Welcome everyone who has dreads, wants dreads or is thinking about a new and original hairstyle and would like some information or to see some pictures, this website is designed for you! Here you can find everything you may want to know about dreadlocks.
Any type of hairstyle needs to be maintained in order to look good and dreads are no exception. If you make a decision to go with dreads, you must know that this hairstyle takes some work and patience. If they don't have a good foundation, you will struggle for years.
The hair is always growing and you will need to keep your dreads tight with regular maintenance, especially in the beginning to keep them healthy and tidy as they grow. My technique has evolved over the years based on the experience with my own dreads over the last 22 years. I have made my own mistakes and I can now pass on my experience to you.
It doesn't matter if you have straight or curly hair. European, Afro or Asian. I can make dreadlocks on any type of hair, so long as its at least 10cm long. If your hair is short but you like the look of longer dreadlocks I can extend them, seamlessly, using natural hair.
Hopefully this site helps you to make a decision if you haven't already, or if you have dreads and are not happy and would like them to be improved there should be enough info here to guide you through.
DREADLOCK MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
Dreads can sometimes need repair. They can become weak overtime for a variety of reasons. Sometimes its because they were made poorly to begin with. Because they have been styled too tightly or too frequently. Or simply because the hair has grown weak as the Dreads have matured or as you have aged.
How often they will need maintenance really depends on your hair texture and lifestyle. I recommend a few times a year. Washing them regularly and keeping them clean is essential.
If the dreads are thinning for whatever reason, it's possible to join adjacent dreads together to create a stronger one. This can normally be done with the surrounding loose hair but occasionally extension hair can be added to help the bond.
If the dreads are too thick its possible to split the dread and make 2. This is not simply splicing the dread, its skilled and delicate work.
If the dreads have become weak due to hair loss or alopecia, there are also techniques to help reduce the fallout and ways to style the hair to hide the loss and be gentler on the hair.
DREADLOCK METHODS
The method I use simply involves a crochet hook and a comb.. If they are done right they should look great from the start and through regular washes, and not break or become loose. There are however loads of different methods, some of which I have listed below:
Interlocking
Interlocking is a maintenance method which involves pulling the end of the dreadlock back through the base of the root. This method tightens each dreadlock by twisting the hair. This is a controversial method. It creates scars down the shaft each time it has been looped and over time thins the hair at the root. I don't recommend this on any hair type.
Dread perming
This technique is damaging to the hair and results in curly looking dreads. It requires backcombing sections of hair then wrapping a special perm curler and solution to chemically set the shape.
Twisting
Twisting can work on Afro textured hair only, along with a setting gel, it will hold until a wash and help the hair bond together. Not a lasting solution for Caucasian or Asian hair. It will thin the roots over time due to the stress created by the pulling.
Neglect
The neglect method is pretty much just that. Letting them grow and hoping for the best! If you really truly want dreads there are better methods than this. If you insist on doing it this way I can imagine it’s because you want minimal effort or upkeep. If this is the case I can only attempt to encourage you to at least wash them regularly.
DREADLOCK RECONSTRUCTION
Sometimes there is no other choice but total reconstruction! When the dreads have completely grown together, they are breaking and broken or completely falling out and loose. When they are not separated properly and not very solid. Or when they have become so solid during the maturing process that they have formed together and are totally matted.
There is not one technique to use in this situation. Its completely custom work tailored to the individual. Their hair type and the kind of reconstruction needed. I go through one by one and its a very time consuming process.
DREADLOCK EXTENSIONS
Dreadlock extensions are popular with people that have shoulder length hair or a bit longer and would like to have their new dreads the same length as their current hair. You can loose about a 1/3 of your length during the dreading process, so a good option to avoid that. I match the hair colour exactly and the result will be seamless, there is no way of knowing they are extensions.
If you already have dreads but they just don’t seem to be growing, adding extensions into existing dreads is not a problem. It doesn't matter how mature they are, although the younger they are the better. The process is customised and labour intensive as I mix and mould the hair individually for each dread to get the same thickness with a streamline affect. I have a range of colours available to match the hair perfectly.
It is not simply a matter of attaching pre-made dreads into the hair with a needle and thread (yes people actually charge big money for that!). If this is your second time round and would like some of your old dreads reattached I can do that too (without glue or thread - just crochet) Whatever you want!
TEMPORARY DREADLOCKS
Synthetic dreads are designed for their versatility. You can wear them for extra colour, volume, texture and or length. They are attached easily, and are a good solution if you want to change your hair style with no damage to your natural hair. You can normally get 2/3 months wear out of them depending how fast your hair grows and on your lifestyle. You will be able to wash and care for your hair in the exact same way you did before.
They are a great idea if you are growing tired of short hair as they can be attached to a minimum hair length of only 8cm. I will custom make them in whatever style/colour/length you want. They can also be single or double ended. I can give you examples if you are not exactly sure what you want, or if you have already dreamed something up - even better!
The good thing about this style is that its not permanent so it gives you the freedom to experiment with both style and colour. This may be your way of testing the waters before going with permanent dreadlocks. It will give you a good opportunity to see if you really like it and if it suits you before you commit! Or if your school/work wont allow the real thing.
So whether you are considering getting real dreads, looking to vamp up your look for an upcoming festival or gig, or just want to have a long dready hairstyle for a couple of months, this may be the best option for you.
HISTORY
Dreadlocks, sometimes called Locs or Dreads, are matted ropes of hair which inevitably form when the hair is left to grow naturally without combing. Or intentionally created using various methods to encourage their formation such as backcombing, twisting or crocheting.
The precise origin of the hairstyle is impossible to determine. Carvings and paintings can be tracked back to the Aztecs, Celtics and Egyptians. They have been worn all over the world by so many civilations, tribes, communities and races. There are so many versions of a hairstyle similar to the Dreadlocks we know today. The history of Dreadlocks is multi faceted and complex. The reasons why people chose to wear their hair in this way are varied, they can be an expression of deep religious conviction, spiritual connection, a manifestation of ethnic pride, a political statement or simply self expression.
There are pieces of the puzzle we can put together to create a picture. But we don’t know for sure. What is clear from artifacts is that that there are examples of wigs dating back to the Pharaohs who were thought to have worn their hair sectioned in ropes and braids heavily adorned with jewellery and other objects to signify their wealth. Many historians believed that locks were used to represent a level of esteem and power. Buddhism symbolizes this hair style with nonconformity to vanity. Scripture the Hindu deity Shiva was thought to take the weight of the Ganga in his locks. The Vikings were known to have combs but styled their hair in ropes and braids for battle. To the Polish plait that was surrounded in mystery and where they avoided cutting their hair for superstitious reasons.
We don’t know their origin but what we do know is the later years, and that they have become so connected to music and liberation. They were popular in the Hippie era and during the Vietnam war, a time of great rebellion and change where hair became a reflection of political stance. Then the rise in of main stream reggae music in the echoed and was a left-leaning cry to the youth. Then in the punk and rave subcultures. The trend gained momentum and developed further and the hairstyle began to be worn by prominent authors, actors, athletes, politicians, rappers. Youth of all ethnicities bonded in their outwardly expression. Dreadlocks gained particular attention in the last years amongst the anti-globalisation movement and with environmental activists, sharing a sense of resistance to the establishment and norms. Dreadlocks can also can be a means of creative self-expression, rejection of vanity, a symbol of individualism and a form of rebellion against traditional ties and restrictions.
This style will always have religious, social and political ramifications. For some people they are a statement of ethnic pride. Some see them as a repudiation of Eurocentric values represented by straightened hair. Others wear locks as a manifestation of their political beliefs and view them as symbols of unity and power, and a rejection of oppression and imperialism. They have never been more widespread than they are today. Ultimately there are many influences to how we present ourselves and many things we reject. Dreadlocks can take on various meanings to different people and everyone's personal and spiritual journey should be respected.
CONTACT
07546800482
WATERLOO - LONDON
Dread work can be quite labour intensive and each set is different.
Please get in touch for a quote.