For new Dreadlocks without extensions I recommend chin length hair and a minimum of 4-5 inches to attach extensions. This length allows for a well formed base and seamless look.

To keep your dreadlocks fresh, healthy, and free from buildup, I recommend washing them at least once a week. Be sure to use a dreadlock-friendly shampoo that’s designed to cleanse without leaving residue.

Rinse thoroughly to ensure all product is removed and your scalp stays healthy.

For a complete guide on maintaining your dreadlocks, subscribe to my free Dreadlock Care Guide and get expert tips on keeping your locks in top condition!

Taking care of your scalp and dreadlocks is essential to keep them healthy and strong. Here are some easy tips:

1. Keep Your Scalp Clean

Wash your dreadlocks once a week with a dreadlock-friendly shampoo to remove dirt and oils. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid product buildup.

2. Prevent Buildup

Avoid using heavy products like waxes or gels that can cause buildup in your locks. Stick to residue-free shampoos designed for dreadlocks. If you use any hydrating oils use a clarifying shampoo occasionally.

3. Protect your locks from damage

Be gentle when handling your locks, and avoid tight hairstyles that can cause stress on your roots. Let your dreadlocks air dry or use a blow dryer on a cool setting.

4. Regular Maintenance

To keep your dreadlocks neat, do regular maintenance like root separating and palm rolling. See a professional for touch-ups every 3-6 months.

Natural Dreadlocks can last years of even decades if cared for properly. They are a long term commitment that require consistent maintenance and care.

Dreadlock Extensions however have a shelf life, good quality Human Hair will last several years with proper care. Regular maintenance and appropriate products is key to ensuring they stay in great condition for as long as possible.

The frequency of professional maintenance for your dreadlocks depends on how tidy you like them to look. For a clean, well-maintained appearance, professional maintenance every 3 months is recommended. However, with a solid at-home maintenance routine, you can easily extend the time between visits and keep your locks looking great.

Regular upkeep at home can help you maintain the health and shape of your Dreadlocks, making professional maintenance less frequent while still achieving the look you desire.

Palm rolling and regular maintenance can help reduce shrinkage

Yes, lumps and bumps are completely normal, especially in the beginning stages of your Dreadlock journey. As your hair tightens and matures it can cause lumps and bends these will smooth out with time and maintenance.

Light palm rolling or crochet can help, but avoid too much manipulation.

Dreadlocks can take 6-18 months to fully mature, depending on your hair type.

Squeeze out excess water after washing, wrap in a microfiber towel, use a hair drying bonnet or a hairdryer with a diffuser attached.

To keep your dreadlocks neat, healthy, and well-maintained overnight, try these simple steps:

1. Loosely Braid Your Locks:
   Gently braid your dreadlocks to prevent them from tangling and to maintain their shape. Avoid tight braids, as they can cause unnecessary stress on your hair.
2. Cover with a Silk/Satin Bonnet or Scarf:
   Protect your dreadlocks by covering them with a silk or satin bonnet or scarf. The smooth fabric reduces friction, preventing frizz and breakage.
3. Use a Silk/Satin Pillowcase:
   Alternatively, you can sleep directly on a silk or satin pillowcase.

By following these easy steps, you’ll keep your Dreadlocks looking fresh and healthy with minimal effort—ready to take on the day!

Human Hair Dreadlock Extensions

Look and Feel: Human Hair extensions blend more naturally with your own hair, giving a realistic appearance and texture. They are softer, smoother, and can be styled just like your natural hair.

Styling: Since human hair can be heat-styled, you can curl, straighten, or blow-dry the extensions to match your desired look. This allows more flexibility, especially for clients who like to change up their styles.

Colouring: Human Hair can be coloured using hair dye/toner although this may reduce the life span of your extensions. Bleach is not recommended as this can damage the hair.

Durability: Human hair extensions are long-lasting and can last for years with proper care. They’re more resilient and won't fray or degrade over time.

Maintenance: Requires regular care, just like natural hair. You’ll need to wash, condition, and moisturise to keep them in top condition.

Cost: Human hair extensions are more expensive due to the quality and longevity

Synthetic Hair Dreadlock Extensions

Look and Feel: Synthetic hair has a more artificial shine and can feel coarser or stiffer than Human Hair. While it can look realistic at first, it doesn’t blend as seamlessly with natural hair as Human Hair.

Styling: No heat styling - Synthetic hair can’t be straightened or curled with hot tools (unless it’s specifically labelled as heat-resistant). It can only maintain its pre-set shape.

Durability: Synthetic dreadlock extensions usually last 1-2 years and are less durable than Human Hair. Over time, they can fray, lose shape, or develop a rough texture.

Maintenance: Synthetic hair is low-maintenance since it doesn't require the same level of care as Human Hair. They do not hold water so drying time is much faster. They cannot be coloured or styled with heat tools.

Cost: More affordable than Human Hair extensions, making them a budget-friendly option for people wanting to try Dreadlock extensions. I would not recommend them as a permanent option.

• Natural Dreadlocks: Yes, you can dye them, but use the right products and care.
• Synthetic Dreadlock Extensions: Cannot be dyed.
• Human Hair Extensions: Yes, they can be dyed like natural hair.

If you're thinking about dyeing your Dreadlocks, it’s important to use the right products, and make sure your hair is healthy enough to handle the process. I strongly advise going to a professional colourist with experience in dyeing Dreadlocks to avoid incorrect results or damage to the hair.

If you have Human Hair Dreadlock extensions, you can wash them similarly to your natural hair, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Use a Residue-Free Shampoo: Choose a dreadlock-friendly, residue-free shampoo to avoid buildup. Regular shampoos or conditioners with heavy products (like oils or creams) can cause buildup in the locks.

Gentle Washing: When washing, be gentle to avoid disturbing the base where the extensions are attached. You don't want to pull or tug at the roots or attachment points.

Avoid Conditioners on the Roots: Conditioners can loosen the Dreadlocks or cause them to slip, especially at the base. You can apply conditioner to the ends of your locks if needed, but avoid the length and roots.

Rinse Thoroughly: Be sure to rinse your locks thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue.

Dry Carefully: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from the locks. Avoid rubbing them with a towel, as this can cause frizz. Let them air dry or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting if necessary.

For a full FREE guide on washing and caring for your Dreadlocks and extensions subscribe to our emails 'here'

Yes, you can get dreadlocks with fine hair! They might be thinner, but with the right technique and care, fine hair can lock beautifully.

I recommend wearing Dreadlocks braided in for no more than 4-6 weeks at a time. After this period they should be removed to avoid your hair matting at the base.

After removing -
Wash your hair and scalp thoroughly: Give your hair and scalp a good wash to remove any buildup and refresh your scalp.

Take a short break: Allow your hair to rest about a week. This helps prevent stress on your hair and scalp.

Re-installation: After the break, you can reinstall and follow these steps as many times as you like

Average Number of Dreadlocks for Full or Half Head

Full Head: Typically requires 60 pieces

Half Head: Typically requires 30 pieces

Please note, the exact number of Dreadlocks may vary depending on the thickness, density, and condition of your hair.

If you're unsure about how many pieces you need, feel free to send a photo or video of your hair, and I'll be happy to recommend the best amount for your specific hair type.

Standard End Dreadlocks: The ends are left natural, either wispy or blunted, with no additional hair added. These require less maintenance and showcase more of a natural Dreadlock texture rather than extra loose hair at the ends.

Luxury End Dreadlocks: These have three times the amount of hair added to the ends, giving them a fuller, thicker, and more luxurious appearance. While luxury ends are stunning, they require more upkeep than standard ends, as they need regular maintenance and care to keep them looking their best.

Conditioner: Apply conditioner to the luxury ends only, avoiding the Dreadlocks themselves, as conditioning the locks can cause them to loosen.

Daily Brushing: Gently brush through the luxury ends daily, holding the base where the luxury end begins to prevent pulling at the roots.

Hair Oil & Deep Conditioning: Use hair oil and occasional deep conditioning treatments to maintain the health and shine of the luxury ends, keeping them in top condition.

For complete luxury end dreadlock care instructions, subscribe to our emails below!

Yes, styling tools like curling irons and straighteners can be used on luxury end Dreadlocks. However, it’s important to:

• Always use heat protection to prevent damage to the hair.
• Keep the heat setting below 180°C (356°F) for the best results without compromising the health of the luxury ends.

By following these guidelines, you can safely style your Dreadlocks while keeping them looking beautiful and healthy!