the dreads a similar length. You can use clippers to make your hair an even length on all sides.
Comb out any tangled hair. Some hair may still be dreaded, especially if you have older dreads. If this is the case, saturate your cut hair with hot water and comb it out to separate your strands. You can also use conditioner to help loosen up the locs, however hot water should usually do the trick. Saturating your hair with hot water will make it easier to shave your head if you decide to use clippers.
Shave the remaining hair with clippers, if desired. Using clippers will make your hair an even length on all sides. Attach size 8 clipper guards if you want to maintain 1 inch (2.5 cm) of length. Go over the surface of your head with the clippers and shave it the same length all the way around. You can also skip this step and get your hair cut by a barber or stylist after washing and conditioning it. If you want, you can taper the edges for a faded look.
Wash and condition your hair. Once you’re done shaving your head, take a shower and wash and condition your hair. Your hair should start to grow naturally with regular maintenance. Tonya Abari Tonya Abari, Natural Hair Expert When removing locs, patience is key. Thoroughly detangle one loc at a time, working from the ends up to the roots. Use a tail comb in small sections with a moisturizing detangler or oil to reduce friction and prevent breakage. Avoid pulling or ripping knots.
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