From the book:
Sandy – Dreadlocks
Sandy Weeks works at the VU in Amsterdam and has beautiful long, radiant dreadlocks.
How long have you had dreads?
I started with dreadlocks 10 years ago, in 1993.
How did you wash your hair before and why did you switch to dreads?
I used to have fake braids (from when I was 14). I switched to dreads because I wanted to for a long time (from when I was 17). An added benefit is that it is a very practical hairstyle. I used to have small braids that I left in and they naturally became dreads.
How long did it take for your hair to lock?
I didn't pay attention to how long it lasted but I think it was about a year. I didn't use any products to really "dread" the hair.
How often do you go to the hairdresser?
I don't go to the hairdresser, I take care of my hair all by myself. My cousin braided my hair. I've been taking care of it myself ever since.
How do you care for your hair?
I really use random shampoos that I like the smell of.
I don't use conditioners. Every now and then I put an oil in it that they call "zeta di awakatie" in Papiamentu. If I translate it: avocado oil. Every week I wash my hair and then I add a little oil to my hair. Then I turn the locks and I loosen locks that threaten to get tangled together.
In the beginning I spent less time on my dreads than I do now. Because they were shorter back then it took less time to wash and twist them. Now it takes me about an hour and a half a week.
Do you have any tips for people considering this hairstyle?
Not really tips, but I do want to say that it really is very easy to keep your hair clean.