How to Make Dreadlock Extensions

Applying dreadlock extensions give the appearance of having grown them for years!

Many people wish they could take a shortcut to dreadlocks, and thanks to dreadlock extensions, they can! It takes time and dedication to grow natural dreadlocks, and the "short phase" deters many people from trying them. Dreadlock extensions provide a finished look in a matter of hours. The wearer can choose the color of the hair, as well as the length. The guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to make dreadlock extensions. The process takes three hours or longer, depending on the size and length of the dreadlocks.

Things You'll Need

• Comb
• Small hair bands (optional)
• Locking gel or cream for dreadlocks
• 3 to 6 packs of afro-kinky textured hair (human or synthetic)
• Bonnet hair dryer (optional)

Instructions

1. Part the wet hair, beginning at the nape of the neck. The hair can be parted as each lock is made or ahead of time. 1-by-1 inch sections of hair are best for medium sized dreadlocks. Part larger or smaller segments, depending on the desired lock size. Small hair bands can be used to keep the sections separated from each other.

2. Smooth the gel into the first dreadlock section. Use enough gel to completely coat the hair.

3. Separate a section of the extension hair from the bundle. The section should be thick enough to match the hair that will be locked.

4. Make a "T" configuration using the extension hair as the top, and the natural hair as the vertical portion.

5. Begin wrapping the right side of the "T" around the root of both of the other sections in a clockwise direction. Repeat this three times.

6. Separate the hair into three sections and braid it twice. Braiding the hair periodically while wrapping will help to ensure that the extension doesn't slip out.

7. Separate the hair into two sections and wrap it clockwise around the other section three times. Be sure to cover the braided portion of the dreadlock.

8. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until there is about an inch of hair left at the tip of the lock.

9. Add more kinky hair to the extension by repeating Steps 4 and 5. Start adding the new hair into the lock one inch above the end of the hair. When the hair is at the desired length, move to Step 10.

10. Wrap the last inch of the extension hair toward the top of the dreadlock, and use the gel to integrate any loose hairs. Smooth the lock counterclockwise with fingers or palms until a finished look is achieved. Continue the process of making the dreadlocks until the whole head is complete. The hair can either air-dry or be dried using a bonnet dryer.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider watching a video tutorial on the process (see Resources) before attempting dreadlock extensions.

• Avoid using weave glue or beeswax on the dreadlocks, as they are difficult to remove from hair.

References

• MyDreadlocks: Synthetic Dreadlocks Are a Versatile Way to Get the Style You Crave Without the Risk
• DivinityDreads: Installing Loose Dreads

Resources

• YouTube: I Gave Myself Dreadlock Extensions
• YouTube: Dreadlocks Hairstyle Techniques---Dreadlocks---Lock Extension
• DoctoredLocks: Non-Permanent HH Dreadlock Extensions Demo on PDF