Hi, my name is Kath and I am new to dreadlocks - my babies are 24 days old today! I am also new to this tribe and thought i would say hi and ask for some advice.

I decided to go ahead and fulfil a dream I have had for a long time - i decided to get dreads. So, i decided to do them myself using the backcombing method. I ended up using knottyboy wax to help with the process and since then, have read many comments about wax, I have since stopped using the wax.

Currently I am spending well in excess of 10 hours a week maintaining my babies. I am not using any products other than a recipe for a homemade locking accelerator that i stumbled across which i only use once a week anyway (lemon juice, water, seasalt, rosemary and tea tree oil)

The past week however, I have lost around an inch and a half of length. This is good isn't it? I really dont know what to expect over the next few months, so any tips and/or advice would be much appreciated. Also if anyone could let me know just how they are looking for their age - I would be ever so greatful.

Thanks.