The truth is, some misguided folk believe that the only way to dreadlock your hair is to refrain from shampooing it. The most common argument for filth regimines is that not-shampooing causes hair to lock quicker.
 
Today, MOST realize that this is not true and the filth stigma associated with locks is the result of a campaign in recent years to degrade people who've chosen to wear them.  Think about it, it wasn't until the 1930's that locks garnered their popular name.  Prior to Jamaica in the 1930's, locks represented one of the world's oldest and most prolific hair styles with everyone from religious leaders and monks wearing them, to Ancient Egyptians and Celts.
 

When and how often to shampoo largely depends on your hair Texture and the method used to begin your Dreadlocks. For example with braids and two-strand twists dreadlocking methods, the mere structure of these starter locks enables the wearer to shampoo more frequently and as often as needed from Day 1.  
 
In contrast, comb-coils, palm-rolls and finger twists which unravel more easily in the presence of water require time to "set" and develop before you initiate your first shampoo.  Thus, if you have two-strands or braids that you will transition into dreadlocks, shampoo at will.  If not, follow the advice below.
 
On average, most locticians recommend not shampooing your hair during the first 3-4 weeks because it causes twists to unravel; however, some dreadlocks wearers have found that more frequent washing actually caused their hair to dreadlock sooner because it strips excess oils from their hair which they believe retard the locking process.  The latter group are often those who have choosen the Freeform or Organic method of growing dreadlocks (Marley Locks).
 
After the 3-4 week period, most new dreadlocks wearers should transition to every 2-3 weeks of shampooing.  Once an individual reaches the Teenage Stage of dreadlocks, they generally can shampoo as often as they like with most shampooing
every 7-14 days
 
Dreadlocks Maintenance: Unclean Hair is Unsanitary
Individuals that go weeks, even months without shampooing have so many stories of insecurity and overall funkiness that you'd be wise to reconsider the "not-washing" regimine. While they THOUGHT that not washing was the way to go and that EVERYONE who dreadlocks doesn't wash their hair, they are sadly mistaken.
 
If you're an active person or are a bit apprehensive about allowing your head to go weeks...months without a drop of shampoo, you should start you dreadlocks with a method that will enable you to wash your hair a little more than the average.  Again, two-strand twists and braids are great for individuals on the go.  You can shampoo these types of starter locks from the very beginning of your journey without much consequence
 
What bothers me and most seasoned lock wearers about filfth regimines is that they are often followed because "they" said it was the way to go.  Ask most people who don't shampoo their locks who told them to do so and they're rarely able to pinpoint a source.  When they do, the advice often came at the hands of an unscrupulous loctician or friend.
 
In the end, I honestly don't care what your loctician or others have recommended, after about 4 weeks, it's time to put some water and shampoo on those puppies. If you can go longer, more power to ya but why?  Not only are you making your journey anything but positive, you're adding credence to the term "dreadful" locks.
 
I've said it time and time again, not shampooing doesn't make your hair lock any faster...it just makes them stink and in turn, makes you nasty in the presence of others.
 
Dreadlocks Maintenance: The "But My Locks Don't Stink" Excuse
Most people who smell poorly are unaware of the penance they're imposing on others.  Going months at time doesn't convey your devotion to growing dreadlocks.  All it does is confirm your ignorance of the hair style and your willingness to prescribe to falsehoods and negative stereotypes associated with the style.
 
Friends and family may not tell you how funky your hair is.  Many times, they're being nice and when asked, most will lie as no one wants to be the bearer of such news.  In other cases, those close to you may have their own misconceptions of dreadlocks and may also think that in order to grow them, your hair has to be as filthy as possible.
 
So you may not be able to smell your hair but if it's been months since your last shampoo, they do indeed stink and are filthy.  If you've used product during this period, not only do they smell, but you're creating a situation where when you finally do shampoo, you may be unable to fully and completely remove the accumulated product from your hair.  In the end, your locks when wet will have an ingrained, foul stench that you may never be able to get rid of.
 
Dreadlocks may not smell overtly when dry but the litmus test is how they smell in the presence of water.  Once you add water, those months of neglect will radiate from your locks as if they're saying, "THANK GOD!...HOW LONG WERE YOU GOING TO KEEP ME HERE?!"
 
Think about it, even when hair is loose, we pick up smells and lint from our environment.  Over several months you're bound to have dandruff and dead skin that have flaked off your scalp.  All this Gunk and debris not only make for damaged, funky locks, but they pose hygenic concerns as b acteria, yeast and fungus can accumulate in your locks.
 
So please, please, don't believe the hype.  You can shampoo as needed.  Give it a try!  It won't be the end of the world and your locks will be happier for it.