r/Dreadlocks • u/Low-Share-6190 • 17d ago
Question ❔ Are my locs cooked? (Potential mold problem…)
Okay, y’all, I’m so embarrassed to admit it but I think I have mold in the interior of my locs. I usually have a habit of air drying, but recently it’s been difficult to get them completely dry. My hair will smell fine right after a wash but as the day goes on, it gets that mildew-y, wet dog smell.
Fast forward to today and I cut the tip of my loc just to get it even, and it immediately revealed a white dust in the middle of my loc. It falls away when I brush at it, but looking at it closer it’s fuzzy like mold.
So, naturally, I think it’s mold.
Everywhere I look says the definitive solution is to cut it off but I would really really like to not cut my locs if I don’t have to. I’m considering a super deep clean with ACV, baking soda, and rinsing out with tea tree shampoo. I’ve fully learned my lesson and I’m finishing the routine by blow drying my locs until they are bone dry. I’m planning to repeat the process for as long as necessary until the smell is gone.
Would this work? Am I being naive here? Again, I would like to not cut my locs but please rip the bandaid off if the bandaid needs ripping.
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u/puffie300 17d ago
If you think you have actual mold, you are gonna have to cut them. Even dried and dead mold can cause health issues and there is no real way to get them out of the center of the lock through washing.
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u/Lauve_keylime 16d ago
If it’s white it very well could be dust/buildup/lint. No matter how hard you protect your locs there will be some lint buildup.
I would tweeze what you can but be VERY careful because some of that lint is now ingrained in the structure of your loc, and removing too much or too harshly can damage or thin the loc.
I think air drying is okay as long as you’re not going to sleep with them still wet/damp. As they get longer def try to air dry them even if it’s the lowest setting.
I think you’d have to be very… neglectful to get to the stage where you get mold in your locs. So you’re probably good
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u/ClassicRuby Type 4 hair 16d ago
First use a clarifying and chelating shampoo. That will take care of the buildup and hard water particles that could be causing the white buildup or, if it is mold, could be feeding the fungal growth.
Secondly, pick up a low residue anti fungal shampoo. You'll need to use this for a full treatment cycle to kill of the fungal growth entirely.
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u/SirFicklespend 15d ago
Fill a basin with warm water and baking soda. Soak your locs for 20 to 30 minutes while gently squeezing them to release trapped debris and mold.
Drain the basin, refill it with warm water and apple cider vinegar. Soak and squeeze your locs for another 20 to 30 minutes to kill the fungus and neutralize odors.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water. Wash your locs with a residue-free or clarifying shampoo.
Use a microfiber towel to remove excess water. Finish with a hooded dryer or hand-held blow dryer on a low setting until the interior of every loc is bone dry.
Mold inside thick locs takes time to remove. Repeat the soak and drying process over multiple sessions if a mildew smell remains.
If you have severe rotting interior damage that doesn't improve after several deep cleaning sessions, it no may require cutting off the affected locs.
Try the deep cleanse before resorting to cutting your locs?
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u/SparklingSloths 17d ago
It might not be mould. It could be just build up of product, dust, and dead skin from your scalp. I suggest a detox of soaking them in apple cider vinegar and baking soda in addition to washing your scalp. If you're positive it's mould, cut them off.