6 Mistakes First Timers Do With Synthetic Dreadlocks!

You spent months dreaming about this moment, wondering if you could really pull it off scrolling past all those gorgeous women rocking their dreads, thinking, maybe one day… maybe me too.

And then one day, you said screw it. You went for it.

You ordered your first set of dreadlocks (maybe off Etsy, maybe from that one brand with cute pics but zero guidance), and when that package landed at your door, your heart was racing. 

You got to work, no idea what you were doing, just vibes and a prayer.

And honestly? You did a great job! 

 But by Day 2, the rubber bands (you got those off an amazon random seller) were snapping, your scalp was itchy, and that frizz halo? Yeah… she showed up uninvited.

You sat there wondering, what did I do wrong?

We’ve all been there.
Not because you messed up but because no one really teaches us to move through this process the right way and not every account that sells dreadlock extensions is dedicated to making this a pleasant experience that extends beyond your purchase. 

At Wildcrafted Beauty, we vowed to be that kind of brand, our journey with the queens who choose us actually only STARTS with the purchase but extends deep beyond that. So, don't be surprised when you see our customers in our photoshoots and meetups, we like to do things a different way. 

This journey is new for so many of us and deeply personal.

It’s protective, it’s expressive, it’s empowering. But it also comes with a learning curve. 

So we’re breaking it down for you ladies! These are the most common mistakes we see with first-time installs and how to avoid them so you spend less time stressing, and more time feeling confident, radiant, and fully you.

1. Not Planning Your Install Day Ahead of Time

You order your dreads, the excitement is real, the package is on the way... and then it hits you: You didn’t actually plan what you’re going to do once they arrive.

It’s this weird mix of pure joy and total overwhelm. You’re thrilled to begin, but also sitting there with a bundle of beautiful braids and no clue where to start or how long it will take or if you need some help. 

That feeling? It’s more common than you think.

So many women receive their first set of dreads and suddenly feel stuck. Not because they can’t do it but because they didn’t set aside time or ask someone to help. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, dread installs go so much better when you have a plan and a person.

That help might look like an experienced dread installer. Or it might just be a best friend, a partner, or your sister with a couple free hours. Either way, set it up before your package arrives. Know who’s helping you out and when!

And here’s the good news: when you order from Wildcrafted Beauty, we send you a step-by-step Install Course that you or your helper can follow easily! 

 Whether it’s your friend, your husband, or your mirror and a prayer, we’ve got your back!

Want even more support? Our Wildcrafted Woman Community  on Facebook is filled with women who’ve been where you are. They share tips, trusted installer recommendations, and honest stories about what worked (and what didn’t). 

All so you don’t have to figure this out alone.

We want you to enter this journey with confidence, not chaos. When you plan ahead, you give yourself the time and space to focus, breathe, and really settle into this new version of you. You turn your install day into a sacred ritual, not a scramble.

2. Skipping the Detox

Let’s get real for a second. Your dreads don’t just show up looking cute and ready to wear, they show up needing just a little something from you to get there. 

Before you even think about installing them, your synthetic dreads need to be cleansed, reset, and cleared of whatever they’ve picked up along the way.

We’re talking manufacturing buildup, imbalanced pH… all of the stuff you don’t want sitting against your scalp.

That’s why every Wildcrafted Beauty dreadlock order comes with a DreadTox not just because it’s a little bonus that’s nice to have as an option but because it’s actually non-negotiable.

So what exactly do you do with it? 

You pour it into a bowl with warm water, soak your dreads, let them sit, and then lay them out to dry.

Think of it as your first act of love to a hairstyle that is going to bring in so. much. happiness. into your life: a gentle cleanse that sets the tone for everything your crown is about to carry.

Skip that step? And your scalp might be the one to let you know: through itching, discomfort, or just that “off” feeling that something isn’t right.

And when it’s time to take your dreads out? You detox again. It’s how we honour the energy they held while they were with us and make sure we’ve removed any oils on them. It’s a release. A thank you. A reset before the next chapter begins. Remember to store your dreads in their own satin lined velvet bags, so that they can pretty much last you a long time. 

3. Using the Wrong Rubber Bands

Let’s talk about something small that can make a BIG difference on the dreadlock journey: rubber bands.

We know it doesn’t sound like a big deal at first. But when it comes to securing your crown, what you use really matters.

So many of us start out grabbing whatever we see first: like a random bulk pack off Amazon that promises “strong hold” but ends up snapping on day two. Yeah…been there, done that. 

We quickly realized that those bands weren’t made for dreadlocks. Not for the weight, the texture, or the love and time that goes into our installs.

And in no time at all, they do the one thing they actually were not supposed to do, break. 

One night of sleep and you’re already waking up to a snapped band tangled in your sheets, wondering which braid you need to redo before you even brush your teeth.

It’s frustrating, right? We know! 

The worst part is, It feels like this could have been easily avoided. 

Which is why we created WildBandz: a real solution to something we were tired of dealing with ourselves. These bands were designed specifically for dreadlocks, with the right stretch, thickness, and hold to actually support your hair without hurting it.

P.S. They don’t snap after a nap. They don’t pull at your roots. Don’t snap when you moisturize Aaaand they don’t leave you redoing braids when you should be feeling yourself.

4. Not Moisturizing From Root to End

A lot of first-timers think moisturizing is just about the scalp or that dreadlocks stay as perfect as how they look on the first day. But the truth is these gorgeous new strands need a little bit of love to stay looking badass! 

Skipping those little moisture routines could be the reason you are seeing tangling or frizz. You could be actually slowing the maturing process, when your hair is dry, it resists that maturing phase. But when your hair is nourished, softened, and cared for consistently, your dreads have the flexibility and structure to lock beautifully over time.

That’s why we created our Divinity Crown Nectar blend that supports both your scalp and your strands. It’s rich, but lightweight. Restorative, but never greasy. It moves through your roots like a ritual, soaking into each braid with intention.

So this time instead of frustration, this time you grab your bottle of Crown Nectar. 

One pump in your palm, and you smooth it down a section of your dreads. You separate gently, detangle softly, and just WATCH your strands come back to life with shine, ease, and calm.

Whether you’re applying it daily or as part of your weekly ritual, moisturizing is what keeps your crown thriving. It’s how you keep the sacred strong.

Do it from the root. Follow it to the end. Speak life into it while you do. Your dreads aren’t just hair, they’re a part of you now! 

5. Not Sleeping With A Silk Bonnet 

Dreadlocks are an amazing, low-maintenance hairstyle and that’s exactly why so many women are being drawn to them. They’re bold, freeing, and give you that effortlessly put-together vibe without spending hours in front of the mirror. But to keep that always-ready look, there’s one simple rule: protect your hair while you sleep.
The easiest way? Wear a silk or satin bonnet to bed. It sounds basic, but it’s the difference between waking up with frizz everywhere or rolling out of bed with your dreads still looking neat. Especially if you have long dreads. 

Not a bonnet girl? Grab a satin pillowcase.That works for short dreadlocks. 

 It works just as well to reduce friction especially if you have long dreads, prevent frizz, and protect the life of your install. A little nighttime care goes a long way. That way, your dreadlocks stay fresh, smooth, and ready to slay.

6. Not Being Patient Enough 

One of the biggest things that can trip you up in the beginning is not being patient enough while you’re finding your way with this new hairstyle.

Dreadlocks have a way of teaching you lessons you didn’t even know you needed, and one of the most important ones is patience. Everything good takes time to settle. Everything new feels a little strange before it feels like home. 

It’s so easy to think something is wrong when you feel uncomfortable in those first one to three days, but the truth is, it’s not because you made a mistake. It’s not because dreadlocks aren’t for you. It’s because you thought you didn’t have to be patient with yourself — you didn’t know that adjusting to something new is part of the magic too.

Your scalp is adjusting. Your energy is adjusting. You are stepping into something different, and that always comes with a little wobble before it clicks into place.

We know that the first little wave of itchiness can make you second-guess everything, and that’s exactly why we created Soothing Veill. It’s not just about calming the feeling on your scalp — it’s about helping you move through that early stage with love, with comfort, and with the confidence to give yourself the time you deserve.

Because trust us, once you settle in, you’ll wonder why you ever doubted it.

Every powerful transformation starts with one bold decision.
Dreadlocks are no different. They ask for your patience, your curiosity, your courage. But they give you back so much more.

If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. Every woman you’ve ever seen wearing her Wildcrafted Beauty dreadlocks with confidence? 

She had a Day One too. 

She made mistakes. 

She figured it out. 

And she kept going.

You don’t have to do it perfectly. 

You just have to begin.

Join our Wildcrafted Beauty Facebook Group where thousands of women are starting their journey, learning together, and cheering each other on. From tutorials and install tips to care advice and inspiration, it's all waiting for you.

Come be part of something beautiful.