How do i prepare my hair for new dreads?
The week prior to getting your new dreads is an important one as you want to have your hair in the best possible pre-dread condition.
- To prepare your dreads, wash your hair 1-2 days before your appointment with a natural shampoo residue free shampoo such as Faith in Nature (no conditioner). This helps to remove all silicones and other build up that can be lurking in the follicle from using regular shampoos and conditioners. Faith in nature shampoo is perfect and fairly inexpensive.
- Come to your appointment on time and with dry brushed hair (no knots please).
How do I pay for my appointment?
I ask for full payment to secure your booking for dreadlock creation and extensions. For maintenance I ask for £20 to cover the cost of the first hour and any additonal time and mileage expenses will be payable at the appointment. This way it holds us accountable to each other and avoids any delays on the day. I accept bank transfer or Paypal (with addition the goods and services charge)
My bank details are: Infinity Dreads
Sort code: 08-71-99
Account number: 13195076
Or Paypal details are infinitydreadsbylaura@gmail.com
What if i have allergies?
Please be aware that I have a cat and his fur may be on my clothing, so if you are allergic to cat fur I may not be the best loctician for you.
A small number of people (approx. 5%) have an allergic reaction to synthetic dreadlock extensions. This is due to the alkaline covering the manufacturers put on the hair during processing. Allergy symptoms may include itching, flaking or breaking out with small white and red bumps on your scalp. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) can generally sooth this allergic reaction. Mix 1.5 cups of ACV with warm/hot water into spray bottle and thoroughly spray all over scalp, hair and dreadlock extensions. Let this sit for approximately 40-45 minutes on your hair. During this time, the acidity of the ACV removes the alkaline base from the hair. Rinse in the shower with cool water, shampoo with Tea Tree Shampoo, rinse well and let it air dry. Try this 2-3 times and it should alleviate the symptoms. For more severe reactions, the dreadlock extensions may need to be removed, however payment is non-refundable.
Will getting dreads installed hurt?
Your head may feel a bit tender from having your scalp tugged at all day and the tenderness will pass within a day or so. If it becomes too unbearable, scalp massages and maybe something like clove oil to desensitise the nerves a little. If you take commercial pain relief, try some Ibuprofen or similar. The first few nights of having dreads may also be a challenge. Newly tightened dreads can feel like sleeping on a pile of cords. The best thing to do for this problem is to sleep on your side and wear a dread sock or beanie. Eventually (2-3 days) you will get used to it and they will soften a bit. You can also expect your scalp to itch quite a bit. Try not to itch, as difficult as it may be; this may be the hardest part of the dreading process. I recommend you raid Nanna’s sewing basket and grab yourself a knitting needle to gently rub the itchy section – done gently, this can help stop the itch, it gets right into the centre and the base of the dread and it won’t hurt your scalp. Using your fingernails can actually make the dreads unknot plus you can take layers of skin off your scalp, causing scabs to form.
How much shorter will my hair be when I dread it?
My dread method focuses on minimal loss of length. Usually the hair is about 10% shorter after it’s dreaded. HOWEVER, thinner hair shortens more; thick hair shortens less… also the fatter you make the dreads the more it shortens the hair. Many people with thin hair are very disappointed in how much their dreads shrink but it’s all part of the locking process. If you’re worried about loss of length, we can add extensions to fatten up or lengthen your dreads.
Do we wash our dreads?
Yes you wash your dreads. Dirty/greasy hair is slippery, doesn’t lock well & is plain gross. I recommend washing your dreads once a week with a residue-free shampoo (no conditioner) such as Faith in nature. Washing not only keeps dreads clean and healthy but also helps them to tighten. I recycle an old washing liquid bottle, take the labels off, pour half shampoo and half water into the bottle and mix gently. With a nozzle that allows you to direction the shampoo directly into the dread root, it’s brilliant to use. Watering the shampoo down 1:1 ratio helps get right into the dread and scalp and you don’t need to scrub your dreads to get it out. When you first jump in the shower, don’t wet your dreads. Instead, use the shampoo on dry hair so you can feel it working into your scalp and each & every dread base properly. Don’t worry about pouring onto the length of your dreads; this will happen naturally as you wash the shampoo out. I normally bend over and tip all my dreads forward over my head then starting at the base of my neck, I squeeze the shampoo into each dread base, sectioning the dreads back over my shoulders when done. This way you know you’re targeting each dread properly and it avoids getting shampoo into your eyes. Then just rinse out as normally, working the shampoo out of the length of your dreads.
DO NOT USE CONDITIONERS, 2-IN-1 SHAMPOOS, VOLUMISERS OR ANY PRODUCT THAT WILL CAUSE A BUILD-UP IN YOUR DREADS!
Can you dye or bleach dreads?
Dying or bleaching the hair is easier before it is dreaded as the dying and bleaching process will leave the hair a bit dryer and more fried which will make it dread faster. So if at all possible bleach or dye before you dread. If you dye or bleach it after its dreaded wait until the hair is good and locked, about 10 to 12 weeks, however be very aware that this MAY cause your dreads to break off. If your hair is bleached before you dread, it is easy enough to carefully bleach just the roots / regrowth.
Is wax good for dreadlocks?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!! I don’t advocate wax for dreadlocks – it makes them sticky and attracts dirt and dust. It also prevents hair from drying out and can cause ‘dread rot’ and mould. Google ‘dreads’ and you’ll see many companies selling all kinds of products promising they’re the best. First, in my opinion, if you’re looking to have dreadlocks with no frizzy hair, no loops, bumps or character, you don’t understand the beauty of dreadlocks. Dreadlocks are not meant to be perfect. Second, these companies are trying to SELL their product. They are out for a quick buck. Do not throw away your money.
When using wax, you are not benefiting your hair at all. Dreadlocks are formed by hair knotting and building up on itself. When wax is put into hair to help “dread” it, all you’re doing is coating your hair with a horrible gunk that is super tacky, but does NOT allow the hair to knot properly. Even the smallest amount is bad for your dreads. The sticky gunk picks up dust, lint and other unwanted garbage that is almost impossible to remove from your hair. Imagine what you could be carrying on your head! To the right is a picture of wax trapped in dreadlocks. GROSS. If you want something to smooth some of the frizz in your hair, go for natural Aloe Vera. It soothes the scalp, smooths the loose hair and washes out easily without leaving residue.
Can I maintain my own dreads?
Absolutely! I sell 0.75mm crochet hooks, which is perfect for slipping through your dreadlock. This needs to be done gently so as not to break the hair. Hold the dread in one hand and gently poke the crochet hook through to the other side, grab the loose hair with the hook and gently pull into the body of the dread. Don’t rip it; just pull it into the tube of the dread. Then palm roll your dreads regularly and they should keep nice and neat. If you have any difficulties or just would rather me do it just ask… that’s what I’m here for! If you book in a maintenance session every 3-4 months, your dreadlings will mature nicely and look tidy in the process.
My dreads have loops and bumps on them, can this be fixed?
You can use decorative beads and string on your dreads to help them conform to a better shape. The string can be wrapped around the dread including the bumpy or loopy area to help pull in and tighten those areas. Beads can be used in a similar way but do remember to move them and any jewelry around to prevent too much wear and ensure that they are removed when washing to ensure the hair underneath is able to fully dry before re-installing. Do however be cautious with new dreadlocks as they need to be able to move in order to mature. Also do not forget you can palm roll them to help keep a better shape and use a crochet hook to pull in any loose hair.
Can I use oil on my synthetic braid in dreads?
Definitely not. The use of oil will only speed up the deteriation of the plastic. The best thing to use to keep them looking their best are products such as wig spray made for synthetic hair.
