Keeping your dreads clean will actually help them lock faster and stay locked. Dirty, unmaintained dreads will start to smell and become fuzzy or uneven. Use shampoo that contains no residue as well as no preservatives or additives. This will ensure the shampoo will not dry out your dreads. You can find residue-free shampoo at your local hair supply store or online. While hair wax and gel can help to smooth out your dreads, they can also make them greasy and loose. Only use wax and gel on your dreads once a month or a few times a year to touch them up. Do not use wax or gel daily, as this can cause a buildup of product and ruin the lock in your dreads. Look for hair wax or gel that is formulated for dreadlocks. They will usually contain ingredients that will help to smooth and maintain dreadlocks properly. Opt for gel if you are locking your dreads for the first time. Keep your dreads looking slick and tight by maintaining a regular locking routine. You may try alternating between twisting and palm rolling to lock your dreads. Lock your dreads once a day so they do not get loose or fuzzy. If you are unsure of the best way to maintain your dreads, or if you are having trouble maintaining them on your own, see a professional hairdresser for guidance. Look for a hairdresser who has experience maintaining dreadlocks. Ask them for advice on the best way to keep your dreads looking good, based on your hair type and your lifestyle.
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One-sentence summary -- Wash your dreads once every 2 to 3 days with a residue-free shampoo. Use wax and gel sparingly. Follow a regular locking routine. See a professional hairdresser.

Pick a reading spot that you know will be quiet and have the least amount of distractions. At home, this might be your bedroom or a room upstairs, away from shared areas like the kitchen or living room. At school, you may read in the quiet area of the library or in a quiet corner of the study hall. Choose an area that has thick walls and a door or a partition. This will help to block out noise and other sounds that could distract you from your reading. If you know there is going to be noise where you are reading, wear noise cancelling headphones or ear plugs. Close all doors to keep out noise. This will help you stay focused on the text. You should also turn off your cellphone and your wifi. This way, you are not distracted by social media or text messages. Let those around you know that you are trying to focus on reading. Put up a Do Not Disturb sign on your door. Ask others around you to stay away from your room or area so you can try to absorb the text in peace. You may instruct others to leave you alone for a set period of time, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour. This way, you are assured of some peace and quiet for a set period of time so you can focus on the text.
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One-sentence summary --
Find a quiet, isolated area. Block out noise and distractions. Tell others to leave you alone.