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Partial Dreadlocks
How many do I need?
For a partial dread sets, I recommend completing full rows for easier maintenance! To have one straight shot across your whole head separating your natural hair from the dreadlocks will allow for easier brushing, styling, and maintaining your natural hair! My clients who try to add a couple without completing a row always end up ordering more to have that full row and easy separation for maintenance!
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Full row guide starting at the nape and working up the scalp:
1 Row: 4 Dreadlocks
2 Rows: 9-10 Dreadlocks
3 Rows: 18-22 Dreadlocks
4 Rows: 28-32 Dreadlocks
5 Rows: 38-42 Dreadlocks
Full set/6 Rows: 45-55 Dreadlocks
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The smaller number is a closer map out for finer/thinner hair! If you have thick/dense/coarse hair, lean toward the larger number! DM me on Instagram @dreaded.whit if you want me to map out your hair!
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My Mapping + Sectioning Guide definitely works with partials! The Mapping + Sectioning Guide maps from the bottom to the top, use the guide for the applicable area you are installing if you will not be installing a full head!
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How do I maintain partial dreadlocks?
All maintenance and after-care instructions for the dreadlocks remain the same no matter how many you have.
(Click here to see "Dreaducation" for more information)
To maintain a partial dreadlock style, I recommend brushing your hair or separating your hair from the dreadlocks 1-2X a day to prevent tangling. Especially during the first 5 weeks while they are maturing! When you brush, be careful not to accidentally brush your dreadlock extensions! At the beginning while they are new, they are vulnerable and can snag! ​Continue to follow the regular maintenance instructions as shared in my "Dreaducation" section.
How often do I wash partials?
Although you will not have a full head of dreadlock extensions, the same rules apply for washing your hair as if you had a full head!
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(Click Here to see "Washing Instructions")
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If you have a partial, do your best to wash as little as possible. I know most people aren't on a 7-day schedule with their wash routine, but try to make it at least 5 days with a partial so you are washing your hair as little as possible! Washing a lot loosens the braid, and can tangle the hairs at the scalp that are naturally shedding, but stuck in place at your roots.
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When conditioning your natural hair, do your best to set aside your dreadlock extensions to prevent conditioner from getting on/inside of them, which can cause build up. I recommend using a moisturizing shampoo, since you will not be conditioning your hair in the dreadlock extensions!
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If you are washing more than every 7-days, and just have 2-rows, the shampoo running down your scalp as you wash your natural hair is enough to keep it clean and does not need a separate wash for the dreadlock extensions. If you have more than 10 dreads, I recommend every other wash washing the scalp of the dreadlock extensions, and skipping a wash on the dreadlocks on the off week. Every other wash, just let the shampoo from washing the top of your natural hair run down through the dreadlocks for a soft cleanse. This will help your roots stay on a similar schedule to if you were washing every 7-10 days.
How do I measure for partials?
It is very important to keep a couple of things in mind when measuring for partials if you want them shorter than the standard 22". If your hair is 18" or longer, I recommend getting the standard length of 22", because in 4-5 months, your hair is going to be longer than the dreadlock extensions, unless you maintain the same length all of the time.​​
If you have curly hair, then when you straighten it, it will be longer than when it is curly. So, if you measure the length for when it is curly, when you braid it (this straightens it) your hair may exceed that of the dreadlock extension. Or if you straighten your hair, you will not see them as well. Make sure you measure for the straight/in between length if you have super curly hair. Always add 2" to the desired length so you have room to grow in to them!​
If you are only getting 4-7 dreadlock extensions, measure from your hairline directly behind your ear lobe (or wherever you want to place it) and add 2" to that length. It is smart to have 2" to grow into the extensions because if you get them the same length of your hair, pretty soon they'll get lost in your hair as your hair grows!​If you are getting shorter than 16" and are getting more than 2 rows, it is very important that we make your 3rd row slightly longer so it reaches the same length as the other dreadlocks.
​All of this is very custom measuring to your head, especially when you will have multiple colors you are ordering and needing multiple lengths and an exact map out of your head. If you want to order a partial and need custom measuring, we will need to book a designing session together!
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(Virtual or In-Person)