1. Wash Your Dreads After Taking Them Out
Even though you wash your hair while wearing dreads, sweat, scalp oils and product build-up still settle right around the loops and braid in points. Taking your dreads out gives you full access to give the entire set a deep, thorough wash so they are completely fresh before you put them away or braid them back in.
If you want to use your washing machine, pop your dreads inside a big laundry bag or a pillowcase tied shut first. This protects the dreads and prevents them from getting caught in the machine drum. Wash them on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30°C (86°F) using a mild liquid detergent or dreadlock shampoo.
Most importantly, never use fabric softeners or conditioners. Softeners leave a slippery coating on synthetic hair, which will make the dreads slide right off your natural hair during your next install.
Prefer to hand wash? Place your dreads in a basin or tub with lukewarm water and a bit of detergent or dreadlock shampoo, and let them soak for 1 to 2 hours. Gently press the soapy water through them: avoid rubbing or scrubbing the dreads together, as this creates unnecessary frizz. Once they are clean, rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water until all the soap is gone.
2. Air-Dry Completely (Never Use a Dryer!)
Synthetic hair traps moisture deep inside the dread structure. If you pack them away while they are even slightly damp, mold, mildew and sour odors will form inside the dreads.
Gently press out the excess water using a dry towel and then hang your dreads over a drying rack, clothesline or hangers in a well-ventilated space to air dry. Give them 24 to 48 hours to dry completely so the core of the dread is bone dry.
Can you put your dreads in a dryer?
No! Never put synthetic Locks of Love dreads in the dryer. The hot air softens the synthetic fibers while the tumbling action creates friction. This will cause your dreads to lose their shape, unravel and turn into a frizzy, puffy, misshapen mess. Always let them air dry naturally.
3. Store Them Properly
Once your set is 100% dry, keep them clean and ready for your next install by storing them in a pillowcase, a fabric bag or an open storage box in a cool, dry place. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from dust.
Avoid sealing them inside airtight plastic bags or plastic containers. Keeping good airflow around the dreads prevents ambient moisture from getting trapped and causing stale odors over time.
4. Mix and Match for a Fresh New Look
You don't have to wear your set the exact same way every time you braid them in. You can completely change your style without buying an entirely new Dreadset!
- Add a single bundle in a new color: If you want a color change on a budget, add just one bundle of Renate's Locks of Love in a new shade. Mixing in a new color through your existing set gives you a totally fresh look.
- Add Accent dreads: Switch some of your dreads for an already decorated Accent Set: 10 dreads wrapped with yarn and beads, plus 2 Locks of Love Braids, to add texture and a personal touch.
- Mix in Braids: Not a fan of decorations? Pair your dreads with a set of Locks of Love Braids to mix up the textures across your head and add pops of color.
- Combine thicknesses: Mix Thin and Original Locks of Love together for a natural, voluminous setup.
Quick weekend style tip: Don't have time for a full install? Attach a few dreads to an elastic hairband for a quick festival Dreadstyle or ponytail ;)
Ready for Your Next Install?
Whether you install your set yourself or visit a salon, prepping your natural hair is essential. We recommend to wash your own hair with a dreadlock shampoo, and skip the conditioner entirely, right before installing. Conditioner makes your hair slick, causing synthetic dreads to slip down much faster.
Want us to do the installing for you? Book an appointment in our Dreadshop Salon! You can bring your washed set and we'll braid it back in for you. You can even pick up extra bundles or braids while you're at the salon to mix into your look! ;)
Can't make it to our salon? No stress at all! You can learn how to braid your set in yourself at home with our online course "How to install Synthetic Dreads on yourself". We show you step by step how to get a great result all by yourself!
