Having lint on sisterlocks or dreadlocks contribute to the myth that locks are dirty, even though you wash your locks like everyone else.

Let face it, lint heavy locks do not look pretty, and if you have it, I'm sure you looking for ways to get rid of it. I have come in contact with lint in the past, so this post will be based on my experience, as well as research I have collected in the past. Below is my tip on how to avoid lints, and how to remove lints once you have them on your locks. You can never eliminate lint from your life now that you are locked, but you can maintain healthy clean looking locks.

How To Avoid Lints

- Be careful what you use to shampoo & condition your locks. You have to be aware that a lot of shampoo & conditioners will leave residue if you don't properly clean them out. If you need to use a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner, I suggest doing a clarify wash once a month or try doing a BSW & AC rinse every couple of months. That will help keep the buildup at a minimum or nonexistent.

- You will need to cover your locks when at home. Excellence products that cover your locks are Doo Rags (male), Satin Bonnet (Female), or Loc Sock (both). This will stop a lot of lint form building up as you lay in your couch, bedroom, etc. Ladies I know wearing a bonnet is not attractive around your spouse, but what is more unattractive? A lint ridden lock or a protective black bonnet?

- If you moisturize or conditions your locks, YOU MUST wear a something that offer coverage. I notice lint is very much attracted to well moisturize locks. I often moisturize my locks at night and wear the bonnet to avoid any lint from being attractive to it. I also avoid lint prone clothing the following day. I also suggest switching to natural oil like Jojoba Oil or coconut oil if you use any oil to moisturize your locks.

- Avoid lint heavy clothes for example sweaters, some cotton clothes, high neck clothing etc. If you have to wear any of the above, I suggest wearing your locks up or even have them covered.

- If you use gel or wax to palm roll your locks, I highly recommend using it for the root (new growth) only and if you must use it for the entire length, then I suggest avoiding lint ridden clothes as much as possible. On the day you apply the wax or gel, try to pin your hair up for a couple of days to avoid lint from getting caught on your locks.

- When showering, please keep your locks in a shower cap, this is especially important for longer locks. Lints & buildup tend to happen a lot more when the hair is wet. There are shower cap for very long hair, use it. Also be careful when using a wash cloth when cleaning your neck. That is usually the number one reason for buildup in the back of the locks.

- After you wash your locks, avoid using terry cloth or cotton towels as these shed a lot and thus tend to leave lints in your locks. Your towel of choice would be microfiber towels.

Removing Lints

Hopefully you try to inspect your locks daily, since catching lint in the early stage is the best way to remove them.

- You can pick the lints out at first by using your fingers (if they are not imbedded deeply). If they are imbedded deeply, you will need to use a Rat Tail Comb to pick them out. Please use caution when doing this since that can weaken your locks.

- You can also try doing an ACV rinse, which will help loosen the lint. Removing lint on wet hair is much easier vs. dry hair.

- Not necessary a removal, but you can always use a black or brown sharpie to color in the lint. Its not a highly recommend solution, but it worked for me last time without any issue.

If all else fail, you may have to dye your lock the color of your natural hair color, or just get a cut, if your problem area is in the lower end of your locks.