These are just a few basic questions that are often asked, if you have any further questions please click here & send your question through.

 

Q - How long does my hair have to be to get dreadlocs?

 

A - Your hair needs to be at least 20cm long from root to tip, or chin length. If it is any shorter it can still be dreaded however you will look like an echidna!! Extensions would be the best option for shorter hair.

 

Q - Can I wash my dreadlocs?

 

A - YES!!! Dirty dreads are horrible. It is usually thought that dreads are only created by them being dirty. NOT TRUE! The only difference is you dont need to wash your dreads as often. After they settle, usually the first 2 weeks, you are able to wash them as often as you like, however once a week is usually plenty enough. When you do wash them you must avoid using 'chemical' shampoos & only use 100% natural shampoo, like Redwin Tea Tree or Thursday Plantation Tea Tree shampoo, no special dreadloc shampoos are necessary. Also NO CONDITIONER! Dreads do not need to be conditioned.

 

Q - How much length will I loose when I get my hair dreadloced? 

 

A - No backcombing is used so you will only loose a little (5-10cm if that) in your length, however it also depends on whether you want rounded ends or open whispy ends. Rounded ends will loose more length then open ends.

 

Q - Will it hurt?

 

A -  Everyones pain threshold is different. Some may find it painfull for a short time whereas others wont feel any discomfort at all, it depends on how sensitive your scalp is. Dreadlocing is physically knotting each strand of hair on your head into a rope like strand. Dreading the roots close to your scalp is the only part that you may feel some discomfort.  

Your head may feel a bit tender from having your scalp tugged at and the tenderness will pass within a day or so. Panadol or a gentle scalp massage can help ease the discomfort. Sleeping on your new dreads can be awkward until they soften & you get use to them. The best thing to do is to sleep on your side & wear a dread sock or beanie.  Eventually you will get used to them. You can also expect your scalp to itch quite a bit.  Try not to scratch, but if you need to you can use an 'itch stick' to gently poke the itch, this may be the hardest part of the dreading process.