Common Questions About the Care of Synthetic Dreadlock Extensions

Synthetic dreadlock extensions are a fun way of adding length and color to any head of hair. As a short
haired lady with no patience in waiting for my hair to grow, I've had them many times over the past two years. Synthetic dreadlocks can be made on your own with fake hair teased, twisted, and steamed to look like dreadlocks. Most people prefer to order from someone who custom makes them so they don't have to do the work. Either way, synthetic dreadlock extensions can be fun and a conversation starter. Still, synthetic dreadlocks need some care so you and your scalp stay happy. Here I'll answer some of the most asked questions about caring for synthetic dreadlocks so you can stay sane while sporting some seriously fun hair.

How long can I leave synthetic dreadlock extensions in?
That depends on how long you want to leave them in. Some people only wear them for a week or two while some people like to wear them for months at a time. I usually wear mine for 2 or 3 months at a time. It's
not recommended by many people to go longer than 2 or 3 months because your natural hair will start to
dread at the roots, making the hair hard to untangle when the dreadlocks are removed.

Which is better- double ended dread extensions or single ended dread extensions? What's the difference?
Everyone has a different preference. Double ended extensions are one long dread and is attached to your head by braiding around the center of the dread. Single ended extensions are a dread with a loop at one end. Hair is threaded through the loop and then braided from there. I personally like the look of the double ended dreads since they give you twice as much volume and less work for more dreads. Double ended dread extensions do get a little heavy though. Single ended dreads are good if you don't want a lot of weight from the extensions or don't want big hair. You can even combine the two- single ended extensions around the frame of your face and double ended for fullness in the back. Again, it's up to the wearer and what makes you feel comfortable.

My scalp hurts!
Scalp pain usually happens right after installation of the dreadlock extensions or months later. If the extensions were just installed, it's usually the weight of the hair and the pull of the braids if you braided the extensions in tightly. You can always take an over the counter pain reliever. Don't worry too much though, your body will get used to the pull and when your hair grows out for a few days, the pain will go away. If the extensions have been on your head for a while, it's is the weight pulling down on the natural hair that has grown out and you may need to take them out or reinstall them.

My scalp itches!
The itchy scalp the the reason most first timers of dread extensions take them out and never go back. There are many ways to kill the itch though. Check through the ethnic hair product section at your local store and find something for braids and locks that will relieve the itch. They work well and you can spray it on as needed. My favorite way to get rid of the itch associated with synthetic dreadlock extensions is to use tea tree oil mixed with a little bit of water in a spray bottle. The mixture takes the itch away instantly and leaves your hair smelling good. Scalpacin also works, but costs more than the other remedies. Just don't scratch your head, you can leave small abrasions on your scalp and mess up the braid or the dread.

My dread extensions smell kind of funky.
First off, never ever spray Febreze or any other air freshener on your head. You don't want the chemicals to get trapped on your scalp and cause more itching. But there are natural options. Again, rubbing a little dab of tea tree oil down the length them will neutralize the smell. You can use other oils too, such as Lavender or Rose. Find a smell you like and just a little dab will do.

Can't I just wash dread extensions like my normal hair?
You can, I suppose. But the water will add weight that is unbearable to your neck and could create mold in your dread extensions. A good way to wash your hair when the extensions are in is to wrap your the extensions in a shower cap so they don't get soaked and just wash your scalp with a clarifying shampoo. Your scalp will feel better and your extensions won't get heavy and hard to dry.

What should I use to hold my dread extensions back?
If you're good with hair chopsticks, those will work. Pretty much anything you want to stick in your dread extensions is okay. I personally shy away from the rubber hair ties, even if they are wrapped in fabric. They tend to snag and unravel the extensions. I like the little girl fabric headbands; they can wrap around big hair, come in fun colors, and hold your hair back effectively. You can even use them at night to keep your hair back in a bun so your extensions don't get tangled as you sleep.

Some of my dreads are unraveling!! Help!
This tends to happen often. It can be from wearing your extensions for an extended amount of time or your extensions were poorly made. Not to worry though, you can do a quick fix if you don't want to take your extensions out yet. All you have to do is take a fine tooth comb and tease it back just a little and then twist it back into the dread shape. Dab a small amount of water on where you just teased and twisted, then take a flat iron or blow dryer and hold it there until the dread begins to hold again. The dread should hold for a few more weeks.

I took my dread extensions out and when I got into the shower lots of hair fell out!
This isn't a concern unless you notice bald patches. If you don't feel any bald patches, this is just the hair that has fallen out and collected in your dreads since you started to wear the dreadlock extensions. Think of it this way; you lose up to 100 hairs a day. Now times that by how many days you wore your extensions. That is a lot of hair, isn't it? Just shampoo and condition as normal and avoid using heat to let your hair relax for a few days.

How do I clean my dread extensions after I take them out? And how do I store them?
I haven't cleaned mine yet, but there is one interesting method I've heard. Just tie your dreads together with some fabric and toss them into a pillowcase. Then the pillowcase goes into the dryer on a low setting. I'm not quite sure how this works, but I've read of people swearing by this method. I like to store my extensions like this: I tie them with a piece of fabric and put them in a freezer bag with a few drops of tea tree oil. The freezer bag then goes into a large shoe box. Store them as you wish, just don't let them get tangled.

Synthetic dreadlock extensions can sound like a lot of work to care for, but if you just follow the
simple tips above you'll have the best fake hair anywhere.

Sources:
http://www.hairextensionsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=635