Dreadlock extensions are a wonderful way to add length, volume, or color to your natural dreadlocks, allowing for immediate transformation and versatility in styling. Whether you’re looking for a temporary change or something more permanent, making your own dreadlock extensions can be a rewarding DIY project. This guide will walk you through creating your own extensions, starting with synthetic dreads, which are popular for their durability and ease of maintenance.
How to Make Synthetic Dreads
Making synthetic dreadlocks is a fun and creative way to express your style. Synthetic dreads can be made from various materials, but kanekalon hair is a popular choice due to its texture and heat resistance. Here’s how to get started:
Materials Needed:
- Kanekalon hair;
- Comb for backcombing;
- Crochet hook (0.6mm or smaller);
- Hot water.
Steps:
- Section the Hair: Cut the kanekalon hair to your desired length, then section it into strands depending on how thick you want each dread to be.
- Backcomb: Secure one end of a hair section in a vise or clip. Start backcombing towards the root to create volume and texture.
- Twist and Crochet: Twist the backcombed hair tightly, then use the crochet hook to pull loose hairs back into the dread, working your way down. This tightens the dread and gives it a solid structure.
- Seal with Hot Water: Dip the dread into hot water to seal it. Be careful with this step to avoid burns. Let the dread dry completely.
Creating synthetic dreads can be customized with different colors and lengths, offering a wide range of creative possibilities.
Next, we will delve into how to install single-ended and double-ended dreads, ensuring you can enjoy your new look with confidence and style.
How to Install Single Ended Dreads
Single-ended dreads, often abbreviated as SE dreads, come with a loop at one end. This design makes them straightforward to install, especially for those new to dreadlock extensions. Here’s a simple guide to installing single-ended dreads:
Tools You’ll Need:
- A tail comb for sectioning;
- Small hair elastics;
- Crochet hook (optional, for tightening);
Steps:
- Section Your Hair: Use the tail comb to part your natural hair where you want to install the dread. The size of the section should roughly match the thickness of the dread extension.
- Secure the Natural Hair: Braid a small section of your natural hair where you want to install the dread. This braid will serve as the anchor.
- Attach the Dread: Take the loop end of the single-ended dread and pull the braid through it. Ensure the loop is close to the scalp but not too tight to avoid discomfort.
- Secure the Extension: Tie the braid and the end of the dread extension together with a small hair elastic. For added security, you can use a crochet hook to pull some of the loose hair at the base of the dread through the braid, which helps to anchor the dread more firmly.
- Repeat: Continue this process until you’ve installed all the single-ended dreads you want.
Installing single-ended dreads can significantly change your look with minimal effort. They’re versatile, allowing you to add as many or as few as you like to achieve your desired style.
Next, we’ll explore how to install double-ended dreads, which offer a fuller look and can be a bit more complex to attach but are well worth the effort for the volume and length they can add.
How to Install Double Ended Dreads
Double-ended dreads (DE dreads) provide a fuller look compared to single-ended ones, as they effectively give you two dreadlocks hanging from one attachment point. Installing them can seem tricky at first, but with the right approach, you can achieve a seamless and secure fit. Here’s how to do it:
Tools You’ll Need:
- A tail comb for sectioning;
- Small hair elastics;
- Crochet hook (optional, for additional security).
Steps:
- Section Your Hair: Begin by using the tail comb to section off a piece of your natural hair where you plan to install the dread. This section should be about the same width as the base of your double-ended dread.
- Fold the Dread: Find the midpoint of the double-ended dread and fold it over the section of your natural hair, aligning the midpoint with the scalp.
- Braid the Hair: Take three strands (two from the dread and one from your natural hair at the section point) and start braiding them together, ensuring the dread is securely attached to the scalp. Braid down to about an inch or so, depending on your comfort and the dread’s thickness.
- Secure the Braid: Use a small hair elastic to tie off the end of the braid, keeping the dread attached to your natural hair.
- Tuck and Roll: If there’s any excess natural hair at the end of the braid, you can tuck this into the dread and use a crochet hook to pull some of the dread’s hairs over the braid, camouflaging it and adding extra security.
- Repeat: Continue this process throughout your hair, spacing the dreads according to your desired final look.
Double-ended dreads can add significant volume and length to your hairstyle, making them a popular choice for those looking to make a dramatic change. The installation might take a bit longer than single-ended dreads due to the braiding involved, but the end result is a robust and dynamic style.
Finally, we’ll look at how to attach dreads to natural hair, providing tips for integrating extensions seamlessly with your existing locks for a natural and cohesive look.
How to Attach Dreads to Natural Hair
Adding dread extensions to your natural hair lets you enjoy dreadlocks’ cool look without waiting for your hair to lock naturally or to add extra fullness and length to what you’ve already got. Here’s an easy-to-follow method for blending extensions smoothly with your hair:
What You’ll Need:
- A tiny crochet hook (look for sizes like 0.5mm or 0.75mm);
- A fine-toothed comb for neat sections;
- Clips for holding hair out of the way;
- Your chosen dread extensions (single or double-ended).
Attaching the Extensions:
- Section Off Hair: Use the fine-toothed comb to part a small piece of your hair where you’ll attach the dread. The hair piece should match the thickness of your extension for a snug attachment.
- Get the Extension Ready: If it’s a single-ended extension, make sure the loop is open and ready. For a double-ended extension, fold it to find the middle.
- Hooking Them Together:
- Single-Ended: Push your natural hair through the extension’s loop. Then, grab the end of your natural hair with the crochet hook and thread it back through the loop, tightening it to lock the extension in place.
- Double-Ended: Hold the folded extension against your scalp. Take the section of your natural hair and start braiding a few inches down, weaving your hair together with the extension. Tie it off with a small elastic band to keep it in place.
- Make It Secure: Now, use the crochet hook to intertwine loose hairs from your natural hair with those of the extension around where they meet. This action helps to firmly combine your hair with the extension, making the connection point less noticeable.
- Keep Going: Move on to the next section of your hair, attaching each extension with care to make sure they’re all firmly in place.
- Finishing Up: Once all the extensions are attached, you might want to tidy up any stray hairs with your crochet hook. Applying a dab of natural oil can keep your scalp and new dreads happy and hydrated.
Putting in dread extensions is a bit of an art that gets easier with practice. The goal is to secure each extension well and blend them seamlessly with your natural hair for a stunning and cohesive dreadlock look. This guide aims to get you there with less fuss and more fun.
through making and installing dreadlock extensions, from synthetic creations to attaching them to natural hair, provides the foundation for anyone looking to explore the versatility and beauty of dreadlocks.