When you go for a full head of synthetic Locks of Love, there are some things to consider when choosing a set. In our assortment you will find two thicknesses to choose from: the Original Locks of Love and the Thin Locks of Love.
Besides the visual differences between these types: the Thin Locks of Love create a delicate, fine look, while the Original Locks of Love are a bit thicker and create a more edgy look. Other than that, there are also some extra things to keep in mind.
What is your hair type?
Do you have thin hair, average thickness or thick (or a lot of) hair?
This is important to consider because the last thing you want is to strain your hair/scalp with too much weight. This can cause your hair to break or just feel uncomfortable. The more hair you have / the thicker your hair is, the more weight it can handle.
The choice in DE (double ended dreads) and SE (single ended dreads) is important here.
For a regular install (average thickness hair, not a particularly sensitive scalp) we advise using 2 bundles of DE dreads and 2 bundles of SE dreads.
When your hair is quite thin, it’s better to use more SE dreads than DE dreads, as DE dreads are heavier compared to SE dreads. By choosing 1 bundle of DE and 3 bundles of SE, you will have less weight and your scalp will be more comfortable.
Do you have very thick or a lot of hair and you’re used to having a lot of volume?
Choosing 3 bundles of DE and 1 bundle of SE gives you a bit of extra volume.
Do you have a sensitive scalp?
When you have a sensitive scalp it’s very important to not overload your scalp/ hair with too much tensions & weight. You can wear the temporary dreadlocks for about 2 (max 3) months, and it would be a shame if after a couple days or weeks, the dreads would feel so uncomfortable that you have to take them out. Picking 1 bundle of DE and 3 bundles of SE, will give you less weight and your scalp should be more comfortable.
Don’t have a sensitive scalp? Go for the average set with 2 bundles DE and 2 bundles SE.
No sensitive scalp and want a lot of volume? Go for 3 bundles of DE and 1 bundle of SE.
How much volume do you want?
When you have very thick hair, or a lot of hair and are used to having a lot of volume in your hair, it’s understandable that you would also want that volume when wearing dreads. Our Original Locks of Love are thicker compared to our Thin Locks of Love and therefore create more volume. In addition you can also choose 3 bundles of DE and 1 bundle of SE to create even more volume by wearing more DE dreads. Having thick hair / a lot of hair, your hair can handle the volume and weight.
Thin and very fine hair
Your hair can handle less weight and it’s therefore better to choose the Thin Locks of Love, they are thinner but there are more dreads in a bundle so you still get volume. But because they are thinner, smaller sections can be created compared to the Original Locks of Love, which is better for your scalp/ hair and still creates a fuller look.
If you have average thickness hair but you really want to have more volume: a good choice would be the Thin Locks of Love, with 2 bundles of DE dreads and 2 bundles of SE dreads, or 3 bundles of DE and 1 bundle of SE if you want even more volume.
For very thin hair: the Thin Locks of Love with 1 bundle of DE and 3 bundles of SE would be a wise choice. Your hair won’t be too heavily burdened and you will still have some extra volume by having 1 bundle of DE dreads in the mix.
Back length or Bum length?
The Bum length Locks of Love can be very alluring, especially when you have short hair and want instant length. But it is not always the best choice ;)
When it’s your first time wearing temporary dreads, and everything is new in the world of dreads, bum length can be a bit much to start with. Because of the extra length they are a bit heavier.
So when you have quite thin hair, the Back length is the safer & better choice. You still get a great length of dreads and are able to style them in many different updo’s. Plus you don’t overload your scalp/ hair.
Besides the weight, it’s also good to consider how you would want to style your dreads. Do you have to wear your dreads in a bun most of the time, for your job for example, or do you prefer to wear your dreads mostly loose?
With a Bum length set a full bun will be quite big and can be heavy when wearing it up all day. Take a look at this bun with the Bum length dreads:
If you plan to mostly wear the dreads loose or half up, the bum length will be more comfortable to wear compared to when wearing it in a big bun.
Are you quite short yourself (height wise)?
Keep in mind that the Back length will fall longer compared to someone that is quite tall and Bum length might reach beyond your bum ;)
More tips for choosing the right set of Synthetic Locks of Love
More tips for wearing synthetic dreads for the first time.
Decided which thickness and length you want?
Then read this guide series to help you with choosing the right colors!
In doubt & want professional advice?
Book the Locks of Love Call, fully online consultation with Diane to help you decide on your full head set of Locks of Love (full head only!)
Remember, in the end, it’s about comfort more than just the looks. You will be wearing your set for months and can reuse it for years. So sometimes, it’s better to play it safe and start with thinner, shorter dreads ;)
