FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve ever felt like your hair held you back — these were made for you.
These extensions are an amazing fit if:
- You're dealing with damage, thinning, breakage, short hair, a bad dye job, or a haircut that didn’t go as planned
- You want a lifestyle change, a confidence boost, or a “spice things up” moment
- You want a look that helps me feel bold, powerful, and more like yourself
- You're a new mom (or busy in general) and you want your mornings simplified
- You've always wanted dreadlocks, but don’t want to commit permanently
- You already have thick hair and simply want to try a new vibe
If your hair is at least 3 inches long and you want dreadlocks… then yes — these are for you.
Our team handmakes these for our community to:
✨ increase confidence
✨ simplify routines
✨ help damaged hair grow
✨ fulfill the dream of dreadlocks
✨ empower those who wear dreadlock extensions
Here’s the secret: you sleep normally.
Most people simply toss the dreadlocks above the pillow — and some even use them like a pillow.
To reduce frizz:
- use a silk pillowcase
- or wear a silk bonnet/cap
Both are totally fine — it’s personal preference.
They’re made from Kanekalon fiber, which is a high-quality synthetic hair material.
Think “Barbie hair,” but made for real wearable styles.
Yes! You can wash them — and they’re actually very easy to care for.
Because they’re synthetic:
- they don’t absorb water like human hair
- they don’t mold the way traditional human dreadlocks can if not dried properly
How to wash while installed
- You can use any shampoo
- Many in our community prefer all-natural shampoos or shampoo bars (preference, not required)
- When washing: massage the scalp gently to avoid frizz
Important: Don’t use conditioner while installed
Conditioner can:
- cause buildup (making removal harder)
- make them slip (shorter wear time)
- it’s unnecessary — dreadlocks don’t need it
Pro Tip: Wash less = less frizz
The less you wash them, the longer they stay looking smooth.
Some people wash once per install — especially after training their hair over time.
Deep clean after removing
After removal, always deep clean:
- soak in a sink with lots of shampoo
- rinse + repeat until the water runs clear
Drying is super easy.
- you can air dry
- or blow dry if I want them dry faster
Winter tip: Blow drying is recommended if I’m going out soon.
The dreadlocks themselves dry faster than natural hair because synthetic fiber isn’t porous.
Yes — swimming with them is SO fun.
Many people feel like a literal mermaid.
Good to know:
- They don’t hold water like human hair does
- They might feel heavier in the water, but not unbearable
- Our community swims in oceans, pools, lakes — even free-divers and sailboat-lifers wear them
After swimming:
- You should rinse or wash them
- Salt or chlorine won’t damage the dreadlocks, but your natural hair (braided and wrapped) needs care
Yes. If you wear a helmet for work or hobbies, you can still wear these.
This includes:
- welders, construction workers
- motorcyclists
- snowboarders, skiers
- horseback riders
- climbers
- and more
If your helmet doesn’t fit over your dreadlocks, the solution is simple:
✅ Size up and get a helmet that fits your new hair.
Many in our community keep two helmet sizes depending on whether their dreadlocks are installed.
A common trick in our community is to offset the install for a layered look:
- braid the lower rows slightly shorter
- this creates the illusion of longer length and natural layers
You can, but we don’t heavily encourage it.
Cutting may cause the ends to look frayed for a bit while they mature. That said, many customers do cut them successfully.
Best way to cut them
- use very sharp scissors
- cut at a sharp angle
- don’t do one big snip — instead:do multiple micro-snipsdrag the scissors slightly downward as you cut
This creates a clean, pointed end.
Here’s the beauty: you will never “need” to replace them (as long as you care for them properly).
Many in our community have worn the same set for years.
These are handcrafted to last an insanely long time.
Many in our community have sets that are nearly 10 years old and still in perfect condition after years of consistent wear.
These dreadlocks are designed to be durable, reusable, and long-lasting — and they’re backed with a lifetime guarantee for any dread maintenance you may need.
In other words: you’re not buying something disposable — you’re investing in something built to last.
Because these are dreadlocks:
- they don’t require babying like traditional extensions
- they actually mature and look better over time
In fact… the more you live in them (hiking, swimming, driving with windows down, outdoor adventures), the better they get.
For most people: No.
Our method is designed to minimize itch and create a softer feel than many traditional dreadlock methods.
Traditional crochet-made dreadlocks can sometimes cause more discomfort, while our twisting method is often gentler.
Important note
Everyone’s scalp is different. If you experience persistent irritation or bumps, you may be sensitive/allergic to synthetic hair.
If that happens, here are two common solutions:
Option 1: Apple cider vinegar soak
- soak the dreadlocks in ACV for 12 hours
- wash with shampoo
- dry fully
- try again
Option 2: Soothe the scalp
Many people use:
- dreadlock refresher spray
- rosehip seed oil
- or another lightweight scalp-soothing oil
If irritation continues even after this, you may need to stop wearing them.
These dreadlock extensions are considered a protective hairstyle because while wearing them, your natural hair stays braided for 6+ weeks at a time.
Braids are one of the most effective ways to protect hair because they:
- minimize daily manipulation
- reduce breakage
- support length retention
- help protect fragile edges and baby hairs
And the best part? Your mornings become effortless. You’ll wake up feeling like a goddess because your hair is already done — which can easily cut your get-ready time in half.
While wearing them, you’re also protecting your hair by:
- reducing toxic product use
- avoiding heat styling
- leaving your hair alone (which is how healthy hair grows best)
No stressing, no frying, no damage… just protected hair and a flawless look.
Honestly… we still haven’t found much you can’t do.
Those who wear dreadlock extensions in our community do it ALL, including:
- swimming (ocean, lakes, pools)
- working out
- riding motorcycles
- letting a baby tug on them without destroying your edges/baby hairs
- camping (and looking like a woodland fairy the whole time)
- washing them
- reusing them for years
- living life fully without worrying about your hair
They’re made to be lived in — and they stay secure without ripping out the baby hairs you’ve worked so hard to grow.
If you’re wondering “will these fit your lifestyle?” the answer is almost always: YES.
Installing is simple — it’s a traditional 3-piece braid.
With your order, you’ll receive an install video.
You can also find the tutorial by searching:
“Dallas and Ellie McGee” on YouTube
You have a few easy options:
- have a friend install them
- show your hairstylist the install tutorial
- bribe your sister to come over with pizza
- or install them yourself (and you’ll improve every time)
Many people in our community self-install — and after the first install, it gets faster and easier.
For most styles, heat isn’t needed.
However, for Vikings / Braid Twist dreadlocks, the wispy ends need maintenance:
- you’ll need to brush out the ends to keep them soft and wispy
- and heat CAN be used on the ends (straightener, curling iron, etc.)
You can book here:
https://dreadfullhippie.glossgenius.com/