TheDreadShop

NEW & IMPROVED DESIGN NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Our new caps offer a snugger, tighter fit to minimise water leakage. They are of exceptional quality and durability and the softer smooth silicone minimises static and makes it easier to pop on compared to other large swim caps on the market.

EXTRA LARGE: Suitable for dreads or braids which extend past the middle of your back.

LARGE: Suitable for dreads or braids which extend no further than the middle of your back.

LONG HAIR: Suitable for very long, thick or afro hair and dreads or braids which go just past your shoulders.

Firstly, do you want to permanently extend your existing dreads / permanently install them OR do you want a temporary braid in solution?

Permanent extensions: You need a crocheted dreadlock which we have available in both Human Hair or Synthetic. These can be permanently and seamlessly crocheted to the bottom of your own dreadlock. Please refer to www.dreadlocks.com.au for video demonstrations.

Temporary extensions: We have 2 types of synthetic extensions available. Crocheted extensions which look exactly like real dreads and require no maintenance or we have a SEMI Crocheted dreadlock extensions. Semi Crocheted are backcombed then twisted so the twist is still evident and they offer more of a cyber / polished look.

This is really just personal preference. Here's a few points for consideration:

* Single Ends tend to lay flatter against your head in comparison to Double Ends which are folded at the scalp. We have left a small section of undreaded hair at the fold point of our doubles to assist with them lying flatter against the head.

* In a Single End install, every dread will have the small section of braid at the top where as, every second dread will have the braid in a Double End install.

* Double Ends can take less time to install since you are getting two dreads for every extension installed. Of course, if you want a lot of volume then this may not be the case but on that note, Double Ends are a great way to achieve a lot of volume.

Installation is easy! Basically you start by making sections in your own hair. Usually a section which is about 2-3cms squared at the scalp is about the right size. Of course, if you want more volume make smaller sections and likewise, if you want less, then make the sections bigger.

Now you need to braid the extension into a section of your own hair. For Single Ends use the Latch Hook to pull your own hair through the loop. Split your own hair in half and using the extension as the third piece, braid down as far as you can go and secure with a rubber band or thread. Our Heavy Duty Pro Elastics are the perfect band to use as they are slimline and durable.

For more information and video tutorials go to www.dreadlocks.com.au

This depends on the size of your head. Each extension is plaited into a section of your own hair which is about 2-3cm squared at the scalp. You can use this measurement to work out how many extensions you will need but most people end up with about 50 sections based on this measurment.

If you are using Double Ended, keep in mind that for every one extension or section, you will end up with two dreads. Therefore, some people prefer larger sections so less extensions are needed where as others prefer a lot of volume and want more dreads. On average, most people will use between 40 - 50 Double Ended Extensions (equalling 80 - 100 dreads) for a full head.

For a half head, then usually 25-30 dreads are used.

Yes, you can get our extensions wet! In fact treat them as you would your own hair and shampoo as often as desired. Focus your efforts mainly on your scalp and handle the extensions with care. Regular shampoos can be used although leave behind conditioning residues can build up in the extensions so dreadlocks shampoos are the ultimate in extension care.

Our extensions will last indefinitely. As they are braided in place, as your own hair grows out, they will need to be removed and reinstalled every 6-12 weeks or so depending on how fast your hair grows. This is a great time to retighten and perform maintenance.

Go to www.dreadlocks.com.au for instructions and video tutorials on how to retighten dreadlocks extensions.

Then either our Human Hair or Synthetic Crocheted Extensions are the way to go. These are installed by combing out about 1 1/2 inches (4-5cms) of the top of the extension. Fan out this undreaded hair and then nestle the end of your own dread in this fanned out section. Now use a crochet hook to pull the loose, fanned out hair into the end of your dread. We have detailed instructions and video tutorials at www.dreadlocks.com.au.

And just a note on Human Hair VS Synthetic - visibly it is difficult to distinguish between the two. Human Hair is just slightly softer / less scratchy than the synthetic version but the big bonus is that Human Hair extensions can be dyed or coloured. The synthetic extensions will also be heat sensitive.

Making dreadlocks is easy! It just takes time and patience. We recommend you get your hands on a Starter Kit. This will give you all the products you need to create dreads plus plenty of left over dreads for maintenance.

Comprehensive instructions are included in the Starter Kit or alternatively, go to www.dreadlocks.com.au for video demonstrations.

There are 5 steps to making dreadlocks, here they are in a nutshell:
Step 1. Shampoo your hair for dread shampoo.
Step 2. Apply accelerator and allow it to dry.
Step 3. Use pro elastics to create and plan out your sections.
Step 4. Backcomb and then crochet each section.

Shampoo: The cleaner the hair, the better it will dread! After the initial few weeks, you can shampoo your dreads as often as desired. It's critical you use a residue free dreadlock shampoo. Regular shampoo's will leave behind residues and can cause knots to loosen up and slip out.

Crocheting: Use a Dreading Crochet hook by pushing it through the dread, grabbing loose hair then pull it back into the dread. The more mature your dreads are, the less you will need to do this.

Palm Roll: Palm roll as often as you can! It's a great way to make the dread nice and rounded. It is also a great technique that can be used to apply Tightening Gel, Balm or Wax.

For more information and video demonstrations, go to www.dreadlocks.com.au