Dreaded my hair...any tips for a newbie?

[Jiojo Jiojop]

I'm going into the Air Force end of April, and for the little bit of time between now and then, I decided to dread my hair.

I got my hair dreaded over the past 2 days by my brother, and it's come out quite well actually.

My dreads are a good 7-8 inches or so, not the longest but not bad.

They are standing up right now so I know they're good and tight, and I read to just sleep with a cap on.


My concern is keeping them dreaded.

How do I wash them? Should I?

What should and shouldn't I do now?

I know I won't have em long, so essentially I just want them to look decent until I have to shave em off.

For now, I know to just keep palmrolling, and I've got rubber bands at the ends until they really lock in.

Thanks for your input!

(btw, I'm white, with somewhat curly hair.....I know hairtype dictates a lot)