YOUR TOP 10 DREADLOCK FAQ'S ANSWERED.
Let’s all agree that dreadlocks are a unique and beautiful hairstyle, you’re probably on the verge of becoming obsessed with them (if you aren’t already!) but with new territory comes questions. Here at Wildcrafted Beauty, we're all about rocking dreads with confidence and keeping your hair healthy and happy. That’s why we’ve extensively experienced, researched and created products to make your experience easier and enjoyable.
Let's dive into the top 10 dreadlock Questions that we hear most from you. Let the #dreaduction begin!
- How many bundles do I need?
We sell our dreads in bundles of 5. That's because most of our customers love to mix and match colors, so think of it like this..you get to have a custom set designed for you..by you! For beginners, we recommend starting with 10-13 bundles, choose the colors you're most excited to try and don't be afraid to try new colors, you'd be surprised how cool these combos can be once installed. You can always add more to your collection later! We love seeing your combos on our FB group!
- Will it make me lose my hair?
Everything we do is targeted to better your lifestyle! So girl, the short answer is no! When you really dive into the world of synthetic dreads you will find that they are actually a protective hair style and Berlin has experienced this first hand with her natural hair, it is so much healthier now than it used to be pre-dreadlocks!
Here’s a pro tip from us: Whoever’s helping you install your new set of dreads (even if it’s you) make sure they don’t braid them in too tight! You deserve style & comfort! With that being said, did you know that the average human loses 60-100 hairs a day naturally? Probably not! It is so natural and can almost go unnoticed or in many places like your brush, the shower, your bed, all over! But now that your hair is braided, hidden and protected by these fierce dreads, all of that natural healthy hair loss happens when you remove them. So don’t be alarmed, it's all a part of being human!
beautiful, isn’t it?
- What can I do about the itching?
Here’s a heads up! A slightly itchy scalp is common with new dreads as your hair adjusts. Wanna know what REALLY helps? ditching the harsh chemicals and embracing natural solutions! What if we told you we here at Wildcrafted Beauty created a product specifically for the potential struggle of an itchy scalp?
After experimenting with solutions to itching for months and trying it on Berlin who always has her dreads in - We got it!
Imagine this: A deep breath of relief for an itchy, irritated scalp. A cooling sensation within 5-10 minutes of application that helps you calm your skin and moisturize dryness. Not a want but a NEED. No wonder all our Wildcrafted Women always add it to cart along with their dreads!
World, meet Cooling Veil !
- How To Wash Your Dreads?
Dreadlocks need love, but not a ton of attention! Most women like to wash their dreads 1-2 times a week, but the cool thing is, you can wash them as often as you would like. Use an extremely moisturizing shampoo that is paraben, phthalate, and dimethicone free. We always recommend one without fragrances or other hormone damaging chemicals & that has ingredients that help balance the PH in your natural hair and scalp. Having balanced PH is very helpful in getting rid of/preventing dandruff and other scalp problems.
To wash, simply soak your hair, then use your shampoo bar inside our double layer shampoo bag. Gently massage your scalp in circles moving your hair as needed while you wash. Then flip your head upside down and press the bar and your hair between your hands and slowly run your hands down to the tips of your hair. Continue this until you have gone down each side of your hair. Next, take a scalp massager and make tiny circles massaging the moisture into your scalp (this will feel MAGICAL!) Then rinse, and hop out of the shower!
Take a look at our Divinity Shampoo Bar
Reach out for a big towel and you’re ready to conquer the day!
- How Do I Sleep In Them?
Sweet dreams are for everyone, dreadlocks included! Berlin’s favorite as a side sleeper is to sleep in an extra long satin bonnet on a satin pillowcase. This makes sure that if her bonnet moves around her hair is still on satin instead of rubbing around on a cotton pillowcase. She usually does this for the first 4-6 weeks of wearing a new set, after that they have usually dreaded enough to where she feels comfortable going to bed without a bonnet. Another favorite of many is to put it in a single or double french braids so they are secure and not getting as tangled.
These options help in protecting your dreads from friction and keeps your style looking fresh. Notice how now you don’t really have to stand in front of your mirror and wonder just what the hell you’re going to do with your hair this morning! You’re welcome!
- Can I Swim In Them?
You can definitely take a dip with dreadlocks! Just put your dreads in a braid or two. Chlorine and saltwater can be a bit drying though, even to natural hair. The post-swim solution? Rinse your dreads with clean water and follow up with our Divinity Crown Nectar to get your gorgeous dreads moisturized and give them that shiny feel again. sounds easy, right? It is!
- What Can I Do About Tension Bumps?
So, what exactly are those? Let’s get into it. Tension bumps are mostly caused because the hair follicle is getting pulled on and that causes it to get inflamed . How can we avoid that? By not braiding them in too tight. Also, It helps to make sure you leave out the baby hairs on your hairline to breathe when you first install. Our goal is a braid that does not feel too tight but is still pretty secured in there!
What If my dreads are too tight, What Can I Do Now?
We recommend you hop in the shower and get your scalp wet, you don’t evenhave to add shampoo. Then simply place your palms on your head and massage in tiny circles. This will loosen the dreads a little to give you some tension relief.Then, follow it up with our secret Weapon, Rescue Serum! There's a reason we named it that! It was specifically formulated to treat blemishes and breakouts.. which are a lot like tension bumps! Give your scalp a roll or two, focus on where you can feel your tension bumps, it should be pretty easy since the roller is small enough to directly land on your tension bump, handling it and relieving you! You can get it here: Rescue Serum
- How Should I Part My Boxes?
We recommend using a brick lay pattern for all dreadlocks below the ears, and then line the boxes up on the crown of your head so you can more easily part your hair for styling. You can find a brick lay pattern example by searching “box braids” or “brick lay” on Pinterest, or you can use the one above! Some women do like to continue the brick lay pattern on the top portion of their head, but either way is totally up to your preference.
Box size and placement depend on your desired look and hairstyle.
We like to start with the back, because let’s get it out of the way, it is the hardest part, with the help of a mirror (or two!), a friend or a family member who knows how to do a braid, it is easier! That way, we get the hardest part out of the way and everything else is relatively easier. Spray some of our cooling veil first and let’s get to it!
Make sure to leave the baby hairs right at the very end of your hairline out, as braiding that baby hair can feel uncomfortable later on, let’s give them some space to breathe and grow!
Next, if you can identify where the center of your head is, you’re off to a great start! We find that with many people bigger boxes feel more comfortable. So once you’ve chosen your first box, you will need some clips depending on the size of your hair, to help you get any excessive hair out of the way and focus on that one box.
Part your box and reach for your first strand, we like to leave an inch and a half at the top of the strand, the two ends will most likely be uneven so go ahead and place the braided section at the top of your head and then start braiding!
It is totally normal for your dreads to stick out a little bit or feel stiff when you first put them on, give it a couple of days and they’ll relax.
Get more details on installs, Berlin’s push & pull method, trips and tricks with our part by part detailed video course that you receive when you purchase your order from Wildcrafted Beauty!
- Can I go to work in them?
Did you know that a lot of our customers work in healthcare? This is just proof that dreadlocks are a professional hairstyle choice for many. However, some workplaces might have a specific hair policy. It's always a good idea to discuss your dreadlocks with your employer beforehand & know that they can be worn in many professional ways. From vibrant hues to lowkey safe neutral colors, we have everything you could need to be true to yourself and still have your dream job!
- What hairstyles work well with dreads and are practical? Can I go on a fancy date or ride a motorcycle?
Girl, we got you! We have a Pinterest board dedicated to different occasions with your dreads. They are surprisingly versatile! There's a whole world of updos, buns, and other creative styles waiting to be explored by you. For our motorcycle enthusiasts and baddies, we see you! A head wrap is your best friend. It protects your dreads from friction inside your helmet and keeps them contained while you ride. It also helps to size up in the helmet or have one for when you are wearing dreads. Stay Safe Queens! (& Take pictures! We wanna see!)
Need more help?
These are 3 places you can find us:
Our Facebook is the most organic and empowering community of Wildcrafted Women. We gather there to share tips, advice, pictures and journeys. It might actually turn into your new virtual favorite place.
(1) The Wildcrafted Woman - Community for Wildcrafted Beauty | Facebook
Our FAQ page: we constantly try to make your experience easier, for an easier way to grab all the questions and their answers we have them all listed for you here.
New to Dreads? - Start HERE! – Wildcrafted Beauty
A very specific question that you can’t seem to find the answer to? Shoot us an email and we will get our customer joy specialist to get back to you ASAP! We got you, girl.