This is all my opinion and from my experience thus far, but here's what I would say.

You could definately be having a reaction to the wax on your scalp. I would say that the bumps are caused by hair being pulled awkwardly, but with loose roots this doesn't seem plausible to me (I could be wrong). Most of us here recommend not using wax anyway. If you aren't careful, it can get deep into your dread and never wash out, then it will start to mold. I had nothing but trouble with wax (horrible acne and an infected ear piercing because of the stuff, ick). It might work for you, but I would stop using it and see if your head feels any better.

As far as the roots and general looseness, sounds like they didn't get them tight enough at the root, you can gently backcomb the root and palm roll them to help tighten the up, and also root rub. ( If you don't know how to do any of these things, DreadHQ has some great tutortials.) Also, wax makes your hair slippery, and it'll be harder for the hairs at the roots to grip each other. The less wax you use, the better off your dreads will probably end up. (I know wax works for some people, but you really don't need it.) You can also get some of those tiny rubbe bands and band the roots to encourage them to stay together, but make sure you change them out often and well before they melt into your hair.

As far as washing goes, you definately do not have to wait 2-4 weeks, especially if your scalp is irritated. Wash your hair in the bathtub under gentle water with a residue free shampoo and lukewarm water, palmroll while you sudz up, and rinse very, very gently, and you should be fine. After you wash, get as much of the water as you can out and roll those suckers until your hair is dry. Washing actually helps tighten up your dreads, and clean hair will dread better than dirty hair. Over the weeks your scalp will build up natural oils that will hinder the dreading process if you don't wash semi-often. (I would say maybe once a week?)

Overall, it just seems like your dreads are really new. Give them some time. They're not going to mautre for a while yet. This meant that you're going to have puffy-is dreads for a while. It's ok, that's what happens. They'll get super tight on their own. Each set is different for each person, and you kind of have to find what works for you. There's a lot of experimenting in the first three months or so.

Oh my goodness!!! Wax is certainly NOT required to create stunning dreads!!! if anything, it will make your dreads sticky (and thus attracting bits of fluff etc etc), it will be very difficult to get out, and foremost....it will actually PREVENT your individual hairs from moving and thus tangling together and creating dreadlocks....Wax is not a necessary step in the dreading process.....I cut my dreads off last week (yes I'm a little sad and lonely now lol) but have a look at my photos in my profile if you must...wax never touched those dreads....I used wax for a few weeks with my first set of dreads and had many problems with it....but found no trouble whatsoever with my waxless dreads....much of this was due to using dreadhead HQ shampoo....oh my goodness I cannot sing its praises enough lol!

Good luck with your newbies :-)

beksta.

I just wanted to let you guys know that the Dreadhead shampoo could have an irritating effect on sensitive skin. I've had my dreads for a year now, and when I started using their shampoo, my back broke out something awful. I've been spending 10 of the last 12 months struggling to find the cause and the solution, and have finally narrowed it down to the ingredients "Sodium Lauryl/ Laureth Sulfate". When I realized that the same ingredient in toothpaste that had caused my gums to bleed was also in laundry detergent, body wash and most soaps, it finally dawned on me. I went back and checked the Dreadhead shampoo bottle and sure enough, it's on the list of ingredients.

This mystery skin irritation began a long journey of learning for me about the body, nutrition, toxins, fasting, herbs, hormones, stress management, exercise, sustainability, supplements, deciding whether to trust large companies and so many other things.

Sodium Lauryl/ Laureth Sulfate has been found to remove oil from skin and cause irritation. I haven't had sensitive skin at all before this, even thought I'm fair. Please be aware that this ingredient is in most of the products you use.

If anyone has used the Dreadhead shampoo and knows for a fact they're not sensitive to it- I've got two full bottles (used one once or twice) available for a discount price. Msg me if interested.

Thanks.

Yeah, I said 'just' after washing, but that's what I meant :) (after they're dry!)

Yeah, I do the same, during washing, and sometimes even when I'm just sitting around (with a free minute on my hands.. my hand automatically goes to my head!).. I'm also CONSTANTLY finger rolling my little dreadies.. Round and round they gooo!!

I read how you use crochet hooks on your hair (that was you, right?... Those are not the same as felting needles, correct?).. does your hair get very damaged/fall off when you use 'em, or is it similar to dreadheadhq's tool that just 'sews' the hairs into the dread without breaking 'em off in the least way?

I tried felting needles, and my hair broke off like craaazy while I was 'stabbing' and jabbing at it.. U had any experience with that @ all?