Dreadlock extensions, also referred to as loc extensions, are a phenomenal manner so as to add size, quantity, and elegance to your pure hair. Whether or not you are trying to create a full head of dreads or simply add just a few highlights, dreadlock extensions might help you obtain the look you are going for. On this article, we’ll focus on every thing you should find out about including dread extensions, from choosing the proper sort of extensions to putting in them your self. So for those who’re prepared so as to add some dreads to your life, hold studying!
There are various various kinds of dreadlock extensions out there, so it is necessary to decide on the kind that is best for you. Artificial dreads are essentially the most reasonably priced possibility, and so they’re out there in all kinds of colours and types. Nevertheless, artificial dreads could be tough to keep up and so they could not final so long as different kinds of extensions. Human hair dreads are dearer than artificial dreads, however they’re additionally extra natural-looking and sturdy. Human hair dreads could be coloured and styled similar to your pure hair, so you’ll be able to create a really distinctive look. As soon as you’ve got chosen the kind of dreadlock extensions you need, it is time to set up them. Putting in dreadlock extensions is usually a bit tough, however with slightly apply, you are able to do it your self at dwelling.
Step one is to part your hair off into small sections. Then, take a small piece of extension hair and wrap it across the base of a bit of your pure hair. Tie the extension hair off with a rubber band or string. Repeat this course of till your whole hair is roofed in extensions. As soon as the entire extensions are in place, you’ll be able to type your hair as desired. Dreadlock extensions could be styled in a wide range of methods, so you’ll be able to create a glance that is all your individual. Whether or not you are going for a pure look or a extra edgy type, dreadlock extensions might help you obtain the look you are going for.
Forms of Dreadlock Extensions
Artificial Dreadlock Extensions
Artificial dreadlock extensions are constructed from a wide range of supplies, together with acrylic, polyester, and kanekalon. They’re light-weight and straightforward to put in, however they don’t seem to be as sturdy as human hair extensions. Artificial dreadlock extensions could be bought in a variety of colours and types, and they’re an ideal possibility for individuals who need to add dreadlocks to their hair with out the long-term dedication of rising them.
| Professionals |
|---|
| Light-weight |
| Straightforward to put in |
| Obtainable in a variety of colours and types |
| Inexpensive |
| Cons |
| Not as sturdy as human hair extensions |
| Could be tough to type |
| Could trigger scalp irritation |
Selecting the Proper Extensions for Your Hair
Step one in including dread extensions is choosing the proper ones to your hair. There are some things to contemplate when making your alternative, together with the size, thickness, and colour of your hair. You may additionally need to resolve whether or not you need artificial or human hair extensions.
Size
The size of your dread extensions must be primarily based on the size of your individual hair. In case you have quick hair, you will need to select extensions which can be now not than your individual hair. In case you have lengthy hair, you’ll be able to select extensions which can be any size you need.
Thickness
The thickness of your dread extensions must also be primarily based on the thickness of your individual hair. In case you have wonderful hair, you will need to select extensions which can be additionally wonderful. In case you have thick hair, you’ll be able to select extensions which can be both wonderful or thick.
Colour
The colour of your dread extensions ought to match the colour of your individual hair. In case you have black hair, you will need to select extensions which can be additionally black. In case you have brown hair, you’ll be able to select extensions which can be brown, black, and even blonde. In case you have blonde hair, you’ll be able to select extensions which can be blonde, brown, and even black.
Artificial vs. Human Hair
Artificial dread extensions are constructed from a sort of plastic known as acrylic. They’re inexpensive than human hair extensions, however they’re additionally much less sturdy. Human hair extensions are constructed from actual human hair, so they’re extra sturdy and natural-looking than artificial extensions. Nevertheless, they’re additionally dearer.
| Attribute | Artificial Extensions | Human Hair Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Inexpensive | Costlier |
| Sturdiness | Much less sturdy | Extra sturdy |
| Look | Much less natural-looking | Extra natural-looking |
Getting ready Your Hair for Extensions
Earlier than making use of dread extensions, it is essential to organize your pure hair to make sure a safe and wholesome maintain. Here is a step-by-step information that will help you get your hair prepared:
1. Wash and Deep Situation
Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to take away any product buildup or grime. Comply with with a deep conditioner to moisturize and strengthen your hair.
2. Detangle and Separate
Use a wide-toothed comb or brush to softly take away any tangles. Then, separate your hair into small sections, making it simpler to work with.
3. Create a Base Basis (Particular for Dreadlock Installations)
This step is important for interlocking dread extensions together with your pure hair.
Possibility 1: Conventional Braiding
- Braid small sections of your hair in a round movement.
- Safe the braids near the roots utilizing a rubber band.
- The thickness and variety of braids rely on the specified thickness of your dread extensions.
Possibility 2: Crochet Methodology
- Insert a crochet hook by way of the middle of a bit of hair.
- Seize a small quantity of hair from the surface and pull it by way of the hook.
- Loop the hair again by way of the outlet and tighten, securing the hair to the bottom.
Possibility 3: Loc Extensions
- Buy loc extensions that match the dimensions and elegance of your required dreads.
- Cut up your hair into sections that correspond to the dimensions of the loc extensions.
- Connect the loc extensions to your pure hair utilizing the interlocking methodology.
Putting in Dreadlock Extensions
Putting in dreadlock extensions includes a number of steps:
1. Preparation
Earlier than putting in, put together the hair by washing it with clarifying shampoo and permitting it to air dry. This removes any product residue and ensures higher adhesion of the extensions.
2. Dreadlock Creation
Create particular person dreadlocks from the extensions utilizing the specified methodology, corresponding to twisting, interlocking, or backcombing. Safe the ends with a small quantity of beeswax or dreadlock wax to forestall unraveling.
3. Attaching Extensions
To connect the extensions to the hair, use a crochet hook or latch hook to create a loop on the base of the prevailing dreadlock. Insert the hook into the artificial dreadlock and pull it by way of the loop. Tighten the knot and safe it with a small quantity of beeswax.
4. Combining and Sculpting
As soon as the extensions are hooked up, mix them seamlessly with the prevailing dreadlocks. Rub the brand new dreadlocks with a dreadlock sponge or towel to encourage interlocking. Moreover, take into account the next methods:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Palm Rolling | Roll the dreadlock between your palms to create a smoother texture and promote knotting. |
| Dread Rubbing | Rub the dreadlock in opposition to a tough floor, corresponding to a brick wall or piece of sandpaper, to create a extra textured and rugged look. |
| Crocheting | Use a crochet hook to tighten the dreadlock and add extra hair for bulk or size. |
Sculpt the dreadlocks into the specified form and dimension utilizing your fingers or a dreadlock hook. Experiment with totally different methods to realize the proper look.
Styling Dread Extensions
Dread extensions provide infinite styling prospects. You may braid them, wrap them, tie them up, or create intricate updos. Take into account mixing extensions together with your pure dreads for a extra cohesive look or go for contrasting colours to make a press release. The choices are limitless!
Sustaining Dread Extensions
To make sure the longevity and well being of your dread extensions, correct upkeep is essential.
1. Washing
Wash extensions each 2-3 weeks utilizing a dreadlock-specific shampoo. Keep away from utilizing common shampoo, as it could actually strip the hair of its pure oils.
2. Drying
Air drying is the most secure option to dry dread extensions. Keep away from utilizing a blow dryer, as it could actually injury or loosen the dreads.
3. Moisturizing
Apply a dreadlock moisturizer often to maintain the hair hydrated and stop breakage. Select a moisturizer that is freed from alcohol and fragrances.
4. Inspection and Tightening
Examine your extensions often for unfastened spots or unraveling. Tighten any unfastened areas as wanted utilizing a crochet hook.
5. Styling and Retwisting
To keep up the specified type and construction of your dread extensions, common styling and retwisting are important.
| Styling Strategies | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Braiding | As desired |
| Wrapping | As desired |
| Updos | As desired |
| Retwisting | Each 2-3 weeks or as wanted |
Retwisting includes wrapping new development across the present dreads to keep up their form and integrity. You may both do that your self or have it executed by an expert loctician.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points with Dread Extensions
Downside: Locs have an odd odor
Some extensions include a powerful artificial scent; this may be eliminated by washing dreads with a clarifying shampoo. If the odor persists, take into account soaking the locs in a combination of equal elements water and white vinegar for a number of hours earlier than washing.
Downside: Locs are stiff or tangled
Dread extensions can develop into stiff and tangled because of product buildup or improper upkeep. To melt them, apply a moisturizing conditioner or coconut oil. Gently detangle knots together with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb, ranging from the underside of the locs and dealing your manner up.
Downside: Locs are shedding
In case you discover small hairs coming unfastened from the locs, attempt to reattach them by interlocking or crocheting the unfastened strands again into the primary physique of the loc. If the shedding is extreme, take into account contacting your stylist for skilled recommendation as it could point out an issue with the set up or the standard of the dreads.
Downside: Locs are beginning to unravel
Unraveling dreads could be attributable to friction, moisture, or improper set up. To stop additional unraveling, safe the ends of the locs with a thread or rubber band. Use a crochet hook or a specialised dread device to tighten any unfastened sections, and apply a small quantity of hair gel or wax to carry the locs in place.
Downside: Locs are too heavy
Heavy dread extensions could cause discomfort or injury to your pure hair. Think about using shorter locs, selecting a lighter materials, or limiting the variety of extensions put in. In case you expertise any ache or tenderness, take away the dreads and seek the advice of an expert for recommendation.
Downside: Dread extensions are inflicting injury to my pure hair
Correct dreadlock set up and upkeep are essential to keep away from injury to your pure hair. Be certain that the locs are usually not too tight and that you’re utilizing the suitable merchandise and methods for laundry and sustaining them. In case you discover any indicators of breakage, thinning, or scalp irritation, discontinue use of dread extensions and search skilled recommendation.
Eradicating Dreadlock Extensions
Eradicating dreadlock extensions requires a cautious strategy to make sure minimal injury to pure hair. Here is an in depth information:
1. Collect Needed Instruments
You will have:
- Sharp scissors
- Comb or hair choose
- Large-toothed comb
- Apple cider vinegar (non-compulsory)
- Moisturizing oil (non-compulsory)
2. Put together Hair
Earlier than eradicating extensions, wash and situation hair. This softens the hair and makes the elimination course of simpler.
3. Reduce Extensions
Use sharp scissors to rigorously reduce the extensions near the bottom of the dreadlock. Be cautious to not reduce your pure hair.
4. Gently Unravel Extensions
Ranging from the information, use a comb or hair choose to softly unravel the extensions. Work your manner down the dreadlock till it is totally eliminated.
5. Take away Sticky Residue
If there’s any sticky residue left from the extensions, apply a small quantity of apple cider vinegar to the affected space. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then comb out.
6. Rinse and Situation
As soon as all extensions are eliminated, rinse your hair completely to take away any vinegar residue. Apply a deep conditioner to nourish and restore your pure hair.
7. Restore Hair Well being
After eradicating dreadlock extensions, your hair could require extra care to revive its well being. Take into account the next:
- Moisturize often: Apply a moisturizing oil or lotion to maintain hair hydrated and stop breakage.
- Keep away from warmth styling: Warmth can additional injury hair that has been weakened by extensions.
- Get common trims: Trim away any cut up ends to advertise wholesome hair development.
- Use protecting types: Shield your hair from the weather and additional injury by sporting protecting types corresponding to buns or braids.
Caring for Your Dreadlock Extensions
Upkeep and maintenance
Dreadlock extensions require common upkeep to maintain them trying neat and wholesome. Listed below are some ideas:
Washing
Wash your dreadlocks much less incessantly than you’d common hair, roughly as soon as each two weeks. Use a light, residue-free shampoo and keep away from utilizing conditioner.
Drying
After washing, permit your dreadlocks to air dry. Keep away from utilizing a blow dryer, as this could injury the extensions.
Merchandise
Keep away from utilizing any merchandise that include alcohol or harsh chemical compounds, as these can injury the dreadlocks.
Retwisting
Retwist your dreadlocks each few weeks to maintain them safe and stop unraveling.
Sleeping
Use a satin or silk pillowcase to forestall friction and tangling whereas sleeping.
Sporting headgear
When sporting hats or helmets, be certain they don’t seem to be too tight, as this could trigger the dreadlocks to develop into compressed and matted.
Removing
Dreadlock extensions must be professionally eliminated by a licensed hair stylist. Making an attempt to take away them your self may injury your pure hair.
The Professionals and Cons of Dreadlock Extensions
Professionals:
- Immediate Dreadlocks: Dreadlock extensions present an instantaneous option to obtain dreadlocks with out the prolonged ready interval of pure dreadlock formation.
- Versatile Styling: Dreadlock extensions provide a variety of styling choices, permitting you to customise your dreadlocks to fit your private style.
- Injury-Free: Extensions can shield your pure hair from injury attributable to twisting, backcombing, or crocheting in the course of the dreadlock formation course of.
- Low Upkeep: Dreadlock extensions require considerably much less upkeep than pure dreadlocks, decreasing the necessity for frequent washing, retwisting, or palm rolling.
- Non permanent Possibility: In case you’re not prepared for a everlasting dedication to dreadlocks, extensions permit you to expertise the look with out the duty.
Cons:
- Expense: Dreadlock extensions could be expensive, particularly for longer and extra advanced types.
- Injury to Hair: If not put in or cared for correctly, extensions could cause injury to your pure hair, significantly if they’re too heavy or pulled too tightly.
- Time-Consuming Set up: The set up course of can take a number of hours, relying on the size and thickness of the specified dreadlocks.
- Restricted Lifespan: Dreadlock extensions have a restricted lifespan, sometimes lasting round 6-12 months, relying on care and upkeep.
- Upkeep Challenges: Whereas extensions require much less upkeep than pure dreadlocks, they nonetheless require common grooming, corresponding to washing, tightening, and palm rolling.
- Discomfort: Dreadlock extensions could be heavy and uncomfortable to put on, particularly when sleeping or throughout bodily exercise.
- Styling Limitations: Whereas extensions provide some styling versatility, they can’t be styled in the identical manner as pure dreadlocks, which may type extra advanced patterns.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Dreadlocks have cultural and historic significance for some communities, and sporting dreadlock extensions with out applicable understanding or respect could be thought of disrespectful.
- Transitioning to Pure Dreadlocks: Eradicating dreadlock extensions could be difficult and will not end result within the desired look or texture of pure dreadlocks.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people could expertise allergic reactions to the supplies utilized in dreadlock extensions, corresponding to wool or artificial fibers.
Discovering a Skilled for Dreadlock Extensions
When selecting an expert for dreadlock extensions, it is essential to contemplate numerous components to make sure a secure and passable expertise. Listed below are some tricks to help you in making an knowledgeable choice:
1. Analysis and Referrals
Search suggestions from trusted sources, corresponding to mates, household, or on-line boards. Learn evaluations and testimonials to realize insights into previous shoppers’ experiences.
2. Expertise and Experience
Search for a stylist who makes a speciality of dreadlock extensions. Inquire about their years of expertise and coaching on this approach to evaluate their proficiency.
3. Portfolio and Session
Request a portfolio of their earlier work that showcases their expertise and a focus to element. Schedule a session to debate your required look and guarantee it aligns with their experience.
4. Salon Ambiance and Hygiene
Go to the salon to judge its cleanliness {and professional} environment. Be certain that the tools is well-maintained and the employees follows correct sanitation protocols.
5. Pricing and Transparency
Inquire about the price of the extensions, together with set up and upkeep. Keep away from hidden charges or surprises by requesting an in depth breakdown of the fees upfront.
6. Communication and Availability
Select a stylist who’s responsive, attentive, and open to discussing your concepts and considerations. Inquire about their availability for follow-up appointments or upkeep.
7. Credentials and Licensing
Confirm the stylist’s {qualifications} by checking for any related certifications or licenses. This demonstrates their dedication to trade requirements {and professional} improvement.
8. Optimistic Suggestions
Learn on-line evaluations and consumer testimonials to collect suggestions on the stylist’s work, customer support, and adherence to sanitary practices.
9. Social Media Presence
Comply with the stylist on social media platforms to view examples of their work, join with potential shoppers, and keep up to date on trade developments.
10. Shopper Evaluations and Testimonials
Collect testimonials from previous shoppers to gauge their satisfaction ranges, the standard of the extensions, and the general expertise with the stylist. Take into account compiling these evaluations in a desk for simple reference:
| Shopper | Testimonial |
|---|---|
| Sarah J. | “Superb work! The extensions look pure and mix seamlessly with my very own hair. I extremely advocate this stylist for anybody contemplating dreadlock extensions.” |
| John B. | “Very skilled and educated. The stylist took the time to clarify the method completely and addressed all my considerations. I’m very pleased with the outcomes.” |
| Emily S. | “The extensions are of wonderful high quality and the set up was flawless. I like the brand new feel and look assured with my hair. Thanks for the superb transformation!” |
Tips on how to Add Dread Extensions
Including dread extensions is a good way so as to add size, quantity, and elegance to your hair. It’s a comparatively straightforward course of that may be executed at dwelling or by an expert stylist. Here’s a step-by-step information on add dread extensions:
- Collect your provides. You will have dread extensions, a crochet hook, a latch hook, and scissors.
- Put together your hair. Wash and situation your hair to take away any grime or oil.
- Begin by dreading your individual hair. This can assist to create a base for the extensions.
- Connect the dread extensions. Use the crochet hook or latch hook to connect the dread extensions to your pure hair.
- Trim the extensions. As soon as the extensions are hooked up, trim them in order that they’re the identical size as your pure hair.
Folks Additionally Ask
How lengthy do dread extensions final?
With correct care, dread extensions can final for 6-12 months.
How do I take care of dread extensions?
To take care of dread extensions, wash them often with a light shampoo. You must also keep away from utilizing warmth styling instruments.
How a lot do dread extensions price?
The price of dread extensions varies relying on the size, sort, and high quality of the extensions. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay wherever from $100 to $500 for a full set of extensions.
