Will Synthetic Dreadlocks Damage My Hair?

You’re a woman who’s lived through countless hair trends, styles and haircuts over the years—-from bold colors to different hair eras and you even have the photo albums to prove it! But now, your priorities are changing. Be it a demanding lifestyle or a demanding career where long hours and a busy schedule are the norm, you simply 

Don’t  Have  The  Time

 to stand in front of the mirror and decide just what the heck you’re going to do with your hair! 

Yet, one big question comes to your mind, will synthetic dreadlocks damage or make me lose my natural hair?

Let's clear up the big myth: When synthetic dreadlocks are installed and cared for properly, they are actually a protective hairstyle. Yes, you heard that right! Far from causing damage, well-maintained dreadlocks can benefit your actual hair. Think of them as a cozy, stylish blanket for your strands, keeping them protected and supported! And did we mention you also look super fierce while that’s all happening? We got you. 

So let’s get into it!

What is the real importance of protective hairstyles? You guessed it- length retention!

Here is the thing: no matter how fast your hair is growing from your scalp (and this will never be extremely fast - 1 inch a month would be a tremendously fast growth rate) if you are breaking off the ends of your hair due to damaging hair care practices or product you will see little to none of that growth. 

If our hair is loose, it is inevitable that we are going to be touching it more - smoothing it down, pushing it out of our face, swishing it behind our shoulders, styling it, fixing it up in front of the mirror part way through the day, you name it. Touching the hair, apart from getting it dirtier with the oils and bacteria from our fingers can also cause small amounts of damage to the hair cuticle, that adds up over time and increases the rate of breakage. 

 And that’s where our dreadlocks come in!

Wearing the hair in styles where the hair ends are tucked away is the best way to preserve the life of any given hair strand, as it is protected from elements like harsh styling and product. Not to mention that when the ends of hair, (which are most exposed to being dried out) are tucked away and not exposed to as much air or chemicals— they can retain moisture for longer and be healthier! 

When exactly can synthetic dreadlocks ruin your hair? 

While synthetic dreadlocks are generally safe for your hair, neglecting proper care or making certain mistakes can lead to damage. 

Here are some factors to consider:

• Improper Care: Failing to wash your dreadlocks regularly (once a week) can lead to dryness, buildup,and even scalp irritation.
• Overweight Dreadlocks: Installing too many dreadlocks at once can put excessive strain on your hair and scalp, potentially causing breakage. (Go for 10 bundles if you’re opting for the long dreads and 13 bundles if you want some shorties!)
• Loose Dreadlocks: If your dreadlocks become too loose, they can twist and tangle, increasing the risk of damage. (If you can slide your pinky finger under your dreads that’s when you know it’s a good time for a refresh or removal) 

Remember: it's recommended to reinstall your dreadlocks every 4-6 weeks to ensure they remain secure and in good condition.

Going with synthetic dreadlocks isn’t just about trying something new—it’s a great way to boost your confidence, give your natural hair a break, and protect it!  Did we also mention that it’s a quick and easy way to switch up your look without having to wait for months?

BUT what about the amount of hair that comes off when I remove my dreads?

When you decide to take your synthetic dreads off or uninstall them, you will notice a significant amount of hair loss in your hair brush—this is normal! The average human loses 60-100 hairs A DAY! So obviously when your hair is braided or tucked away, you still experience that hair loss but it is not happening until you are ready to take off your dreads! So don’t be alarmed and embrace the process. 

Here’s what your dreadlock removal routine should look like:

1. Unbraid your dreadlocks from your hair.
2. Comb out sections of hair with pick or wide tooth comb 
3. Use a fine comb if needed + crown nectar if there are tangles
4. Cover scalp and hair down to the tips with crown nectar 
5. Put a cap or bonnet and wait 30 minutes 
6. Shower and shampoo 2-3 times using shampoo bar + head massager to clean your scalp 
7. Hop out of the shower and style or let air dry for your next install!

“Okay ladies I have to boast a little bit here. I started with dreads from Wildcrafted Beauty on Feb 2,2024. Today Jul 6, 2024 I have a total of 5 inches of hair growth. For me that’s A LOT! My hair hasn’t really been growing in 2 years. Dreads are going back in TONIGHT!!”

We know what you’re thinking by now….

just how many bundles do you actually need to get your desired look?

We already have that one answered for you! Head on to our next blog and take a look!

P.S Did we mention that we have a variety of root colors from gray roots like salt & pepper to your typical blonde roots like goldie

Wherever you are in your life, we want to help you embrace a look that makes you feel alive!