What are dreadlock extensions?

Hey, my name is Liz and I have a few questions.

I'm Caucasian and looking to get dreadlocks, and recently I went to a salon to get them done. He did one of them and I changed my mind because my hair (which is long, as in a few inches below my bra strap) ended up being about 3 or 4 inches long. It looked like a little rat tail.

I guess I wasn't aware of how much hair it took up, because the way I pictured it was I wanted just a few dreads in the back of my head starting at the base of my hairline. Just so I could wear my hair up and it would have the ecliptic sort of exotic look.

I thought they would blend with my hair and be the same long length.

I still really want dreads. So, I guess my questions are as follows:

1. What are dread lock extensions?

Hey Liz! Dreadlock extensions are made of either wool or synthetic material specifically for dreads. Kanekalon is generally considered the best product for making synthetic dreadlocks while most of our wool dreads come directly from a sheep ranch in Ireland.

For your purposes it sounds like synthetic dreadlocks would work best. Synthetic dreads last longer and are far more durable.

2. Do you buy them then just clip them into your hair, or order them then go to a place to get them woven in with you real hair?

Both Sophie and I have worn the dreads. Generally, we don't want the dreadlocks in for just a day, but if you did then you would just use a bobbie pin or perhaps a clip to keep the dreads in. People who are clubbing and can't wear the dreads to work often opt for clips. Bobbie pins seem most discreet. But if someone uses a more secure temporary clip that is also discreet we'd love to hear what you are using.

Generally, to secure synthetic dreadlocks we use thread. I do my daughter's hair. She does my hair. She does her friends' hair. Her friends do her hair. New cotton thread is durable and easy to use. I find that it last through many shampoos. Thread is thinner and more discreet than rubberbands - which can be used to secure temporary dreadlocks.

You could go to a salon but it always seemed like a bit of an expense, to me, especially if they aren't trained in it. If you have a friend who could do it put the dreadlocks in for you then that might work better. If you can pay them and they need the money then that might work well for both of you!

Another cool thing about synthetic dreads is that they don't ruin your real hair. You can braid your hair around the dread and your hair will be fine. Another option is the thread the hair through the dread loop then braid it. This creates the effect of having both dreads and braids. It can be a cool option!

Dreads are not woven into the hair like a weave. That is done with extensions, but not dreadlocks.

I'm interested in purchasing a few of yours, so thanks for your time!

Hope that helps! We look forward to helping you create the dreads!

Christine