Dreadlock extensions, also called loc extensions, are an attractive approach so as to add size, quantity, and magnificence to your pure hair. Whether or not you are seeking to create a full head of dreads or simply add a couple of highlights, dreadlock extensions might help you obtain the look you are going for. On this article, we’ll talk about every thing it’s worthwhile to find out about including dread extensions, from choosing the proper kind of extensions to putting in them your self. So for those who’re prepared so as to add some dreads to your life, preserve studying!
There are various several types of dreadlock extensions obtainable, so it is vital to decide on the kind that is best for you. Artificial dreads are probably the most reasonably priced choice, they usually’re obtainable in all kinds of colours and kinds. Nonetheless, artificial dreads may be troublesome to keep up they usually 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 may be coloured and styled identical to your pure hair, so you possibly can 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 could be a bit tough, however with just a little observe, 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 entire hair is roofed in extensions. As soon as all the extensions are in place, you possibly can model your hair as desired. Dreadlock extensions may be styled in quite a lot of methods, so you possibly can create a glance that is all your personal. Whether or not you are going for a pure look or a extra edgy model, dreadlock extensions might help you obtain the look you are going for.
Kinds of Dreadlock Extensions
Artificial Dreadlock Extensions
Artificial dreadlock extensions are created from quite a lot of supplies, together with acrylic, polyester, and kanekalon. They’re light-weight and straightforward to put in, however they aren’t as sturdy as human hair extensions. Artificial dreadlock extensions may be bought in a variety of colours and kinds, and they’re a fantastic choice for individuals who wish to add dreadlocks to their hair with out the long-term dedication of rising them.
| Professionals |
|---|
| Light-weight |
| Simple to put in |
| Out there in a variety of colours and kinds |
| Inexpensive |
| Cons |
| Not as sturdy as human hair extensions |
| Will be troublesome to model |
| Could trigger scalp irritation |
Selecting the Proper Extensions for Your Hair
Step one in including dread extensions is choosing the proper ones on your hair. There are some things to contemplate when making your selection, together with the size, thickness, and shade of your hair. You will additionally wish to determine whether or not you need artificial or human hair extensions.
Size
The size of your dread extensions needs to be primarily based on the size of your personal hair. In case you have brief hair, you may wish to select extensions which can be not than your personal hair. In case you have lengthy hair, you possibly can select extensions which can be any size you need.
Thickness
The thickness of your dread extensions also needs to be primarily based on the thickness of your personal hair. In case you have high-quality hair, you may wish to select extensions which can be additionally high-quality. In case you have thick hair, you possibly can select extensions which can be both high-quality or thick.
Shade
The colour of your dread extensions ought to match the colour of your personal hair. In case you have black hair, you may wish to select extensions which can be additionally black. In case you have brown hair, you possibly can select extensions which can be brown, black, and even blonde. In case you have blonde hair, you possibly can select extensions which can be blonde, brown, and even black.
Artificial vs. Human Hair
Artificial dread extensions are created from a sort of plastic known as acrylic. They’re cheaper than human hair extensions, however they’re additionally much less sturdy. Human hair extensions are created from actual human hair, so they’re extra sturdy and natural-looking than artificial extensions. Nonetheless, they’re additionally dearer.
| Attribute | Artificial Extensions | Human Hair Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Cheaper | Dearer |
| 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 filth. 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 along 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 depend upon the specified thickness of your dread extensions.
Possibility 2: Crochet Technique
- Insert a crochet hook by the middle of a bit of hair.
- Seize a small quantity of hair from the skin and pull it by the hook.
- Loop the hair again by the opening and tighten, securing the hair to the bottom.
Possibility 3: Loc Extensions
- Buy loc extensions that match the dimensions and magnificence of your required dreads.
- Break 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 entails 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, similar to twisting, interlocking, or backcombing. Safe the ends with a small quantity of beeswax or dreadlock wax to stop 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 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, think about the next strategies:
| 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, similar 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 measurement utilizing your fingers or a dreadlock hook. Experiment with totally different strategies to realize the right look.
Styling Dread Extensions
Dread extensions provide infinite styling potentialities. You possibly can braid them, wrap them, tie them up, or create intricate updos. Take into account mixing extensions along 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 will possibly strip the hair of its pure oils.
2. Drying
Air drying is the most secure strategy to dry dread extensions. Keep away from utilizing a blow dryer, as it will possibly harm 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 model 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 entails wrapping new development across the present dreads to keep up their form and integrity. You possibly can both do that your self or have it executed by an expert loctician.
Troubleshooting Widespread Points with Dread Extensions
Downside: Locs have an odd odor
Some extensions include a powerful artificial odor; this may be eliminated by washing dreads with a clarifying shampoo. If the odor persists, think about 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 grow to be stiff and tangled as a result of product buildup or improper upkeep. To melt them, apply a moisturizing conditioner or coconut oil. Gently detangle knots along with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb, ranging from the underside of the locs and dealing your approach up.
Downside: Locs are shedding
Should 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, think about contacting your stylist for skilled recommendation as it might point out an issue with the set up or the standard of the dreads.
Downside: Locs are beginning to unravel
Unraveling dreads may 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 instrument 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 harm to your pure hair. Think about using shorter locs, selecting a lighter materials, or limiting the variety of extensions put in. Should you expertise any ache or tenderness, take away the dreads and seek the advice of an expert for recommendation.
Downside: Dread extensions are inflicting harm to my pure hair
Correct dreadlock set up and upkeep are essential to keep away from harm to your pure hair. Be certain that the locs should not too tight and that you’re utilizing the suitable merchandise and strategies for laundry and sustaining them. Should 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 harm to pure hair. Here is an in depth information:
1. Collect Essential Instruments
You have to:
- Sharp scissors
- Comb or hair decide
- Large-toothed comb
- Apple cider vinegar (non-obligatory)
- Moisturizing oil (non-obligatory)
2. Put together Hair
Earlier than eradicating extensions, wash and situation hair. This softens the hair and makes the elimination course of simpler.
3. Minimize Extensions
Use sharp scissors to fastidiously reduce the extensions near the bottom of the dreadlock. Be cautious to not reduce your pure hair.
4. Gently Unravel Extensions
Ranging from the guidelines, use a comb or hair decide to softly unravel the extensions. Work your approach down the dreadlock till it is absolutely eliminated.
5. Take away Sticky Residue
If there may be 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 harm hair that has been weakened by extensions.
- Get common trims: Trim away any break up ends to advertise wholesome hair development.
- Use protecting kinds: Defend your hair from the weather and additional harm by carrying protecting kinds similar to buns or braids.
Caring for Your Dreadlock Extensions
Upkeep and maintenance
Dreadlock extensions require common upkeep to maintain them wanting neat and wholesome. Listed below are some ideas:
Washing
Wash your dreadlocks much less regularly than you’ll common hair, roughly as soon as each two weeks. Use a gentle, 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 may harm the extensions.
Merchandise
Keep away from utilizing any merchandise that comprise alcohol or harsh chemical substances, as these can harm the dreadlocks.
Retwisting
Retwist your dreadlocks each few weeks to maintain them safe and stop unraveling.
Sleeping
Use a satin or silk pillowcase to stop friction and tangling whereas sleeping.
Carrying headgear
When carrying hats or helmets, be sure they aren’t too tight, as this may trigger the dreadlocks to grow to be compressed and matted.
Removing
Dreadlock extensions needs to be professionally eliminated by a licensed hair stylist. Making an attempt to take away them your self may harm your pure hair.
The Professionals and Cons of Dreadlock Extensions
Professionals:
- Immediate Dreadlocks: Dreadlock extensions present an instantaneous strategy 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.
- Harm-Free: Extensions can shield your pure hair from harm attributable to twisting, backcombing, or crocheting through 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.
- Short-term Possibility: Should you’re not prepared for a everlasting dedication to dreadlocks, extensions will let you expertise the look with out the duty.
Cons:
- Expense: Dreadlock extensions may be pricey, particularly for longer and extra advanced kinds.
- Harm to Hair: If not put in or cared for correctly, extensions could cause harm 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, usually 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, similar to washing, tightening, and palm rolling.
- Discomfort: Dreadlock extensions may 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 approach as pure dreadlocks, which might kind extra advanced patterns.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Dreadlocks have cultural and historic significance for some communities, and carrying dreadlock extensions with out applicable understanding or respect may be thought of disrespectful.
- Transitioning to Pure Dreadlocks: Eradicating dreadlock extensions may be difficult and should not outcome within the desired look or texture of pure dreadlocks.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people could expertise allergic reactions to the supplies utilized in dreadlock extensions, similar to wool or artificial fibers.
Discovering a Skilled for Dreadlock Extensions
When selecting an expert for dreadlock extensions, it is essential to contemplate varied components to make sure a secure and passable expertise. Listed below are some tricks to help you in making an knowledgeable resolution:
1. Analysis and Referrals
Search suggestions from trusted sources, similar to pals, household, or on-line boards. Learn evaluations and testimonials to achieve insights into previous purchasers’ experiences.
2. Expertise and Experience
Search for a stylist who focuses on dreadlock extensions. Inquire about their years of expertise and coaching on this method to evaluate their proficiency.
3. Portfolio and Session
Request a portfolio of their earlier work that showcases their abilities 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 gear 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 costs upfront.
6. Communication and Availability
Select a stylist who’s responsive, attentive, and open to discussing your concepts and issues. 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 business requirements {and professional} improvement.
8. Constructive Suggestions
Learn on-line evaluations and consumer testimonials to assemble 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 purchasers, and keep up to date on business traits.
10. Consumer Opinions and Testimonials
Collect testimonials from previous purchasers 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:
| Consumer | Testimonial |
|---|---|
| Sarah J. | “Wonderful work! The extensions look pure and mix seamlessly with my very own hair. I extremely suggest 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 issues. I’m very proud of the outcomes.” |
| Emily S. | “The extensions are of fantastic high quality and the set up was flawless. I like the brand new feel and appear assured with my hair. Thanks for the wonderful transformation!” |
Learn how to Add Dread Extensions
Including dread extensions is an effective way so as to add size, quantity, and magnificence to your hair. It’s a comparatively simple course of that may be executed at dwelling or by an expert stylist. Here’s a step-by-step information on how you can add dread extensions:
- Collect your provides. You have to dread extensions, a crochet hook, a latch hook, and scissors.
- Put together your hair. Wash and situation your hair to take away any filth or oil.
- Begin by dreading your personal 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 look after dread extensions?
To look after dread extensions, wash them often with a gentle shampoo. You also needs to keep away from utilizing warmth styling instruments.
How a lot do dread extensions price?
The price of dread extensions varies relying on the size, kind, and high quality of the extensions. Nonetheless, you possibly can anticipate to pay anyplace from $100 to $500 for a full set of extensions.
