Smooth Dreadlocks

Smooth dreadlock extensions are synthetic dreads with an even, flat surface from the attachment point to the tip. We make each one by hand with a crochet hook and a comb from low-temperature kanekalon, then treat it with steam to fix the material. Every set comes as double ended (DE) or single ended (SE) dreads, 0.8–1 cm thick. For a bumpy, mature look, see our textured dreads. Spirals and waves are in curly dreads.

How smooth dreads are made

The fiber is worked into a dense dread with the crochet hook, and the comb evens out the surface. Steam then fixes the kanekalon, so the dread keeps its shape through washing and wear. No machines are involved. The colour is added when the fiber itself is produced. It does not fade or oxidise, and one batch matches the next.

After you order, Danila makes one dread first and sends you a photo to confirm the colour and texture. He makes the rest of the set once you approve it.

DE or SE: which format to choose

A double ended dread has no loop. It folds over a thin braid made from your own hair, so one attachment gives you two ends and the braid stays hidden. A single ended dread has a loop at the top. The loop goes onto a strand of your hair, and that strand is then braided around the dread. SE gives one end per attachment and suits the face line, the nape and thin areas. Many people combine both. Our guide to SE and DE compares them in detail.

Length, thickness and how many you need

Every dread is 0.8–1 cm thick along its whole length. Length is measured from the attachment point to the tip. The lengths on offer are listed on each product page, and other lengths from 5 to 120 cm can be made to order.

For a full head, the count depends on how dense your hair is:

• With DE dreads you need 40–45 for thin hair, 50–55 for medium hair and 60–65 for dense hair.
• With SE dreads you need 45–50 for thin hair, 60–65 for medium hair and 70–75 for dense hair.

For the crown or the back of the head only, use our dread calculator. Delivery time and cost for your country appear under the buy button on every product page.

Colours and decorations

The range covers solid shades, two-tone ombre and mixes of several colours in one set. Many sets come with thread wraps, beads or charms. Beads in your set may differ slightly from the photos. You can browse by colour in coloured dreads and ombre dreads.

Care and wear

• Wash at most once a week. Dilute the shampoo 1:5 with water, apply it to the scalp only and let the dreads air-dry.
• Skip conditioner. The dreads sit on thin braids of your own hair, and conditioner makes those braids slip and loosen.
• Never comb or brush the dreads. Separate tangles with your fingers. A badly tangled knot can be carefully cut off.
• Keep the heat below 60–70 °C. Saunas, hot hair dryers, flat irons and very hot water are bad for kanekalon. A warm bath around 40 °C is safe.

One install is worn for 1.5–2 months. Then the set comes out and can go back in straight away, with no break between installs. A smooth set lasts 2–3 installs. Free installation and care videos are waiting in the DaddyDread Academy.

Mixing smooth dreads with other textures

A smooth set stays exactly as described, so to mix textures you buy a second set. For example, combine 20 smooth DE dreads with 10 curly or textured dreads in a matching shade. Install them together and place the second texture where you want it to show.