How Many Double Ended Dreads For A Full Head? Top Answer Update

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Dreadlocks, thin or thick, are a beautiful hairstyle (when properly cared for, I should say).

Long before I had the courage to get dreadlocks, I had an idea of ​​what mine should look like. I still have the “dream photo” for inspiration, but there’s no way of knowing if my dreads will ever look like this.

During the locking process, I quickly realized that my dreads are something special to me. More important than worrying about the shape of the dreads is making sure the hair itself is healthy.

In the stages that dreads mature, they get thicker AND thinner. The thickness and length will vary greatly in the first year or two as the hair becomes matted.

Healthy dreads should be slightly thicker than when they started once they are fully mature.

How fat they get depends mainly on three things:

The size of your parts, your hair density, your hair texture

There are a few factors that can cause your dreads to become thinner over time. We will discuss this further and how you can prevent thinning and breakage.

Before I begin, I want to make it clear that this blog is purely informational. I am in no way suggesting what your dreads should or should not look like (as far as thickness goes). What you do with your hair is entirely up to you! Let’s start with that!

Dreads go through a beautiful and constant transformation. As the hair begins to knot and tangle, each dread adapts to the changes by shrinking while becoming bulky/tight in some places and loose/thin in others. During this time, loops will appear all over the place and it is likely that some hair will unravel and even come out of the dreadlocks entirely. Don’t worry if you’re dealing with this. Also, each dreadlock goes through this shrinking/tightening process individually, so don’t worry if some dreadlocks are noticeably shorter or longer than others.

A lot of times we freak out during baby and teenage years because we think our dreadlocks need to look perfect by the second week. Depending on your hair type and how you maintain it, it can take up to three years for your hair to fully mature. So be patient and wait the process.

The changes your hair undergoes are necessary for your dreads to mature! Healthy Locs is all about time and patience, and it’s well worth the wait!

The method you use to start your dreads, whether it’s twist and tear, crochet, interlocking, etc., does not determine the thickness of your locs.

If you’re wondering how thick your dreads will get or how thick/thin you should make them, there are three indicators to give you an idea.

Indicators of how thick your locs are getting

1. How big or small your sections are

Whether you allow your hair to frizz naturally or hire a professional to do it, I recommend parting your hair as evenly as possible. The more uneven the parts are, the more uneven your dreads will be. If you don’t care, you can let her do her thing.

For those of you who want all your dreads to be about the same thickness, have a friend or Loctician part your hair at the scalp. Eventually the thickness will be a little smaller than the size of the section you are making.

For reference, my hair was sectioned into 1″ x 1″ squares. Most of my dreads are about the thickness of a pencil, but some have gotten thicker and others a bit thinner (the ones around my face), possibly due to the amount of hair I have in that part of my head.

I do not recommend parting the scalp into triangles as as the dreads mature the hair may pull the corners of the roots too much and the constant tension can cause permanent hair loss. If you divide your head into rectangles, the dreads may end up flat rather than round.

As your hair starts to grow, the section pieces will disappear until you twist them again.

— Can you combine dreadlocks?

Yes! It is much easier to join thin locs into a thick one than to split one thick one in two. This process is also known as congo or connecting dreads.

NOTE: Your dreadlocks will naturally grow together at the root if you don’t separate them often. In the early stages of my trip I didn’t touch my scalp at all and my Loctician had to force my dreads apart. It left me with a headache for two days. Let that be a warning to you. Please learn from this mistake. 🙂

Many people who started out with thick dreads and didn’t like them had to start the process over by brushing them out and shaping thinner ones.

I read on a dreadlock forum that someone suggested cutting thick dreads in half to make thinner ones. This is so wrong!! Someone else suggested tearing the dreads apart down the middle. Not only does this sound extremely painful, but it’s also very damaging, so it’s best to get it right from the start.

TIP: NEVER cut hair (or crimps) from your dreadlocks. Some people have done this to make their hair look neater, but ultimately this hinders the closing process as the strand of hair is no longer complete. If frizz is a problem for you, use a little fresh aloe vera gel to tame it.

Let’s move on to the second indicator of dread thickness.

2. How much hair do you have (hair density)

Having lots of hair will give you a fuller urge than having less hair.

The average person has approximately 2,200 hairs per square inch. A person with more than the average amount of hair will have a thicker dread. In the same way, a less than average person will have a thinner fear.

Since we shed an average of 50 to 100 hairs a day, these dead hairs remain knotted inside the loc, adding to the thickness of each dread.

I’m not suggesting you count the number of hairs on your scalp because it’s tedious and pointless haha, but keep it in mind as it correlates with the third indicator: how thick your hair is.

3. The thickness of your hair (hair structure)

Hair thickness plays an important role in determining the future thickness of your locs. This is why it is an important factor to consider when trimming your scalp.

Someone with thin, straight hair like me would have a hard time successfully growing extra thin dreadlocks. Why? Because any significant tension on the scalp can cause the hair to fall out, when more hair is attached to the same spot, the stress is spread over more hair follicles and therefore the spot at the root is stronger.

People with coarse hair may not have a problem with thin strands, but particularly thick strands can weigh the hair down a bit and also cause quite a bit of tension on the scalp. In this case, you may occasionally need to style your hair into loose buns to ease some tension at the roots.

What causes thinning dreadlocks?

There are a number of factors that can influence your locs to start thinning.

– Excessive maintenance

Rotating your locs too often can contribute to thinner locs as you are not giving them enough time to puff up and move. Constant grooming also creates too much tension on your scalp, which also causes hair loss, as we discussed earlier. Your scalp should not be sore after the treatment.

– Dryness and lack of moisture

Hair, like the rest of our body, needs moisture/water. The result of chronically dry locomotives is breakage and thinning.

– Excess accumulation

Any product, both natural and unnatural, that you use on your locos can cause deposits. Too much build up interferes with the closing process and creates weak points along the dreads. To prevent this, you should do a deep clean every six months.

– Not protecting your hair at night

We toss and turn a lot in our sleep. The constant friction between our head and the pillow can weaken our hair at the roots.

– Emphasize

Stress affects every part of our body, whether we feel it or not. When we go through a significant period of stress, our hair follicles “freeze” and stop working as they should. This can lead to thinning hair or hair loss.

– genetics

Some people have naturally thin hair or start balding at a young age.

How to make your dreads thicker

If your hair has weak spots or is thinning, be sure to follow the suggestions below.

– Let your scalp relax

Avoid putting unnecessary tension on your scalp, whether through constant grooming or styling. You should re-twist your dreads every 6 weeks and definitely not earlier than 4 weeks.

– Hydrate your hair

If your hair feels frizzy, it’s too dry. Mist your hair with a moisturizer daily. You don’t need to wet yourself with anything special. In a spray bottle, mix distilled water with some of your favorite essential oils. (May I suggest tea tree oil and rosemary?) Mist all over your hair every morning, but be careful not to get your hair too wet.

– Stimulate your scalp

Strengthening your hair follicles at the root is very important for future hair health. Gently rub some jojoba oil directly onto your scalp before bed. If you don’t have jojoba oil, try Jamaican black castor oil or coconut oil. Make sure it’s only applied to the scalp so your hair doesn’t get greasy.

– Wear a silk or satin hat

Silk and satin protect your hair from nighttime rubbing. Protect your hair with a silk bonnet or use a silk pillowcase instead if you don’t like this look. This will also prevent lint from getting stuck in your dreads.

– Eat a balanced diet

If you are healthy on the inside, you will also be healthy on the outside. Drink at least 8 cups of water a day and eat more nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and protein. If you’re having a hard time incorporating leafy greens or other veggies, try adding them to a smoothie. If you have any type of imbalance or nutrient deficiency, you should consider supplements to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. Talk to your doctor about this first so you can get the appropriate amount of what your body is lacking.

– Meditate

When you relieve tension and stress, you allow your body to refresh and regenerate.

– Talk to a doctor

If you suspect your hair loss could be linked to genetics or another health condition, ask your doctor to recommend a solution.

Dreadlocks can get thick or thin over time depending on the process they are in or your physical well-being. I hope this blog has given you encouragement wherever you are on your journey.

Taking care of yourself and your hair is vital to the future of your healthy locs. So if you’re doing everything right and you’re still not seeing the results you want, I just want to remind you that you’re on the right track. This too shall pass!

Before you compare your dreads to someone else’s, remember that your hair is unique to you, so your process (and end result) will always look different than someone else’s.

Learn to love the journey you are on because there is nothing quite like it!

One of the nice things about locs is that they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from hundreds of sisterlocks to ones with just a few organic locs. Despite the varying sizes of locos, it’s still common to see smaller locos and not as common to see fatter locos. This article is for those of us who prefer thicker locs and are wondering “how do I grow thick locs?” ”

WHAT I CHOOSE THICK LOCS

I always knew I wanted big locs, but about 18 months into my trip, my locs weren’t developing the way I envisioned them, so I set out to find solutions. I stumbled across KOKABUTA’s series for growing thick locs and it helped me a lot; Along the way, I learned a few other important tips. So if you want to learn how to grow your locs thicker without combining your locs, check out the 5 Tips That Helped Me Grow Thicker Locs.

5 tips on how to grow thick locs

Forget everything you think you know. Many people believe that they need to have their locs serviced every two weeks or that they need to use firm hold products to re-twist their locs, and the list goes on; However, all of these notions are among other common misconceptions that actually prevent you from achieving thicker locs as these practices are more commonly used on small traditional locs. Throw away all unnatural products. Many of the products on the market that are specifically “for locs and dreads,” like Jamaican mango and lime aloe vera gel or flaxseed gel, are likely to cause unnecessary buildup in your locs. The excess accumulation prevents the Loc-Matrix from forming and interrupts the stages of hair loosening. Leave your hair alone. This is the most important factor in cultivating thick locs. It’s also healthier for your hair and scalp that you’re not causing undue tension with constant flipping or styling manipulations. Leaving your hair alone allows your locs to thrive and grow thicker because they aren’t constantly being “made” into compressed, flipped, or interlocking bundles. The ideal time frame for a retwist is between 4-6 weeks – no sooner! Change your diet. Your skin, nails and hair are all part of a system in your body that receives nutrients last, if at all, once your major systems are nourished. In other words, you have to be healthy on the inside first to see the benefits like continued hair growth, length retention, and thicker hair on the outside. Increasing your water intake to at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day and eating lots of vegetables are great habits to incorporate into your lifestyle. Feed your hair and stimulate your scalp. The key is to moisturize your hair daily, seal it with a natural oil and protect it overnight. You also need to keep your scalp clean and stimulate it with techniques like brushing the locs. Moistening your locs will help tremendously in preventing breakage and thinning, so you’ll want to make sure it’s done right! BONUS: No more going to bed without a scarf and drying out your locs! Protect your locomotives at night

When you first incorporate these tips into your regime, there are a few things to keep in mind if you aren’t already using them, so be sure to check out the next post ‘3 Things You Should Know Before You Start Big Locs’.

Share any other tips you’ve learned on your journey to cultivating thicker locs!

The amount of dreadlock extensions you need depends on several factors, including the diameter of the dreadlocks, your haircut, and the thickness of your hair. For kinky afro hair types, the number of dreadlocks can range from 40 to 60 extensions for thick and medium dreadlocks and 80 to 120 extensions for thin dreadlocks. For straighter hair types, the average is typically between 40-50 extensions for a full head and sometimes 60-70 extensions for thin dreadlocks or very thick hair types.

Double ended (DE) and Single ended (SE) are terms that refer to the two different types of synthetic dread you can get. This applies to both synthesizers and wool dreads.

Double Ended Dreads –

A DE dread is a dread that is twice the length of your overall style. It is folded in half and this creates two dread ends. When attaching, place the center/curve of the dread on the scalp and braid only one side of the dread down. Click here to see a video showing how to install DE dreads.

DEs are good for adding volume to your overall style. They are also better when you want to hide your natural hair and roots/scalp. When attaching DE dreads, the section of hair used should be larger than when attaching SE dreads. This is good because installing the entire set takes less time and is also gentler on your scalp. The more hair used in the section, the less stress/weight is placed on each strand of hair. DE dreads are great for styling because you have more dread ends so you can do more things with them.

A disadvantage of DE dreads is that sometimes they don’t lie well on the head. It also depends on the dreads themselves. EN Dreads may look less natural after installation. DE may protrude more at the root, although this tends to settle down after a few days of wear. A DE install can be heavier as you will generally have more dread ends than an SE install.

One-sided dreads –

An SE dread is just a dread with a loop on top. To attach, thread the hair through the loop at the top and braid lengthwise. Click here to watch a video showing how to install SE Dreads.

SEs are good for adding a more believable look to your style as they lie flatter. This also means they can be more comfortable for first-time dishheads. However, due to the fact that they lay flatter, SE installations can sometimes appear flat and saggy. Again, this is dependent on the dreads themselves. SE installations tend to be lighter than DE installations, but this depends on the quantity used.

Both?

You can always use both! Some people use DEs for the back and bottom of their hair, and then SEs for the top and hairline. This gives you the benefit of the volume of the DEs while looking natural in the visible areas.

Which one is better?

That’s a very personal opinion. It depends on what you are looking for in a style and what kind of dreads you are going to use. I would advise trying both and seeing what you prefer. Or if you already like a style, stick with it! At the end of the day, both setups look equally good, and neither is better or worse if you like the style you choose.

If you’re not sure what to try, ask your dreadmaker. They will try to help you, but remember that manufacturers also have their favorites and try to guide you based on that. Personally, I prefer DE’s, although I’m happy to do both.

fear falls!

Another style I want to draw your attention to is Dread Falls. These are dread sets that attach to lace or elastic. They can then simply be tied around your natural hair if you wear a ponytail or bun. This is perfect for people who only want to wear dreads for a short time, e.g. B. when going out or at an event. Most dread types can be made into falls. Dreads are usually either a large halyard that attaches to the back/top of the head, or a pair that attaches to either side of the head.

Thanks for reading and let me know which type you prefer and why! ❤

After you have decided to start dreadlocks, you need to determine the size of your locs. Because there are many dreadlock sizes to choose from, from thick traditional locs to the smallest of them all – sisterlocks, many people get confused as to which size to go for.

If that sounds like your problem, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about loc sizes and how to choose the right one for you. Let’s get into that right away!

Dreadlock Size Chart: Available Loc Sizes

Before deciding on a Loc size, it’s important to be aware of all the options you have. In this section we share with you the three main size categories:

Sisterlocks – Sisterlocks are the smallest locs (i.e. thin dreads) of them all. Sister lock parts range from ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch. You can get small, medium, or large sisterlocks, but the largest sisterlocks are still extremely thin. The smallest Sisterlocks are about the size of fine yarn in terms of thickness.

– Sisterlocks are the smallest locs (i.e. thin dreads) of all. Sister lock parts range from ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch. You can get small, medium, or large sisterlocks, but the largest sisterlocks are still extremely thin. The smallest Sisterlocks are about the size of fine yarn in terms of thickness. Microlocks – Microlocks are larger than sisterlocks, but smaller than regular locos. Some microlocks are as thin as a shoelace, while others are as thick as a drinking straw. If you do a little research on the internet, you will likely see micro locks that are as small as sister locks.

– Micro locks are larger than sister locks, but smaller than conventional locos. Some microlocks are as thin as a shoelace, while others are as thick as a drinking straw. If you do a little research on the internet, you will likely see micro locks that are as small as sister locks. Traditional Locs – Small locs are about the size of a chopstick, medium ones about the size of a pencil, and thick ones about the size of a marker.

How to determine your dreadlock size

Now that you know your dreadlock size choices, let’s look at how to achieve each of the loc sizes. For many, achieving a specific loc size is as simple as knowing how many locs you need and creating that set of locs.

Disclaimer: Variations in hair density and thickness can affect the final size of your locs. For example, two people can have the same number of locs and end up with different loc sizes. While it can be helpful to know information about loc counts, it’s not an exact science.

Microlocks (150+ dreadlocks)

Microlocks are a favorite among DIYers as they are similar to sisterlocks and can be made by almost anyone. On average, people who opt for microlock sized dreadlocks should shoot at least 150 locs.

If you want your micro locks to be really small, go for 400 locs or more. Keep in mind that starting with such a high number of locs will take some time.

Traditional Locs (20 to 150 dreadlocks)

Traditional locs vary in size from small to thick, so we tell you how many locs you need for each size category.

For thick traditional locs, aim to create 20 to 50 locs total. The fewer locs you have, the thicker your locs will be. If you want your locs to be extremely thick, closer to 20 locs is your best bet.

It is important not to go for less than 20 dreadlocks as this would result in extremely thick locks that will not dry completely. This can lead to mold and mildew, which are difficult to get rid of.

For medium sized traditional locs you will need to create between 51 and 100 locs. If you have thin hair and want pencil sized locs, you should lean more towards 51 locs. And if your hair is on the thicker side, go closer to 100 locs.

For small traditional locomotives you need about 101 to 150 locomotives. The same principle also applies to this locomotive size class. Those with thick hair should get around 150 locs, while those with thin hair should get around 100 locs.

Sisterlocks (More than 400 dreadlocks)

Sisterlocking is a proprietary locking technique that uses a specific grid and the expertise of a Sisterlock certified professional.

So if you are interested in Sisterlocks we recommend you visit the Sisterlocks Certified Consultants Directory where you can find a professional in your area to start your Sisterlocks off right.

Depending on the density of your hair, you could end up with more than 400 locs, and creating the perfect pieces to reach that number of locs can be a challenge.

How to choose dreadlock size for newbies

LOCOMOTIVE ADVICE | HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR LOC SIZE

Watch this video on YouTube

When choosing your dreadlock size, consider your personal preferences, how much time you want to spend grooming, your hair budget, and more. We address each of these considerations in detail.

Time – Although locs are low maintenance compared to many other hairstyles, they still require an investment of time. Locs should be maintained by interlocking (retightening), re-twisting (eg, two-strand twists), palm rolling, or crocheting. If you are doing your own dreadlock maintenance, you will need to determine how many locs you want to maintain. Retightening 20 locs takes much less time than retightening 400+ locs, which can take days. If you don’t feel like long dreadlock maintenance sessions, choose a smaller number of locs.

– Although locs are low maintenance compared to many other hairstyles, they still require an investment of time. Locs should be maintained by interlocking (retightening), re-twisting (eg, two-strand twists), palm rolling, or crocheting. If you are doing your own dreadlock maintenance, you will need to determine how many locs you want to maintain. Retightening 20 locs takes much less time than retightening 400+ locs, which can take days. If you don’t feel like long dreadlock maintenance sessions, choose a smaller number of locs. Money – Even if you don’t maintain your locs yourself, you still need to make sure you can afford the expense that comes with having a professional dreadlock groomer. Sisterlocks and Microlocks professionally re-tightened every 8 weeks can cost around $200. For traditional locs (e.g. freeform locs on natural hair) you can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$100 every 4-6 weeks. The larger your locomotives are, the more you can save on locomotive maintenance costs.

– Even if you don’t groom your locs yourself, you still need to make sure you can afford the cost of a professional dreadlock grooming. Sisterlocks and Microlocks professionally re-tightened every 8 weeks can cost around $200. For traditional locs (e.g. freeform locs on natural hair) you can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$100 every 4-6 weeks. The larger your locomotives are, the more you can save on locomotive maintenance costs. Personal Preference – Your personal taste should also be considered when choosing your loco size. To find out what size you like, type “dreadlocks” into Google Images, explore Instagram posts, and watch YouTube videos. You will eventually gravitate towards a particular loc size.

– Your personal taste should also be taken into account when choosing the size of the locomotive. To find out what size you like, type “dreadlocks” into Google Images, explore Instagram posts, and watch YouTube videos. You will eventually gravitate towards a particular loc size. Loc Fullness – If you have low density hair, you should go for a smaller loc size which will give you more locs. If you go for big locs, you could end up with scalpiness (where much of your scalp is exposed due to insufficient loc coverage). If you don’t care if your scalp is visible, that’s no problem. On the other hand, if you have very thick hair, you should be careful not to create too many locs. As your dreads mature, your locs could take on the bulkiness of a mop.

– If you have low density hair you should go for a smaller loc size which will give you more locs. If you go for big locs, you could end up with scalpiness (where much of your scalp is exposed due to insufficient loc coverage). If you don’t care if your scalp is visible, that’s no problem. On the other hand, if you have very thick hair, you should be careful not to create too many locs. As your dreads mature, your locs could take on the bulkiness of a mop. Try Some Loc Styles – If you’re having trouble deciding which loc size suits your face shape best, try faux locs (you can use human or synthetic hair) to get a little idea. Even if your natural locs prove to be more weightless and flexible, being able to see how small, medium, or thick locs affect you can be a confirmation to make a choice.

With the above tips and considerations, you have everything you need to choose the right dreadlock size for you.

Your loc size is extremely important, so we advise you not to start your locs until you are sure of the size you want. You don’t want to waste your time cultivating the wrong size locs and then having to start all over again.

Combining Locs

One thing to keep in mind is that you can combine certain locs down the line if you find them to be too small for your liking, but you can’t separate locs that are too thick. So if you’re hesitating between two similar loco sizes, it’s best to go for the smaller size.

Related Articles

It’s easy to get confused by the sheer number of choices you have when it comes to loc sizes. But with the right tips, you can quickly make the best decision for you.

For more tips, check out this article on the origin and history of dreadlocks, styles, thinning repairs, and more.

We hope this article will enable you to make a more informed decision regarding your loc size and we wish you the best of luck in exploring your dreadlock options.

@morganalexisk

1. There are different ways to start your locs

There are several ways to start your locomotives. Traditionally, the comb coil method is used. In this method, the hair is divided into sections and twisted into a tight spiral with the fine teeth of a comb. You can also do small twists or braids and have the hair localized that way. Another method is instant location. In this method, the hair is trimmed and then tangled into a semi-mature looking strand using a steel crochet tool. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages. You can consult an optician to determine what works best for you and your hair.

2. Your parting pattern matters

@thenappsquad

The parting pattern you choose can affect the appearance of your locs when mature. Most people opt for a square brick pattern. Some people with thinner hair opt for diamond parts because it can make them appear like they have a fuller head of locs.

The section size also affects the size of your locos. Smaller sections create smaller locs and larger sections create larger locs, relative to the density of your hair. If your parts are irregular, your locs will also be irregular in size. It all depends on what you want your end product to look like.

3. They sometimes get fatter over time

No matter what your locs look like when you install them, they will most likely look radically different in a few years. Often the locs thicken as they mature. Because of this, many people with Locs urge you to appreciate each leg of your journey. It can change a lot over time.

4. Developing locs need water

You may have heard that when starting locs, you shouldn’t get your hair wet at all for months. This is untrue! The advice not to wash your hair for the first six months is to keep you from disturbing the parting. However, you should water your locs regularly. Not only does it keep your hair moisturized, it also aids in the localization process by causing your hair to shrink which causes the loc to grow stronger. Just make sure you seal in that moisture with a soluble butter or oil. We recommend our POLISHED Hair & Scalp Oil.

5. Your hair density determines the fullness of your locs

This is something that surprises people when they don’t start their journey with this information. If you have low density hair you will have thinner locs and if you have higher density hair you will have thicker locs. This cannot be changed by any installation technique.

6. Locs can take a long time to mature

Depending on your hair texture, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for locs to fully mature.

7. Pay attention to the product structure

This is another problem that can surprise people who don’t know. You cannot maintain locs the way you maintain loose natural hair. Locs are very prone to fouling. Therefore, you should avoid heavy products. Try to stick to soluble butters, oils, light moisturizers, and water.

8. Watch out for breakage at the root

The biggest threat to the health of your locs is a break at the root or thinning of your locs. This can cause them to break and fall off. You can avoid this by moisturizing your locs and not manipulating them too much.

9. Beware of Loc envy

Every hair is different, so every loc is different. Loc envy can make it difficult for people to get comfortable with their locs as they are. So spend a lot of time admiring your locs as they mature. Fall in love with every stage of growth. Take tons of pictures. Celebrate your hair as much as you can.

10. Enjoy the journey!

At the end of the day, this is a new journey, and new journeys are meant to be fun! So don’t forget to enjoy the whole journey.

@123locd

Thinking about starting your locomotive circuits? Let us know in the comments.

Rewinding locs is one of the most important and sensitive maintenance methods when it comes to our locs.

One of the many lessons we learn with locs is the beauty of balance. Too much of anything (even the great stuff) can be harmful and harmful. We love the “middle way” and believe that all great things come in moderation. That being said, how often we rotate our locs is an important step in maintaining healthy locs as they grow. Over or under twisting our locs can damage our locs and cause some maintenance problems later. If you want to achieve the locs of your dreams, the products you use and how often you spin are everything (or almost everything).

How often should I re-twist my locs?

You won’t love this answer, but every hair is different. It’s hard for us to tell you how long your retwist should last without knowing what loc phase you are in, the style and texture of your hair, and your daily habits and lifestyle. That being said, a typical retwist should/could last anywhere from 4-6 weeks. But again, it depends on how you take care of your locos.

Your retwist can last longer, it can even last months if you take the right steps to make your retwist last longer.

This will make your retwist last longer

If you really want your retwist to last longer, there are a few steps you can take to make your retwist last beyond your average length of time.

Wear a towel and a shower cap when showering – a shower cap with material inside, rather than one that’s just plastic, will help your retwist last longer. A plastic shower cap causes hair to frizz due to steam getting into the shower cap. You want a shower cap with material in the cap to protect your locs. If you have to wash your hair frequently, you most likely need to re-twist it more often. If you shower or bathe with uncovered hair and take a really hot shower, your hair will steam, especially if your hair is very fine, your hair will fall out. Find a hair bonnet, durag, or silk scarf and wear your shower cap on the fabric to protect your locs. Always go to bed with your hair scarf if you want your hair to look beautiful and well-groomed for longer. Tie your hair up at night with a hair scarf or wrap your hair in your favorite bonnet. You can also add a silk material around your edges under your hood for extra protection. We recommend our hats, which we offer both short and long. Allow your hair to dry completely when grooming it. If we don’t rush the drying process, our hair strand will last longer. They should be under a dryer for at least an hour. Let your hair dry for about 40-50 minutes. Take your clips down and, with two braids, put them under the dryer for another 30 minutes. First let the back of your head and the outermost layers of your locs dry. Then you can even take your braids to the dryer to get into the locs. Pinch your locs to see if they are completely dry. Treat your hair as if you had a roller set. Getting your hair wet will naturally revert it to its natural curl pattern. Even if your hair is re-twisted, when it gets wet the hair will revert to its natural curl pattern. Cover up during the rain. Do not put your locos under a plastic bag, this will generate steam. Protect your hair from fog and rain with either an umbrella or a scarf.

final thoughts

Increasing the time between each retwist depends on how careful and aware we are of our locs and our habits. Some of us don’t have the time or patience to pay attention to every little detail, while others love having that kind of control over their locs and their retwists.

How long your retwist lasts is up to you and your maintenance routine. Follow a routine that best suits your dreams and your lifestyle. Sometimes we need to readjust our expectations or our habits to get the results we really want. Go with what makes you happiest, we’re big fans of self-care!

Synthetic dreadlock extensions are very similar to braided extensions except they are much quicker and easier to apply. Not only are they a great way to add length and versatility to any hair, but they can be treated almost like your natural hair. This means that there is a little (but not too much) maintenance involved in maintaining synthetic dreads. They can be worn up, down, in a ponytail and even washed.

Double ended dreadlocks vs. one ended dreadlocks

Synthetic double ended extensions are a long dreadlock where you attach the hair by braiding it around the center of the dreads. They offer lots of volume and require less work than single ended dreads. However, they can get a bit heavier than unbalanced extensions.

One-sided dreadlocks are also a long dread. There is a loop at the end where you need to braid your hair. Single ended extensions are great for those who don’t want the look of big hair and the weight of double ended dreadlocks.

Can I wash my synthetic dreads?

Synthetic dreads can be worn up, down or even washed. You should focus on cleaning your scalp with your regular shampoo (diluted) or a residue-free dreadlock shampoo. Simply lather and rinse with your fingertips. Remember that your dreadlocks will accumulate and residue-free shampoo is optimal.

Do not wash your extensions more than 1-2 times a week as this can leave your extensions bubbling and looking untidy. Washing less often allows you to wear your extensions longer and still maintain a neat and tidy look.

How long can I wear my dreadlock extensions?

It’s not a good idea to wear your synthetic curls for more than 10-12 weeks at a time. Otherwise your hair may be harmed unnecessarily (tangling, matting, residue build-up can contribute to hair damage and hair loss). It is recommended that you deep clean and condition after removing your extensions.

If your dreadlocks get flaky or frizzy, you can use scissors to trim the crimps off the surface of the curl to give them a tidier look.

Can I curl my dreadlocks?

Don’t use heat to curl your extensions. Synthetic hair MELTS when exposed to high temperatures… Again – they MELT. If you want a curly look, use rollers, spray with water and let air dry.

What happens if my dreadlocks start to unravel?

Don’t worry! Dissolving can be fixed quickly. This is perfectly normal and is caused by wearing your extensions normally for a long period of time. Simply use a fine toothed comb to lightly backcomb the dread and twist it back into a dread. Use a little water on the spot and hold a hair dryer on the area you are about to rotate. (Be careful with the blow dryer as it can melt your nicely installed extensions as mentioned above.)

Can I reuse my extensions?

Absolutely! They have shampoos designed for synthetic hair that you can buy or wash with conditioner and lukewarm water.

Have you tried synthetic dreadlock extensions?

What are Butterfly Locomotives?

Butterfly locs are quite similar to faux locs. They are both achieved using the crochet method, in which wavy hair is tied into a braid using a crochet hook and then loosely secured to strands of braided hair. They are incredibly beautiful and a great protective style to rock all year round. What makes the butterfly locs stand out are the curly loops created within them when styled.

How many tufts of hair does it take to reach Butterfly Locs?

To achieve this protective style you need at least about 6-8 packs of wavy hair. The pack of extensions you need depends on how full and long you want your butterfly locs to be. Also, longer styles tend to have thinner locs, while shorter styles have jumbo locs. Whatever style or strands of hair you use, make sure they aren’t too bulky so they don’t put tension on your scalp.

How long does it take to install butterfly locos?

The time it takes to install your butterfly locs will depend on your choice of length, but on average it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to complete. There is no harm in installing Butterfly Locs on your natural hair either as your natural hair will be braided prior to installation.

How long can you wear this hairstyle?

With proper maintenance and care, you can wear your butterfly locs for a period of 1-2 months. However, you need to make sure you use moisturizing products, wash your locs with dry shampoo, or let them air dry if you use a liquid shampoo. Make sure that when you clean your locs you also clean your scalp to avoid frizz or dandruff.

Can you wash your butterfly locs?

Yes you can. However, you need to make sure you dry out the moisture properly so your hair doesn’t get smelly. If you prefer not to air dry, you can also use a hand dryer to dry it.

How can you take care of your butterfly locos?

Massage your scalp with organic oils like olive oil, argan oil or almond oil to keep your scalp hydrated and looking fresh while wearing this style. To keep your butterfly locs looking neat, you can apply a mousse at intervals to freshen up your locs. You may also need to untangle and reinstall some locs and apply some edge control.

How to install butterfly locos

There are a few ways to attach the butterfly locs to your hair. We show a step by step method on how to achieve the butterfly locs using the crochet method. Watch this tutorial by Kathryn Bedell to see how she installs her butterfly locs.

What you need

Packs of Locs expansion

crochet hook

cider

Vinegar

edge control

Step 1: Braid or twist your hair

First, you can start by soaking your locs extension in a apple cider or vinegar rinse. This prevents any form of itching on your scalp and hair, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.

Then choose a parting style for your parts. You can use Jumbo Square Box Braid Parts, Zig Zag Parts, Diamond Parts or Triangle Box Braid Parts. To keep your parts clean you can apply any edge control of your choice.

Step 2: Prepare your water waves

Simply take two pieces of Water Waves Locs Extensions and separate them into two pieces.

Step 3: Crochet the extension into the hairline

Take the crochet hook and thread it through the base of your braid, near your scalp.

Now loop the severed water wave hairs into the hook of the needle, close and pull less than halfway through. You’ll need about ¾ of the waterwave hair on one side to start wrapping.

Step 4: Start wrapping the extensions

The next step is to wrap the extension around your natural hair using the long section of the extensions.

Make sure to wrap around the base of your hair about 6-7 times to hold it in place. However, you can choose to get messy while wrapping the remaining portion of your hair. They don’t have to be as strong as the roots.

Step 5: Seal the ends