.png)
DREADUCATION
Below is everything you need to be fully educated on life with this hairstyle so you can move forward with FULL confidence in purchasing Dreaded Whit dreadlock extensions<3
ABOUT MY DREADLOCKS
I am SO obsessed and passionate about these extensions that I have self-designed and spent the last 5+ years crafting to perfection! After my own experience purchasing a set of dreadlocks from a company that were HEAVY + ITCHY, leaving me with rashes and severe hair loss with my fine/thin hair, I designed a dreadlock extension that is SOFT, LIGHT, FLUFFY, COMFORTABLE, and SAFE FOR ALL HAIR TYPES!
A full set of 22" dreadlock extensions will usually weigh 9-12 oz. I use a synthetic fiber that is free of extreme harsh chemicals and is safe for all skin sensitivities! A key component of my method is that I do NOT use excessive back combing to create a "dread." The outer surface of my extensions are SMOOTH and the texture comes from the shape of the outer layer, not from back combing from the inside out! This allows for the extreme light-weight, because the inside is fluffy and full of air, while the outer shape of the extension has movement and volume! This is also what allows for the amazing flexibility, flow, and their ability to lay flat upon install!
​
Something that I commonly see in many other dreadlock styles is the density and stiffness of the dreadlock extensions, which is not bad or wrong! I simply value for myself hair that is soft and flexible for comfort and ease of styling. It is very difficult to make dreadlock extensions of synthetic hair that are not heavy and/or itchy, but I have designed a method that allows myself and my clients the ability to feel aligned in our soul expression in a way that does not compromise our comfort or health of our hair!
​
Watch the video below to visually see a close up and explanation of my dreadlock extensions!
Installing
Installing your dreadlock extensions is something ANYONE can do with practice and patience! There are only 3 things that work together to create the install, and that is color placement/length, the braid, and the sectioning! If you don't have my Mapping + Sectioning Guide, that will take care of 90% of your struggle throughout this process, whether you are doing it yourself or going to a hairstylist! It is never fun to have gaps/holes throughout your install, run out of dreadlocks before you're done, or have leftovers leaving you with less coverage! This Mapping + Sectioning Guide will solve all of that for you!
(Click here for Mapping + Sectioning Guide)
​
​
For the colors, that is something that will be different for every set and the ratio of colors you have! It's best to follow the same ratio of colors you have all the way around the install to stay balanced and not be left with one color once you reach the top!
​
In the install tutorial below I will show you the braid that I use on all of my clients, which paired with my fluffy dreadlock extensions, allows for a beautiful and durable install that will lay flat and last 5-weeks!
(Click Here for Install Tutorial)
​
I have linked below the elastics that I use for install! The black ones are the only ones that work! They are durable, reliable, and last the full 5-weeks!
(Click here for Install Elastics)
​
Things that are important for installing​
-Install on freshly clean + dry hair
-Even tension in each section
-DO NOT use any gels, hairspray, wax, or any other product!
-Mist with water to gain control on the section and to have a clean braid
-I recommend square sections or mildly triangle at the crown to ensure even tension from all corners of the section
-Clean sections, use a comb for precision!
-Fine/thin hair is best leaving baby hairs out along the hairline
-Leave the neck hairs on the outer edges out (cut them if you prefer) to avoid tension bumps
-1'-1.5" sections throughout your head
-Avoid excessive tension at the scalp to avoid tension bumps, allow for some slack right at the root​
-With a proper install, clients can last 5-weeks before removing. I do not recommend ever going more than 5-weeks. If you have fin/thin hair or otherwise compromised hair such as bleached/damaged, I recommend being on a 4-week schedule!
​
​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​
Maturing Process
Something that is SO beautiful and wonderful about these dreadlock extensions is they form a dreadlock web/netting along the outer layer of the dreadlock, as opposed to me "dreading" or "locking" the inner layer of the extension! This really is what makes these dreadlocks different than all the other dreadlocks you are likely to stumble upon! This is why they are so flexible, this is why they're so soft, this is why they are so COMFORTABLE! And this is why they STAY soft and fluffy and comfortable!
​
When you first receive your dreadlock extensions, they will be silky soft to the touch, fluffy, and absolutely magical! Once you install them, they will begin their maturing process! They will remain soft, fluffy, flexible and comfortable, but they will lose the silky/shiny surface texture after about 9-11 days and be more of a matte surface texture!
(Keep in mind, this information and guidelines are specific to Dreaded Whit dreadlock extensions)
​
On around day 9-11 they will start to form their webbing/netting and form more of a matte finish on the extensions! It is very very important that in the first 5 weeks you keep up with the weekly maintenance and after-care instructions for fresh dreadlock extensions! Any hairs that mature on the outside of the netting on the dreadlock are harder to get back in once they've matured. As demonstrated in the video below, I recommend going through your whole head at least 2X a week for the first 5-weeks. Separate the dreadlocks, if any are stuck together, break the hairs, do not rake with your fingers! Then twist the dreadlock around your fingers all the way down, rubbing the loose hairs back into the tip once you reached the end. This reinforces any loose hairs that have come out back into the dreadlock.
​
It is totally normal for hairs to come loose and get stuck together, especially the dreadlocks on your neck rubbing on your back. It is important to do any spot maintenance as needed if you see any getting stuck together!
​
If you keep up with my First 5-Weeks after-care instructions, you will set the tone for cleaner dreadlock extensions with less maintenance moving forward. The less you take care of them during that first 5 weeks, the more you will have to continue to do the maintenance clean-up as time goes on because loose hairs can mature on the outside of the netting that forms!
​
The First 5-Weeks After-Care
-Stay away from velcro + zippers (avoid velcro forever - trust me)
-Do not wear high friction clothing such as fleece/fuzzy materials, this will cause your dreadlocks to get fuzzy more frequently
-2X a week (at least) go through and separate all dreadlocks one by one, breaking apart any that are stuck together, and doing the twisting + rubbing method as demonstrated in the video!
-If you are lower activity, you will not need to do the maintenance as frequently as someone who is highly active. Do your maintenance according to what your dreadlocks need! If you help reinforce the loose hair back in while it's in the maturing process, they will form to the webbing and not be left a stray, leaving you with much cleaner results!
-Silk pillowcases/bonnets are optional to help minimize friction
(Click Here for Silk Pillowcase)
-Wear your hair as down as possible, avoid messy buns for the first 5 weeks (This ensures the hair is down and moving/maturing, and also ensures no bunching before the netting is fully formed)
-Can do loose hairstyles, do not keep styles in overnight while maturing
-If you do high activity work outs and your hair is flopping everywhere, best to secure in style to avoid excessive friction of the dreadlocks on your skin/clothing and remove style after the workout
​
​
*IMPORTANT*
EVEN IF you do not follow these instructions and do not do any of the maintenance after installing your dreadlocks, THEY WILL STILL BE FINE! I say this to give you the best and proper maintenance instructions for the best and cleanest way to take care of these extensions, but I don't want to scare you!
I still think you should follow these instructions for the best, easiest, and cleanest path forward, but I have a lot of clients that don't follow any of these instructions once they leave my chair, and their dreadlock extensions are still perfectly fine, they just aren't as clean and polished as they would have been if they would have done the daily after-care for the maturing portion of the extensions.
​
These instructions really are only strict to the first 5-weeks, beyond that, GO CRAZY!!!
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Keeping Your Hair Healthy
Just like there is an improper way to brush your hair that will cause damage, there is also a very proper way to brush your hair without any damage! Same goes for wearing dreadlock extensions! There are definitely things that can cause damage with this hairstyle, but as long as you follow my guidelines, you won't have anything to worry about!
​
Things that can cause damage with dreadlock extensions
-Leaving them in too long (matting at the roots can cause breakage/hair loss when brushing at removal)
-Section too small for the natural hair to support the dreadlock
-Excessive tension at the scalp/tension bumps
-Washing too much/too little (Strip oils/build-up or clogged pores)
-Improper removal (Learn more in "Removal" section below)
​
This hairstyle is SO EASY to take care of! Most of the damage possibilities are going to come from leaving in your dreadlocks too long, and tension bumps! Even if your dreadlocks are super light, and you install with proper tension, you can still get tension bumps when you style your hair! It is important to make sure when installing your sections are 1"-1.5", not smaller, and to make sure you're not over doing it with the tension! In addition to this, when you style, make sure any areas that are pulling too tight, typically around the hairline, are given some slack by pulling it forward out of the style! Tension bumps occur when the pressure/weight on the follicle exceeds it’s capacity. It will then inflame, and develop a zit-like bump that is red and itchy! When the follicle is in this state, it usually falls out due to its vulnerable state, and repetition of these bumps can cause traction alopecia from damaging the hair bulb! If you get some every once in a while, do not worry! Just follow my instructions on how to care for your scalp amidst some tension bumps!
​
How to care for tension bumps
-Stop styling for 4-7 days when tension bumps arise and wear your hair down to minimize additional tension while your treating the inflammation on your scalp
-If you would like to relieve your whole scalp, mix lavender essential oil in your shampoo and wash your scalp!
-Dabble lavender essential directly on bumps to help the inflammation and soothe the surface
-If your tension bumps are from the install itself, wash your hair. This allows the braid to move around slightly in the process allowing slack/relief at the roots/scalp
​
Learn more in the "Removal" section, but when you leave your dreadlock extensions in too long, the loose hairs at your scalp that you've been shedding for the last 5 weeks are tangling and beginning to knot around week 5. It is important to remove your dreadlocks before this becomes extreme to ensure you have a safe window away from risking any severe matting/knotting. Severe matting/knotting can cause hairs to be pulled from the follicle when brushing out and can also just cause the hairs to snap at the source depending on the severity and rigor of brushing!
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​
(Virtual or In-Person)
Washing Your HAIR
To reap the full benefits of this hairstyle, I definitely recommend washing your hair every 7-10 days! This will prevent extra chemicals and products from getting into your natural hair and only allowing your natural oils to enter your hair cuticle and keep it moisturized and protected while you wear this hairstyle! Avoid waiting too long between washes because you can get build up, and once it's there it is hard to scrub and remove until you remove your dreadlock extensions! Build-up can also clog your pores and affect your hair growth!
​
If your scalp is itching, that means it's time to wash! Itching is a sign of excess oil sitting on the scalp that is beginning to form build-up! If you wash your hair every 2-3 days, you may want to start on a 5-7 day cycle and work up to 7-10 days. I recommend everyone try to start on a 7-day cycle for optimal wash schedule! If you're having a hard time stretching your wash cycle and the oils are itching, add a couple drops of 100% lavender essential oil to your shampoo to ease your scalp.
​
Avoid washing more than needed, more washing can result in braids slipping and quicker knotting at the root. If the install was not done as efficiently as possible, washing will only cause heavy slipping, leading to an early removal. After 5 weeks we have lost thousands of hairs that are just hanging out in our roots until being brushed out, and over-washing can increase the matting/knotting process and also lead to an early removal.
​
*Do not use dry shampoo on hair installed with dreadlock extensions*
​
SWIMMING
It is totally safe for your extensions to swim in salt water, chlorine, lake water, all of it! It is so important that as soon as you are done swimming in salt/chlorine to wash your hair as soon as possible, especially if it is bleached/chemically processed and has a higher porosity! Leaving salt/chlorine in your natural hair will dry out all the moisture and could damage your hair if done repetitively or left in hair for long periods of time. After swimming in salt/chlorine, wash your hair very thoroughly with warm/hot water to open the cuticle and allow the salt/chlorine to be removed properly. Note, when washing after swimming in salt/chlorine I recommend washing the whole strand, not just the roots. If you do not have access to a shower, try and rinse with clean water, if possible. If you won't have access for more than a couple days, I recommend putting some jojoba oil into your natural hair to add moisture until you can remove the salt/chlorine. This is especially important for anyone with chemically treated hair, especially bleached/permed.
​
HOW TO WASH DREADLOCK EXTENSIONS
I have found the easiest way to wash my dreadlock extensions is to section the top half in a bun, wet the underneath 3 rows, lather shampoo into just the scalp area, rinse, and repeat! Then let the top section down, wet thoroughly, wash the roots, rinse, and repeat! This is super fast and easy! I always wash each section 2x because the first wash just gets rid of the oils, but because there are oils mixed in with the shampoo, I don't get a good lather. Washing the second time allows for a greater emulsification and thorough cleanse! I recommend using a moisturizing shampoo, do not condition your dreadlock extensions or the hair braided in your dreadlocks. You can condition your hair left out of the dreadlocks, but don't get the conditioner on the dreadlocks!
​
I do not recommend sleeping on wet dreadlocks, wash in the mornings on wash days. It is okay to use a blow dryer, but first get as much of the moisture out with towels. Do not concentrate the high heat in one area, these are synthetic and if high heat in one area with no movement, can possibly melt! I blow dry my hair in the winter and go outside for a couple minutes in the summer for a real quick dry!
​
How to cleanse your dreadlock extensions between installs
Fill the sink with warm water and your choice of soap. Dawn dish soap cleans very well, but can also be harsh if over-used! I recommend a gentle body soap/shampoo to put in the sink with your dreadlock extensions. Soak them and squish them around for the best results. One wash should be enough unless you went four wheeling, etc. Drain the water and rinse until completely clean. Hang to dry on a rack or towel.
To do a vinegar rinse, fill the sink with warm water, put 1/4 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of Baking Soda and let your dreadlocks sit for 10 minutes. Rinse and wash with a gentle soap, then rinse and hang to dry.
​
​
​
​
​​​​​​
​​​
Removing Your Dreadlocks
Removing your dreadlocks properly is very important! This is where most of the damage risk exists! I recommend the average person to be on a 5-week schedule with a proper install. If you're experiencing severe slippage, it is best to remove and install again with a more secure braid. If you have fine/thin hair, or extremely fragile/damaged/brittle hair, I recommend you to be on a 4-week schedule at most. Compromised hair needs to stay far away from the window of any tugging or matting at the scalp. Staying within these parameters ensures you remain completely in the green and far from risk of damage!
Once you have 3/4"-1" of wiggle room at the scalp and/or any matting occurring at the base of the braid, it is time to remove! I have found it is easiest to wash my hair 1-2 days before removing to get rid of oils and have a smoother brush out.
​
MAKE SURE YOUR HAIR IS 100% DRY BEFORE YOU REMOVE/BRUSH OUT YOUR HAIR
​
To remove your dreadlock extensions, break the elastic and undo the braid. I recommend breaking the elastic with your fingers to avoid accidentally cutting any of the dreadlock hairs. If you have undone the braids and your hair is still a little damp, wait until your hair is 100% dry before you brush out your hair!
Your hair has elasticity and when it is stretched when it is wet, it will just snap. ESPECIALLY if your hair is bleached/chemically processed and has higher porosity. Once your extensions are removed, brush out each individual section from ends to roots with a comb or brush.
​
DO NOT WASH YOUR HAIR BEFORE BRUSHING OUT YOUR HAIR
​
Brush your hair until you have a clean pass with a comb throughout your whole head and make sure every tiny little tangle is combed through! Remember, we lose 50-100 hairs a day, you will have 3,000-ish hairs come out, IT'S NORMAL! You will have what seems to be a lot of hair coming out, that is your normal hair shed over the last 5 weeks!
​
You can install as soon as you want after removing, I just recommend getting 3-4 good washes in before doing so. These washes can all be in one wash session, just make sure you do multiple washes to clear any build-up on the scalp over the last 5-weeks!
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​​​​
​
_edited.png)
_edited_edite.png)
_edited_edite.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
_edited_edited_p.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
_edited.png)
.png)
_edited.png){kind=small}
.png)
_edited.png)
_edited_edite.png)
_edited_edited_.png)