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Types & Styles

Synthetic or Natural Dreadlocks: Which to Choose

Choosing between synthetic and natural dreadlocks

Today there are many types of dreadlocks in the dreadmaking industry, differing in the way of making, wearing period, appearance and structure, based on the division of dreadlocks into natural and synthetic.

How synthetic dreadlocks differ from natural dreadlocks, and which type suits you best? Let’s get it sorted!

Material

As the name implies, synthetic dreadlocks are made of synthetic fiber (smooth and textured ones of kanekalon, curly ones of henlon), which cannot be dyed because synthetic fiber is too smooth and does not hold on to dye pigment. Natural dreadlocks are made out of your hair and can be dyed the same way as loose hair, but you will need more dye.

Wearing period

When choosing between natural and synthetic dreadlocks, the first thing to consider is how long you would like to keep your dreadlocks on. While in the case of synthetic dreadlocks we assume a period of about 1.5–2 months per install, natural dreadlocks can be worn indefinitely.

Care

Synthetic and natural dreadlocks also require different care. In the former case, it is usually enough to simply wash your head and scalp and maintain them in time, and in the latter – it is important to visit the stylist to maintain your dreadlocks at intervals of 3-6 months (depending on hair growth) and roll the roots once a week.

Lead time

A set of synthetic dreadlocks is made to order before it is installed (production usually takes 10–14 days), but once it arrives it can be installed quite quickly. Natural dreadlocks are made in the salon from beginning to end, so making dreadlocks can take from several hours to several days, depending on the number and length of desired dreadlocks.

Removing dreadlocks

With dreadlocks things are as follows: you can remove synthetic dreadlocks by yourself, at home, spending minimal time.

With natural dreadlocks, it is recommended to turn to a stylist to accurately return the hair to its original form, without causing unnecessary damage and pain.

Each type of dreadlocks has a lot of advantages. When choosing between natural and synthetic dreadlocks, you should consider which works best for you.

 

Alexandra
Natural Dreadlock Expert Alexandra

I joined Daddy Dread in 2018 because I believe natural dreadlocks deserve the same level of care and precision as any other craft. My specialty is human hair locs — understanding how different hair types respond, which materials work best for longevity, and how to set realistic expectations for clients making the switch from synthetic to natural. I take my time when I write, just like I take my time when I work. If you're researching natural dreads, I want to be the guide who walks you through every detail without rushing — from fiber properties to maintenance timelines. No shortcuts, just honest information.

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