Sorry to hear you're having a rough go of it! The good news is, you have options.

Plan A - do the best you can with what you've got. If you can pry your locks apart right down to the scalp again, you have a decent shot at reclaiming them. You'll want to palm-roll them often after that, paying special attention to the roots so they don't grow back together. Dreads change their look over time, and irregularly shaped and sectioned dreads can take on a unique, artistic character all their own.

Plan B - The Nuclear Option. If you want to remove your locks and start again, you can get yourself an Emergency Dreadlock Removal Kit and start over again with help from our famous Dreadlock Removal Tutorial.

If you're suffering from excessive build-up of natural oil, conditioners, or any hair product, we recommend residue-free products (we just happen to know of a good source :) and regular shampooing, rinsing, and proper drying.

If you're still experiencing buildup, perhaps you're washing your hair too often. Everyone's chemistry is different, so listen to your body's messages - if your hair is always seems to be too oily, shampoo more often, if it's always dry, shampoo less often.

If all else fails, try a homemade vinegar rinse. Works like a charm, and helps with the itchies, too!