5 Dreadlock Myths We’re Leaving Behind in 2026

5 Dreadlock Myths We’re Leaving Behind in 2026

If you’ve been dreaming about a head full of beautiful dreads but find yourself scrolling through forums filled with "horror stories," you aren't alone. Even in 2026, there is so much outdated information floating around about dreadlock extensions.

At Dreadshop, we want you to have the hairstyle of your dreams without the worries. Today, we’re setting the record straight and debunking 5 common myths specifically about synthetic dreadlock extensions like our Locks of Love.

Winter Dread Care: Tips for Real and Synthetic Dreads Reading 5 Dreadlock Myths We’re Leaving Behind in 2026 4 minutes

"You can't wash dreadlock extensions"

This is probably the biggest myth we hear! Some people think that if you get your synthetic dreads wet, they will stay damp forever or get "stinky."

The truth? You absolutely can (and should!) wash your scalp. Our Locks of Love are made from high-quality Henlon hair, which doesn't soak up water like a heavy sponge. The secret to a fresh set is using the right products. We always recommend a specialized, residue-free shampoo like those from Dollylocks or Raw Roots. These keep your scalp clean and your extensions smelling amazing without leaving any gunk behind.

Pro Tip: To make drying even faster, use our Large Microfiber Dreadlock Towel. It’s specifically designed to fit even the thickest and longest sets, absorbing moisture way more efficiently than a standard cotton towel. Between wash days, a Refreshing Spray is your best friend to keep your scalp feeling tingly and clean!

"Synthetic dreads are heavy and give you headaches"

We’ve all seen those videos of people struggling with stiff, heavy dreads. But weight isn’t usually the culprit; it’s about the material and the installation.

When we developed the Locks of Love, our main goal was to make them feel like a part of you and as lightweight as possible. They are made from high-quality, lightweight Henlon hair. However, if you are a first-time wearer, your scalp might need a few days to adjust to the new sensation. If you choose our longest and thickest options right away, it can feel like a big change!

The key to a headache-free experience is a professional installation with the right sectioning. If dreads are installed too tightly or the sections are messy, it causes tension on the scalp. When installed correctly, the weight is distributed evenly and that "tight" feeling usually disappears after the first few days.

"Extensions will ruin your natural hair"

A lot of people worry that wearing dreads for a few months means they’ll have to cut their hair off afterward. In reality, synthetic extensions are a protective style. By braiding in a set of Locks of Love, you’re actually giving your natural hair a break from daily brushing and heat styling. When it’s time to take them out (usually after about 2 months), you’ll often find your own hair has grown beautifully underneath.

"They look 'fake' or plastic like"

In the early days of synthetic hair, this might have been true. But it’s 2026, and hair technology has come a long way! The Locks of Love have a natural, soft texture and come in a huge range of colors. They are designed to mimic the look of real hair, giving you that perfect boho vibe from the moment you install them.

"Once they are in, you're stuck with them for a long time"

The beauty of synthetic dreadlocks is the flexibility. Unlike "real" dreads that involve a longer term commitment, our Locks of Love dread extensions are temporary and reusable. You can rock a bum length look for a festival or a season, then simply remove them & when you're ready, reinstall! It’s the perfect way to experiment without the "forever" commitment.

Ready to see for yourself? Don't let old myths keep you from your dream hair. 

Whether you want a professional touch or to master the craft yourself, we’ve got you covered:

  • Book an appointment in our Salon and let our experts give you the look you've been dreaming of.
  • Are you a DIY lover? Our Online Video Course will teach you exactly how to install your Locks of Love professionally at home, on yourself.

Shop our Locks of Love collection here and start your journey today!