F.A.Q.
What ARE those things?!
Synth dreads are faux dreadlocks, made of very fine synthetic fiber. They’re a great option for folks who like the look of dreads/bright colors/LOOK AT ME hair, but are unwilling or unable to commit to natural dreadlocks or lots of damaging hair color. They can be worn either as extensions (which are plaited in to the natural hair and secured with a tiny hair band and last up to 8 weeks) or as hair falls (strung on lace or elastic and tied into place over ponytails/buns for a totally temporary, one night only look).
What is the difference between double-ended, single-ended, and falls?
Double-ended dreads are essentially two dreads linked in the middle by a small section of un-dreaded hair. One side is braided into natural hair, and the other side falls over the top, creating the illusion of “natural" dreadlocks. These are great for those of us with thin or fine hair that want lots of volume (but be careful if you’re REALLY thin/fine, as they may be a bit too heavy!) or anyone who would like to downplay the braided pieces.
Single-ended dreads are one dread with a small loop at the top through which natural hair is threaded and then braided around the hairpiece and secured. These are perfect for clients that would like to use them for both extensions and falls.
Falls are completely temporary hairpieces (strung along a length of lace or elastic) that can be removed easily in ten minutes. Natural hair is put up in one or more buns atop the head, and falls are tied around and secured with hairpins if needed. They’re fantastic for those of us with professional day-jobs that want to get crazy at night!
How many do I need?
The exact dread count will depend on how full you like your volume (or how much weight your scalp can handle) as well as the thickness of your dreads. If you're ordering very thin dreads, you will want more of them to cover the same area. The same goes for chunky dreads! The classic standard for many years now has been 50 1/2" Double Enders, or 100 ends. I find this to be a little excessive for an actual install, but it's the perfect amount to order if you know you'll want to have some extras handy.
How long will they last?
The pieces themselves are completely reusable and if properly maintained can provide you with a lifetime of fun, funky hair-styling possibilities. When worn as extensions, you can usually go between 6-8 weeks before needing to be tightened, depending on how fast your hair grows.
Can I dye them to suit my tastes once they arrive?
No, unfortunately that is not possible. Synthetic hair is made of very fine plastic fibers, and therefor will not respond to any bleaching or coloring. The hair comes in every color under the sun, though (including glow in the dark and black light reflective colors!), and you can specify which colors you’d like when custom ordering.
Why do I have to place my order so far in advance?
Synth Dreads are very time consuming to create, especially if you want great quality. In order to offer plentiful and customizable color options, I order your colors in specific quantities from my supplier when you place an order, which can sometimes take up to a week to reach me. Once I have the materials in my hands, a set can often take 10-20 hours or more to create. I work as a hairstylist 30 hours a week and usually have more than one order of dreads going at the same time.
Often times your kit will reach you sooner than expected, but I like to make sure and give myself enough wiggle room in case I need it! For an additional fee, rushed shipping can be applied on both the shipment of materials and finished product, as well as my undivided attention if you need something right away. Please ask in advance to make sure we can accommodate you!
But if someone pays extra for a rushed order, won’t that unfairly push my waiting time back?
No! The added fee of a rushed order makes it possible for me to take some time away from the salon, not my usual night job of dread making. When you purchase a rushed order, I am able to take a few hours that I would normally NOT be working on custom orders to focus completely on getting you what you need and FAST!
Why are your dreads so much more expensive than a lot of the sellers I’m seeing around?
Can I curl them?
Well… you can try. You’re most likely going to end up with a molten hot plastic mess, though, so I highly suggest leaving the curling up to me. Please feel free to inquire about options and pricing, if this is something that interests you. Never, EVER use hot tools (ie: Flat Iron, Curling Iron) on your dreads. If you want to try curling them on your own, please look into using hot water or steam methods.
Can I trim them myself?
Well, I technically can't stop you. You're welcome to of course, but unless you're a dread artist yourself of have a deep understanding of how they're made, I don't recommend it. If you cut into the dread too much, you can compromise the structure of the piece and wind up with an unraveling mess on your hands. VERY gentle trimming is fine, if you have a little fuzz from hard wear, but please do be careful.
I do offer maintenance services to keep your dreads looking their best for years to come, and if your dreads have taken an especially hard beating please do get in touch to schedule a session. I am very proud to say however, that in the last 5 years of offering these services only 3 clients have found a need to have their dreads spruced up. They should hold up pretty well the first time around. :)
How do I store them when they're not installed?
Many people like to hang them up proudly for display, others like to lovingly put them to bed in a shoe box labeled with the style, date and maker (*ahem* guilty). It really is a matter of personal preference. Some styles, especially the traditional twisted style, can subtly loosen when hung up for long periods of time. Also, when displayed they are prone to get a little dusty. If you do decide you'd rather tuck them away for safe keeping, remember to let them air out very well before packaging them up.
I’ve heard that when you have dreadlocks, you can’t wash your hair. Is that true?
Absolutely not. Washing is definitely possible and in fact, recommended. See the “maintenance" section below for washing instructions.
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS
How long does my hair need to be to wear dread falls or extensions?
To install (braid in) extensions, the shortest you'll want to work with is approximately 3 or 4 inches. There ARE methods for "super short" hair, but they don't work for everyone and involve at least a little slippage from time to time.
For falls, you need enough hair to put into high ponytails/buns. It will need to be able to support the weight of your hair falls. With fine, silky, or sometimes shorter hair, a claw-clip can be a helpful option.
How do I install my new dreads?
They’re quite simple, and can easily be installed with the help of a good pal (a lot of us even self-install!) but if that isn’t an option for you:
Come visit me! If you live in the Southern Oregon/Northern California area, I can install them myself for $30-$50 an hour ($30 if you've purchased your dreads from me, $50 if they’re coming from an outside source).
Consult your stylist. If you live too far to travel here, check your local salons and see if anyone can help you (basically all they need to know how to do is a simple 3-strand braid, or you can direct them to one of the many fabulous tutorials scattered all over the web). If anyone mentions the words "glue" or "adhesive" to you, run.
Can't find someone inside your comfort zone? No worries, sometimes this stuff goes right over a stylist's head. Just let us know that you're looking for someone to help with an install, and let us know where you live. Chances are good we can help hook you up with someone nearby.
If all else fails, bribe a friend with B-side horror flix and cookies.
How do I wash this mess of hair on my head?
Personally, I keep my installs short (1-2 weeks, which is totally just personal preference. Many people can go much longer without issue!) and try not to use any soaps when washing so as to avoid any lingering residue. you read right, I just rinse super thoroughly with water. If I have any fringe/bangs or other loose hair around my face, I cover my install with a bandanna and wash said loose hair as normal with a shampoo.
If you insist on a cleansing agent: You are best off using diluted shampoo if any at all, to start with. I recommend a peppermint or tea tree shampoo, for cooling properties. Use your fingers to work the mixture between your partings, and be very careful to rinse thoroughly!! Any left over buildup of product can result in a very itchy and irritated scalp. Conditioner is not necessary; the natural oils from your scalp will be plenty good enough while your dreads are installed.
Make sure to get them completely dry (no hair dryers, unless you like to be crunchy) to avoid smelling mildewy. Grab a towel, you will be dripping for at least an hour!
I smoke like a chimney, and my dreads are starting to stink. What can I do?
I’ve heard Febreeze is great, but honestly I can't say I recommend it. I usually just run a few drops of essential rose oil through the lengths and that suits me fine. Try rinsing them out with water, as well.
If you spent one too many nights next to the campfire: Uninstall and place gently in a bath of nice warm water and approx. 1/4-1/2 tsp of laundry detergent/shampoo/shower gel. If you like you may add a light sprinkle of baking soda as well. Agitate gently, rinse thoroughly (keep with the gentle theme), and hang to dry somewhere that the dripping won't be an issue, or lay them out on a towel to dry.
Synth dreads are faux dreadlocks, made of very fine synthetic fiber. They’re a great option for folks who like the look of dreads/bright colors/LOOK AT ME hair, but are unwilling or unable to commit to natural dreadlocks or lots of damaging hair color. They can be worn either as extensions (which are plaited in to the natural hair and secured with a tiny hair band and last up to 8 weeks) or as hair falls (strung on lace or elastic and tied into place over ponytails/buns for a totally temporary, one night only look).
What is the difference between double-ended, single-ended, and falls?
Double-ended dreads are essentially two dreads linked in the middle by a small section of un-dreaded hair. One side is braided into natural hair, and the other side falls over the top, creating the illusion of “natural" dreadlocks. These are great for those of us with thin or fine hair that want lots of volume (but be careful if you’re REALLY thin/fine, as they may be a bit too heavy!) or anyone who would like to downplay the braided pieces.
Single-ended dreads are one dread with a small loop at the top through which natural hair is threaded and then braided around the hairpiece and secured. These are perfect for clients that would like to use them for both extensions and falls.
Falls are completely temporary hairpieces (strung along a length of lace or elastic) that can be removed easily in ten minutes. Natural hair is put up in one or more buns atop the head, and falls are tied around and secured with hairpins if needed. They’re fantastic for those of us with professional day-jobs that want to get crazy at night!
How many do I need?
The exact dread count will depend on how full you like your volume (or how much weight your scalp can handle) as well as the thickness of your dreads. If you're ordering very thin dreads, you will want more of them to cover the same area. The same goes for chunky dreads! The classic standard for many years now has been 50 1/2" Double Enders, or 100 ends. I find this to be a little excessive for an actual install, but it's the perfect amount to order if you know you'll want to have some extras handy.
How long will they last?
The pieces themselves are completely reusable and if properly maintained can provide you with a lifetime of fun, funky hair-styling possibilities. When worn as extensions, you can usually go between 6-8 weeks before needing to be tightened, depending on how fast your hair grows.
Can I dye them to suit my tastes once they arrive?
No, unfortunately that is not possible. Synthetic hair is made of very fine plastic fibers, and therefor will not respond to any bleaching or coloring. The hair comes in every color under the sun, though (including glow in the dark and black light reflective colors!), and you can specify which colors you’d like when custom ordering.
Why do I have to place my order so far in advance?
Synth Dreads are very time consuming to create, especially if you want great quality. In order to offer plentiful and customizable color options, I order your colors in specific quantities from my supplier when you place an order, which can sometimes take up to a week to reach me. Once I have the materials in my hands, a set can often take 10-20 hours or more to create. I work as a hairstylist 30 hours a week and usually have more than one order of dreads going at the same time.
Often times your kit will reach you sooner than expected, but I like to make sure and give myself enough wiggle room in case I need it! For an additional fee, rushed shipping can be applied on both the shipment of materials and finished product, as well as my undivided attention if you need something right away. Please ask in advance to make sure we can accommodate you!
But if someone pays extra for a rushed order, won’t that unfairly push my waiting time back?
No! The added fee of a rushed order makes it possible for me to take some time away from the salon, not my usual night job of dread making. When you purchase a rushed order, I am able to take a few hours that I would normally NOT be working on custom orders to focus completely on getting you what you need and FAST!
Why are your dreads so much more expensive than a lot of the sellers I’m seeing around?
- Experience.
I have been wearing and making Synth Dreads for over a decade. Literally thousands of dreads have been worked by these hands. - Extensive Knowledge of Hair and Scalp Health.
As a board-certified stylist I can offer you a much broader range of information regarding the health of your hair and scalp. I can answer questions and help you troubleshoot any issues with much more certainty than most. - Passion and Talent for Design and Color.
Color and design are intense passions of mine, and I can confidently say these skills will give you a uniquely excellent look if you allow me to run with them! - Customer Service.
I have top-notch reviews for customer service, and I intend to keep it that way. Your comfort level and participation in creating the perfect style for you is of the utmost importance to me! - I pay my taxes. Many of the "companies" that sell synthetic dreads do so only as a hobby. This is my job, and I LOVE my job, so I prefer to keep it 100% legit. This protects me, my family, and you as a buyer. Win/Win.
- QUALITY. My work is sculpted carefully and with love and a passion for what I do. With proper care your dreads can last through many installs, be fashioned in dozens of styles and up-dos, and are sure to wow and dazzle your friends. (Especially that one girl that sort of hangs around your ex, wearing the $15 ebay falls. Yeah. I said it.)
Can I curl them?
Well… you can try. You’re most likely going to end up with a molten hot plastic mess, though, so I highly suggest leaving the curling up to me. Please feel free to inquire about options and pricing, if this is something that interests you. Never, EVER use hot tools (ie: Flat Iron, Curling Iron) on your dreads. If you want to try curling them on your own, please look into using hot water or steam methods.
Can I trim them myself?
Well, I technically can't stop you. You're welcome to of course, but unless you're a dread artist yourself of have a deep understanding of how they're made, I don't recommend it. If you cut into the dread too much, you can compromise the structure of the piece and wind up with an unraveling mess on your hands. VERY gentle trimming is fine, if you have a little fuzz from hard wear, but please do be careful.
I do offer maintenance services to keep your dreads looking their best for years to come, and if your dreads have taken an especially hard beating please do get in touch to schedule a session. I am very proud to say however, that in the last 5 years of offering these services only 3 clients have found a need to have their dreads spruced up. They should hold up pretty well the first time around. :)
How do I store them when they're not installed?
Many people like to hang them up proudly for display, others like to lovingly put them to bed in a shoe box labeled with the style, date and maker (*ahem* guilty). It really is a matter of personal preference. Some styles, especially the traditional twisted style, can subtly loosen when hung up for long periods of time. Also, when displayed they are prone to get a little dusty. If you do decide you'd rather tuck them away for safe keeping, remember to let them air out very well before packaging them up.
I’ve heard that when you have dreadlocks, you can’t wash your hair. Is that true?
Absolutely not. Washing is definitely possible and in fact, recommended. See the “maintenance" section below for washing instructions.
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS
How long does my hair need to be to wear dread falls or extensions?
To install (braid in) extensions, the shortest you'll want to work with is approximately 3 or 4 inches. There ARE methods for "super short" hair, but they don't work for everyone and involve at least a little slippage from time to time.
For falls, you need enough hair to put into high ponytails/buns. It will need to be able to support the weight of your hair falls. With fine, silky, or sometimes shorter hair, a claw-clip can be a helpful option.
How do I install my new dreads?
They’re quite simple, and can easily be installed with the help of a good pal (a lot of us even self-install!) but if that isn’t an option for you:
Come visit me! If you live in the Southern Oregon/Northern California area, I can install them myself for $30-$50 an hour ($30 if you've purchased your dreads from me, $50 if they’re coming from an outside source).
Consult your stylist. If you live too far to travel here, check your local salons and see if anyone can help you (basically all they need to know how to do is a simple 3-strand braid, or you can direct them to one of the many fabulous tutorials scattered all over the web). If anyone mentions the words "glue" or "adhesive" to you, run.
Can't find someone inside your comfort zone? No worries, sometimes this stuff goes right over a stylist's head. Just let us know that you're looking for someone to help with an install, and let us know where you live. Chances are good we can help hook you up with someone nearby.
If all else fails, bribe a friend with B-side horror flix and cookies.
How do I wash this mess of hair on my head?
Personally, I keep my installs short (1-2 weeks, which is totally just personal preference. Many people can go much longer without issue!) and try not to use any soaps when washing so as to avoid any lingering residue. you read right, I just rinse super thoroughly with water. If I have any fringe/bangs or other loose hair around my face, I cover my install with a bandanna and wash said loose hair as normal with a shampoo.
If you insist on a cleansing agent: You are best off using diluted shampoo if any at all, to start with. I recommend a peppermint or tea tree shampoo, for cooling properties. Use your fingers to work the mixture between your partings, and be very careful to rinse thoroughly!! Any left over buildup of product can result in a very itchy and irritated scalp. Conditioner is not necessary; the natural oils from your scalp will be plenty good enough while your dreads are installed.
Make sure to get them completely dry (no hair dryers, unless you like to be crunchy) to avoid smelling mildewy. Grab a towel, you will be dripping for at least an hour!
I smoke like a chimney, and my dreads are starting to stink. What can I do?
I’ve heard Febreeze is great, but honestly I can't say I recommend it. I usually just run a few drops of essential rose oil through the lengths and that suits me fine. Try rinsing them out with water, as well.
If you spent one too many nights next to the campfire: Uninstall and place gently in a bath of nice warm water and approx. 1/4-1/2 tsp of laundry detergent/shampoo/shower gel. If you like you may add a light sprinkle of baking soda as well. Agitate gently, rinse thoroughly (keep with the gentle theme), and hang to dry somewhere that the dripping won't be an issue, or lay them out on a towel to dry.