Dreadlocks

How long does my hair have to be to start dreadlocks? Your hair should ideally be 6 inches at the minimum to start the locking process. This way your hair will stay locked together and prevent slipping.

What type of technique do you use? I use the crochet method of creation and maintenance. With this method you can achieve mature looking locks nearly immediately. The crochet hook is used after back combing and teasing the hair to go through and start tightening up all the loops and knots, forming the actual dreadlock. The crochet method can be used on any texture of hair, and is one of the safest and most effective ways to keep your hair locked up and looking great. While it is a great method, it can cause some discomfort on the scalp during the process, so please be aware of this.

Can I add extensions to my locks? Yes, absolutely! Dreadlock extensions are the fastest and easiest way to add length to your current or new dreadlocks. To add extensions to your hair if starting new locks, you need at least 4 inches of growth. The extensions are handmade from human hair, and we can match your current hair color as best as possible. Dreadlock extensions are “permanent”, but they do have a wear life of about 2 years depending on care.

Can I color my dreadlocks? Yes, but you should be aware of the possible damage that it can cause. Dreadlocks are still hair, and will color like everything else, but they cannot be fully saturated. While lightening or coloring, you do not want to squeeze the color into the lock, as the interior won’t be seen anyway. Squeezing color or lightener into the lock could cause some product to be left of and do some serious damage to you hair. If coloring your locks is your thing, be sure to rinse and rinse and rinse until all of the product is out of your hair. Limiting how many times a year that you subject your hair to this process will keep them as healthy and strong as possible. Your best bet would be to color your hair prior to locking it up.

How often should I get maintenance done? Maintenance is definitely something that depends of preference. Having professional maintenance done will keep your locks looking clean, tidy, separated. Some people prefer to just have their locks started professionally, and let nature take its course with the rest, while others want to keep the frizz contained and come in monthly to tidy them up.

Are dreadlocks right for me? Dreadlocks are a very personal hairstyle. Every set is just as unique as the individual wearing them. Anyone with any hair texture can start and keep locks, and they can mean something very different to each person. Our best advice is to do as much research as you can on the topic. Ask other dreadheads about their experience with their hair, watch videos, read articles, and think about the commitment of the hairstyle. If you feel like you’re ready to start your dreadlock journey, or even just curious about the process and have more questions, set up a consultation with Kastle and he’ll be able to answer all of your questions!

Dreadlock Questions

For each new client, whether it’s a new full head of locks, or your first time getting maintenance down, we want to book a consultation first so we can get our hands on your hair, see what we’re working with, and give you a price estimate. We understand an in person consultation may not always be the easiest, so we can also have you send messages of what you’re looking for, and multiple pictures of your hair so we can both be on the same page.

How to book

Still wash your hair! Dreadlocks are still a hairstyle that you wash just like anything else. You can wash them as often as you would like, although you need to be sure to dry them properly (as we’ll go over next). Wash your dreadlocks with RESIDUE FREE SHAMPOO ONLY. Conditioner will cause frizz and slowly start to detangle your locks. While washing your hair, massage your scalp by the roots of the locks to be sure to clear up any dry or irritated areas, then go through the bodies of the locks. While rinsing, gently squeeze your hair to remove any build up of soap that could be trapped inside your locks. Repeat the rinsing process until the water is clear of any soap.

Dry your hair! As stated in the previous tip, you can wash your hair as often as you would like, but focus on drying them afterwards. If your dreadlocks are left to “air dry” too frequently, there can be a possibility of mildew build up within your hair, so let’s avoid that by drying them! The best way to dry your hair would be: gently squeezing excess water out while in the shower, towel dry to get even more moisture out, then blow dry until they are dry to where water is no longer dripping from them. A hood or a cap dryer is definitely not a bad investment, as it will save time and energy on drying them.

Palm roll your new dread babies! Palm rolling is something you can do for at home maintenance. It will help the locking process of your new locks, keep frizz down, as well as keeping them nice and round. As you sleep, wears hats, or any other activity where your locks are compressed, they can start to become flat. Having flat spots is not a bad thing, but in order to keep them nice and round and uniform, palm rolling will significantly help. Only palm roll on DRY HAIR. Palm rolling while the hair is wet while not have the same effect, and can also cause issues if there are extensions installed.

Separate your hair! Separating your dreadlocks will keep them in their assigned seats and prevent them from “congoing” together. You will find that your locks seem to act like Velcro with stray hair and other locks all together, so lightly pulling them apart and keeping the roots separated with have them stay as one lock.

Use dreadlock safe products! Using certain products will help with your dreadlock journey, and help keep your scalp healthy. Like we said about shampooing your hair, be sure to use Residue Free shampoo to prevent a build up of product that can get trapped in your hair. Products available such as a tightening spray will be very useful for new dreadlocks as they are forming and maturing, as well as when maintenance is done. A refreshing or cleansing spray is also beneficial to use in between washes to help moisturize your scalp while keeping them feeling squeaky clean.

Think about maintenance! Everyone goes through their dreadlock journey differently. Locks are a naturally frizzy type hairstyle, so it completely normal to have stray hairs coming from the roots or bodies of the locks. Some people embrace the frizz and let it go, while others will want to have that brought back into the lock. Maintenance will help keep everything looking nice and tidy and separated.

Have fun with your hair! Dreadlocks are one of the coolest and most unique hairstyles. Every set is different. Have fun with decorating them with beads, wraps, braids, updos, and make them even more unique and an extension of yourself!

Tips