Here is a list of some of the most common questions I get asked, and a few others, which I have tried to answer as best I can. If you don´t find the answer to your question here then please get in touch. If there’s any questions you feel should be included in this page then please leave a comment…xx

1. Natural Dreadlocks (16)

I want to get my hair dreaded, but am worried that I wont like it. Are dreads easy to remove?

In a word: no. The natural dreads and permanent dread extensions are designed to not come out easily, and this is a mark of good quality dreads. However this is bad news if you are unsure about getting them, and don´t want to spend several days sitting there unpicking them with a bottle of conditioner or oil at hand. For anyone unsure about getting dreads I would recommend taking some time over your decision, or try some of my other options, like the Wool Dreads and Braids, which last up to 3 months. The Synthetic Crocheted Dreads are also a good idea for someone who wants temporary realistic looking dreadlocks, as they can be braided in.

How much does the style I want cost?

Please refer to my Price Page or if you need a more specific quote then please dont hesitate to email me at info@rosielocks.com

Can you wash dreads? I don´t want them to smell!

A: Yes you can wash dreads. With new dreads, which are more delicate, I recommend a settling in period, and after this they can be washed regularly. To be honest dreaded hair doesn´t seem to get greasy like un-dreaded hair, and once you get into the cycle of not washing them everyday you will probably find your scalp prefers this. Some of the most smelly dreads I have encountered are ones which have been washed and not allowed to dry properly (often wax is involved). So always wash them in the morning and dry them properly to be sure of not smelling like a wet dog! Also I have been recommended to use micro-fibre towels as they apparently suck the moisture out of your hair so I’ll definitely be trying that one soon!

Do you recommend using wax on dreadlocks?

No I don´t, and with the technique I use you wont need it. Wax is a quick fix solution to keeping dreads neat; it will stick down all the loose hairs to give the appearance of it being tidy, but the greasiness of it actually gets in the way of the hairs knotting together, which requires friction. Wax can also prevent your dreads from drying out properly after washing, which can lead to all sorts of horrible things growing in there…

What is the minimum length of hair with which you can do natural dreads with no extensions?

I can dread hair as short as 3 inches. However, if you have concerns about looking neat for work then I do recommend it being longer. Short dreads require a lot more maintenance to keep them looking tidy, can not be tied back, and also take some time to settle down due to the lack of weight. Of course, for some clients it is fun to start off with short dreads and see them develop; I have many customers who have successfully grown their spikey baby dreads into some of the nicest mature dreads I have seen.

Is there anything I need to do to my hair before you put the natural dreads in?

I would recommend not using any conditioners before you have your hair dreaded, and giving it a wash the day before the appointment. You could wash it in a natural soap (or if you want to be really thorough, a natural washing up liquid) when you do this as this cleans off anything like oil or conditioners that might be coating the hair that may prevent it from dreading up nicely..

Also try to plan ahead if you regularly dye your hair. I recommend not doing too much to disturb new locks, so it’s a good idea to do any dyeing before your appointment. 

What Shampoo should I use?

Personally, there are lots of specialist dread shampoos on the market, such as ones from Raw Rootz, or Dollylocks which you may want to try. These shampoos are residue free, which means if you are washing your hair very regularly then you won’t get a build up of shampoo residue in your dreads. Personally, if I wash my dreads once a fortnight or less I find that using a natural soap works well for me.  If I’m washing more regularly then I use Raw Rootz which is one that I also stock in my salon. Finding the right products for your locks is trial and error, and involves working out what your own personal routine is, how your scalp responds to being in dreads, how oily your hair is etc. 

Will my hair go loads shorter once dreaded?

When you see hair that has gone a lot shorter after dreading, this is usually due to excessive backcombing. I always try to preserve as much length as possible when doing dreads. This is quite easy with the technique I use. If someone has very thick hair, this makes it easier to keep it longer; sometimes as little as one inch may be lost. However if your hair is very thin you may lose more length. I always leave the ends of hair loose for a natural look, unless requested otherwise, as this also helps to preserve more length. If you want the tips to be rounded off then the dreads will be a couple of inches shorter.

Do you sell dread beads?

Yes I do, I have a little bead bar at my studio with a selection of beads and trinkets – some new and some upcycled, to jazz up your locks 🙂 

I´ve just got new dreads/braids and my head is itching, what´s going on?

This is probably just itching caused by the newly sectioned hair. Because you hair follicles are not used to lying in this new way, this can make your scalp sensitive and itchy. This should pass in a couple of weeks. If it does not, or you have dandruff, I would recommend washing hair with a residue free shampoo, then rinsing with apple cider vinegar mixed with water and a few drops of tea tree or rosemary oil in it. The tingly-ness really helps dampen down any itchiness and the vinegar should deal with the dandruff. You can also try moisturising your scalp with coconut oil, which is a natural conditioner. If you have no luck then there are products available from companies like Knotty Boy.

What do I do if I get nits once my hair has been dreaded??

DON´T PANIC. I have been through this one, having caught them off my little nephew a few years back. I was gutted, and tried several shop-bought remedies, only to discover that I would need to buy several bottles of the stuff to cover my hair, as dreads are very absorbent. Shop-bought remedies also require combing, which obviously you can´t do. Finally what helped me was a very cheap and effective solution I found online. I soaked my hair in a sink filled with ordinary white vinegar with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. I then put a plastic bag and a towel on it and left it as long as I could stand it. I repeated this on day 7, and day 11, as this works most effectively with their breeding cycle and ensures you get anything that has hatched late (ugh, I know…). You might smell like a chippy for a couple of days but it should be worth it. Disclaimer: I can’t guarantee this will work for very severe infestations but it certainly worked for me!

How often do my natural dreads or permanent dread extensions need to be maintained?

Well, it´s hard to answer this precisely as it depends on a few factors, like how easily your hair locks up, how often you wash it, and what your own personal standards of neatness are (some people like them immaculate, some like a bit of fluff for a more natural look). I would recommend getting a tidy up session within a few months of getting hair dreaded, or sooner if you are concerned, although some people do not need to come back for a long time. Permanent Dread Extensions should be checked to make sure the joins are staying strong, and if there are any concerns contact me. I can give you tips on maintenance and show you how to use the crochet hook, so this helps you take care of your own dreads a bit, meaning you might not need to book a maintenance session for a long while. I do warn against over-maintaining your dreads, as this stops the natural development of the dreads and in some cases can cause weakness.

I want my own hair dreaded and would also like to add some colour, can this be done?

Yes Please…I love working with colour, it is one of my favourite things about this job. I am not a trained colour technician and for this reason I cannot dye dreads, but I can add colour in other ways. I can either sell you removable Wool Dreads and Deco Dreads,  which can be tied into the roots of your own dreads to add colour, volume, length and texture, or do Yarn Braids and Wraps onto your dreads, in a wide range of different yarns including mohair, wool slub and sari silk. This will brighten up any dread do.

I want my own hair dreaded, does it hurt?

I wont lie, for some people it can be painful having dreads put in, as it involves prolonged pulling at the scalp. Some people have described it as an `annoying´ pain. Others do not find it painful at all, so it is hard to predict whether you yourself will find it painful. Generally any pain felt is only temporary, while I am putting the dreads in near the roots, although the scalp might be slightly tender for the rest of the day. If you are worried then take a couple of painkillers before the appointment, which will dampen any pain you might experience. If you think about it, people sit through tattoos everyday to get a result which they will love for the rest of their life, and so with dreading it is a similar thing. Also as a side issue, your bum may go a bit numb!

I would like my own hair dreaded to look like this person/style, can you do it?

I can do the dreads to any thickness your hair will allow, and any length (with Extensions if necessary). However, although they will be tight immediately, your dreads will still be new or baby dreads. Dreads take time to mature, and ones that you have seen probably look so cool because they have been grown over time. Also, you have to be realistic about what I can do with the hair I am given to start with, so for example I can´t produce a thick lion´s mane of locks from just a few little strands if you are somewhat follicley challenged. I will however make sure you are more than happy with the dreads you have straight away as I will do them in a way which suits your face and hair type. Browse my Dreadlocks and Permanent Dread Extensions galleries to see what kind of thing you would like to start off with. Once you´ve got them, maturing can take from 6 months to a year, in which time they will develop their own unique personality.

Do you supply all materials for extensions?

Yes; whether you are wanting permanent or temporary extensions, I can source the materials for you. I have a supplier of ethically sourced human hair, which I can order for you, for making human hair dreadlock extensions. I can also source materials for making synthetic and wool dreads. However, if you have hair or wool that you’d prefer to use I’m happy to go with this as long as they are suitable. I can also advise you regarding what materials to buy so just ask if you’d prefer to source your own.

3. Temporary Dreads (8)

How much does the style I want cost?

Please refer to my Price Page or if you need a more specific quote then please dont hesitate to email me at info@rosielocks.com

Do you sell dread beads?

Yes I do, I have a little bead bar at my studio with a selection of beads and trinkets – some new and some upcycled, to jazz up your locks 🙂 

I´ve just got new dreads/braids and my head is itching, what´s going on?

This is probably just itching caused by the newly sectioned hair. Because you hair follicles are not used to lying in this new way, this can make your scalp sensitive and itchy. This should pass in a couple of weeks. If it does not, or you have dandruff, I would recommend washing hair with a residue free shampoo, then rinsing with apple cider vinegar mixed with water and a few drops of tea tree or rosemary oil in it. The tingly-ness really helps dampen down any itchiness and the vinegar should deal with the dandruff. You can also try moisturising your scalp with coconut oil, which is a natural conditioner. If you have no luck then there are products available from companies like Knotty Boy.

I want my own hair dreaded and would also like to add some colour, can this be done?

Yes Please…I love working with colour, it is one of my favourite things about this job. I am not a trained colour technician and for this reason I cannot dye dreads, but I can add colour in other ways. I can either sell you removable Wool Dreads and Deco Dreads,  which can be tied into the roots of your own dreads to add colour, volume, length and texture, or do Yarn Braids and Wraps onto your dreads, in a wide range of different yarns including mohair, wool slub and sari silk. This will brighten up any dread do.

Will any of the temporary dread extensions damage my hair?

Unless your hair is already extremely damaged or weak then no. In fact it can actually be good to give your hair a break from all the styling and straightening. Sometimes when these dreads are tied back too tightly it can pull on your roots, so if you notice any pain when your hair is tied back then try to locate the dread which is being pulled too much and ease it out slightly to relieve the tension (although obviously it is normal for newly installed dreads to feel a bit tight on the scalp).

Can I wash my Wool Dreads/ Braids/ Temporary Dreads

I dont recommend washing them while they are one your head as the excess weight this would cause will pull at them too much, and also corrode the elastics used. Most people find they have no problem with this, however if you find yourself desperate to give it a wash during the period of time they are in then you can use an organic dry shampoo gel to wash your scalp. You can also moisturise your scalp with coconut oil. With the Basic Felt Dreads and Synthetic Crocheted Dreads, which are re-usable, you can gently hand wash them with your preferred washing powder in between periods of wearing them.

I have just taken my Wool Dreads or Braids out after a few months and washed my hair, why has so much hair come out?

Over time your hair naturally sheds from your scalp and is replaced by new hair. If it is braided up tightly then the shed hairs, which would have fallen out over time, have nowhere to go, so have remained in the braid. Now that you have removed the braids and washed your hair, all that hair is coming out at once. I know it looks scary but don´t worry, it is natural.

I would like my wool/yarn dreads to be similar to a particular style or colour, can I send you a pic?

Yes of course, with the Wool and temporary dreads many different effects can be achieved and I would welcome a picture, as it´s always good to have a starting point. If there is any issue with materials not matching up to the desired `look´ then I will mention this to you before the appointment and look for more suitable materials if needed. Also if I have ideas on how your original idea could be further developed to make the style even more interesting I will run this by you.

2. Dreadlock Extensions (15)

I want to get my hair dreaded, but am worried that I wont like it. Are dreads easy to remove?

In a word: no. The natural dreads and permanent dread extensions are designed to not come out easily, and this is a mark of good quality dreads. However this is bad news if you are unsure about getting them, and don´t want to spend several days sitting there unpicking them with a bottle of conditioner or oil at hand. For anyone unsure about getting dreads I would recommend taking some time over your decision, or try some of my other options, like the Wool Dreads and Braids, which last up to 3 months. The Synthetic Crocheted Dreads are also a good idea for someone who wants temporary realistic looking dreadlocks, as they can be braided in.

How much does the style I want cost?

Please refer to my Price Page or if you need a more specific quote then please dont hesitate to email me at info@rosielocks.com

Can you wash dreads? I don´t want them to smell!

A: Yes you can wash dreads. With new dreads, which are more delicate, I recommend a settling in period, and after this they can be washed regularly. To be honest dreaded hair doesn´t seem to get greasy like un-dreaded hair, and once you get into the cycle of not washing them everyday you will probably find your scalp prefers this. Some of the most smelly dreads I have encountered are ones which have been washed and not allowed to dry properly (often wax is involved). So always wash them in the morning and dry them properly to be sure of not smelling like a wet dog! Also I have been recommended to use micro-fibre towels as they apparently suck the moisture out of your hair so I’ll definitely be trying that one soon!

Do you recommend using wax on dreadlocks?

No I don´t, and with the technique I use you wont need it. Wax is a quick fix solution to keeping dreads neat; it will stick down all the loose hairs to give the appearance of it being tidy, but the greasiness of it actually gets in the way of the hairs knotting together, which requires friction. Wax can also prevent your dreads from drying out properly after washing, which can lead to all sorts of horrible things growing in there…

What Shampoo should I use?

Personally, there are lots of specialist dread shampoos on the market, such as ones from Raw Rootz, or Dollylocks which you may want to try. These shampoos are residue free, which means if you are washing your hair very regularly then you won’t get a build up of shampoo residue in your dreads. Personally, if I wash my dreads once a fortnight or less I find that using a natural soap works well for me.  If I’m washing more regularly then I use Raw Rootz which is one that I also stock in my salon. Finding the right products for your locks is trial and error, and involves working out what your own personal routine is, how your scalp responds to being in dreads, how oily your hair is etc. 

Do you sell dread beads?

Yes I do, I have a little bead bar at my studio with a selection of beads and trinkets – some new and some upcycled, to jazz up your locks 🙂 

I´ve just got new dreads/braids and my head is itching, what´s going on?

This is probably just itching caused by the newly sectioned hair. Because you hair follicles are not used to lying in this new way, this can make your scalp sensitive and itchy. This should pass in a couple of weeks. If it does not, or you have dandruff, I would recommend washing hair with a residue free shampoo, then rinsing with apple cider vinegar mixed with water and a few drops of tea tree or rosemary oil in it. The tingly-ness really helps dampen down any itchiness and the vinegar should deal with the dandruff. You can also try moisturising your scalp with coconut oil, which is a natural conditioner. If you have no luck then there are products available from companies like Knotty Boy.

What do I do if I get nits once my hair has been dreaded??

DON´T PANIC. I have been through this one, having caught them off my little nephew a few years back. I was gutted, and tried several shop-bought remedies, only to discover that I would need to buy several bottles of the stuff to cover my hair, as dreads are very absorbent. Shop-bought remedies also require combing, which obviously you can´t do. Finally what helped me was a very cheap and effective solution I found online. I soaked my hair in a sink filled with ordinary white vinegar with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. I then put a plastic bag and a towel on it and left it as long as I could stand it. I repeated this on day 7, and day 11, as this works most effectively with their breeding cycle and ensures you get anything that has hatched late (ugh, I know…). You might smell like a chippy for a couple of days but it should be worth it. Disclaimer: I can’t guarantee this will work for very severe infestations but it certainly worked for me!

How often do my natural dreads or permanent dread extensions need to be maintained?

Well, it´s hard to answer this precisely as it depends on a few factors, like how easily your hair locks up, how often you wash it, and what your own personal standards of neatness are (some people like them immaculate, some like a bit of fluff for a more natural look). I would recommend getting a tidy up session within a few months of getting hair dreaded, or sooner if you are concerned, although some people do not need to come back for a long time. Permanent Dread Extensions should be checked to make sure the joins are staying strong, and if there are any concerns contact me. I can give you tips on maintenance and show you how to use the crochet hook, so this helps you take care of your own dreads a bit, meaning you might not need to book a maintenance session for a long while. I do warn against over-maintaining your dreads, as this stops the natural development of the dreads and in some cases can cause weakness.

I want my own hair dreaded and would also like to add some colour, can this be done?

Yes Please…I love working with colour, it is one of my favourite things about this job. I am not a trained colour technician and for this reason I cannot dye dreads, but I can add colour in other ways. I can either sell you removable Wool Dreads and Deco Dreads,  which can be tied into the roots of your own dreads to add colour, volume, length and texture, or do Yarn Braids and Wraps onto your dreads, in a wide range of different yarns including mohair, wool slub and sari silk. This will brighten up any dread do.

I want my own hair dreaded, does it hurt?

I wont lie, for some people it can be painful having dreads put in, as it involves prolonged pulling at the scalp. Some people have described it as an `annoying´ pain. Others do not find it painful at all, so it is hard to predict whether you yourself will find it painful. Generally any pain felt is only temporary, while I am putting the dreads in near the roots, although the scalp might be slightly tender for the rest of the day. If you are worried then take a couple of painkillers before the appointment, which will dampen any pain you might experience. If you think about it, people sit through tattoos everyday to get a result which they will love for the rest of their life, and so with dreading it is a similar thing. Also as a side issue, your bum may go a bit numb!

I would like my own hair dreaded to look like this person/style, can you do it?

I can do the dreads to any thickness your hair will allow, and any length (with Extensions if necessary). However, although they will be tight immediately, your dreads will still be new or baby dreads. Dreads take time to mature, and ones that you have seen probably look so cool because they have been grown over time. Also, you have to be realistic about what I can do with the hair I am given to start with, so for example I can´t produce a thick lion´s mane of locks from just a few little strands if you are somewhat follicley challenged. I will however make sure you are more than happy with the dreads you have straight away as I will do them in a way which suits your face and hair type. Browse my Dreadlocks and Permanent Dread Extensions galleries to see what kind of thing you would like to start off with. Once you´ve got them, maturing can take from 6 months to a year, in which time they will develop their own unique personality.

I am interested in getting dread extensions, how do I go about this?

Well, this depends whether you want to go for permanent or temporary dreads. You have 2 basic options, both of which require a minimum length of 3 inches of your own hair: 

  • Permanent Dread Extensions – this involves you making an appointment, then I’d pre-make some extensions ready for the appointment . You then come to have your hair dreaded, and I’d attach the extensions onto the ends of your own dreaded hair. This is my preferred method rather than attaching a permanent extension from the roots because this creates an artificial thickness to your own dreads which can’t be removed, which will become apparent when your hair grows and the real thickness can be seen. It also means that the extensions are more easily removed should you decide that you want to lose them once your own dreads become the desired length. I can source the hair for you; when you book the appointment you would need to send me a clear, well-lit (daylight) photo of your hair colour so I can colour-match your hair. I only use hair that is 100% ethically sourced. I would need you to send a deposit to cover my outlay for buying the hair prior to the appointment. The cost of the work can be paid on the day. You are also welcome to supply your own hair if you prefe, I can advise you on what to buy. 
  • Temporary dread extensions are braided into your hair, and can last up to 3 months. If you’re wanting them in a shade similar to your natural hair then you’d need to send me a well-lit photo showing your natural colour. You would need to pay a deposit to cover the cost of materials. They can be made from a wide range of materials, including Wool Dreads, Synthetic Crocheted Dreads, Yarn Braids, Wraps, Deco Dreads

What are my options for hair for Permanent Dread Extensions?

There are two main options of hair that we’d normally use for Permanent extensions – human hair or synthetic hair.

Human hair is the most popular option.

  • Pros: It looks and feels more realistic, texturally it blends better with your hair at the joins so gives a smoother join, behaves in a way more similar to your own hair when locking up, less plastic pollution. Overall a more successful look if you want your extensions to look like your own hair
  • Cons: It is more expensive than synthetic, there are fewer colour options (for instance with brighter colours) and there is the ethical question of using human hair. I can supply you hair which is ethically sourced, but with hair you buy from a lot of places this can’t be guaranteed. 

Synthetic can so be used however:

  • Pros: it’s cheaper than human hair, comes in a huge range of funky or natural shades, comes in very long lengths. Also you can have temporary synthetic dreads which can be installed as permanent dreads afterwards.
  • Doesn’t look/feel quite as natural a human hair, is made from plastic fibres (so depends on your policy with buying plastic), blends and locks up a bit differently to your own hair (although will still go through a ‘maturing’ process just like human hair locks) 

Do you supply all materials for extensions?

Yes; whether you are wanting permanent or temporary extensions, I can source the materials for you. I have a supplier of ethically sourced human hair, which I can order for you, for making human hair dreadlock extensions. I can also source materials for making synthetic and wool dreads. However, if you have hair or wool that you’d prefer to use I’m happy to go with this as long as they are suitable. I can also advise you regarding what materials to buy so just ask if you’d prefer to source your own.

4. Appointments and General Info (11)

How much does the style I want cost?

Please refer to my Price Page or if you need a more specific quote then please dont hesitate to email me at info@rosielocks.com

How do I get to you?

My house is located in the little village of Hayfield in the Peak District, Derbyshire (see map on About page). By car it’s around an hour from Manchester or Sheffield, or 1.5 hours from Leeds. If you’re coming from further afield I can be reached quite easily from the M6 or M1 mot0rways. There are direct trains from Manchester or Sheffield to New Mills Station 2 miles away from me, which take 1/2 hour to 45 minutes roughly. If you need it I can pick you up from New Mills station. If you need more info on getting here please get in touch.

Do you sell dread beads?

Yes I do, I have a little bead bar at my studio with a selection of beads and trinkets – some new and some upcycled, to jazz up your locks 🙂 

How long will my appointment take?

I can give you rough guidelines for how long it will take to install your dreads or do your maintenance, however it can vary depending on various factors, like how long/thick your hair is, the texture of your hair, how much of a mess your dreads are in, etc. so please bear this in mind when scheduling your appointment.

Can I bring my friend/mum/spouse/baby/dog with me?

Friends/parents: yes, if you feel more comfortable with someone there or need a lift off someone to get here then by all means bring them with you and they will be made as welcome as you are.

Babies/children are fine to bring too, but please bear in mind that my studio does have stuff in it that isn’t that child-friendly and I won’t be held responsible for any thing that they might get themselves into 😂 my own little one will sit in there sometimes if I have no childcare but sometimes gets bored of videos and gets a bit too interested in stuff, if your little one is similar then someone will have to supervise. At the end of the day you can judge if you child is able to sit through the appointment or not so I will leave it up to your discretion.

Please let me know if you are bringing a baby or child and you think you may need a bit of extra time factoring in to the appointment to tend to them, I’m happy to accommodate.

Dogs are also welcome too as long as they’re toilet trained, as my studio is away from the cats. Your dog will need to be kept on its lead in the garden though as my cats will probably be about. 

Can you travel to me to do dreads?

It’s generally easier for me to work in my own environment as it’s set up for working here, however in some cases and during quieter periods I may be able to do home visits within a certain radius in the northern England and north midlands area. If you feel like you need this service then just ask and we might be able to arrange something. I can only really work at your place if there is adequate parking and light, and there aren’t too many distractions going on there.

Do you work weekends?

I can probably arrange to do the odd weekend day as long as I dont have too many other plans around that time. Also, if you can´t get a day off work I do some evening appointments.

I would like to ring and speak to you personally, when is the best time?

Generally you are best to catch me on weekdays between 10am and 6pm. At the weekends I am unlikely to answer (depending on what I´m up to!) PLEASE do not ring me at 3am to discuss dreads, as some people have been known to do…although I´m sure most of you would have more sense

If I want to cancel or postpone my appointment, how much notice should I give?

I need at least 48 hours (2 working days) notice if you can´t make your allocated appointment, so I have enough time to fill the slot. People who cancel with less than 48 hours notice will be charged a cancellation fee. Customers who repeatedly let me down by not showing up or cancelling at the last minute will have to look elsewhere for dreading services I´m afraid. For appointments which require me to buy materials I require a deposit to cover this, as unfortunately I have had a couple of people let me down, so I´m sorry that I now have to ask this of everyone..

I’ve realised I don’t have the money for my appointment, can I pay later?

Much as I would like to be open and trusting about this, due to being unpaid and left short by people on the blag I can not allow you to get your dreads done and pay later. Please make sure you know your financial situation before booking an appointment, as my business is my job, it is how I pay the rent, etc.

My friend/partner/colleague/dad(?!) wants their hair dreading, can I pass on your details?

Yes of course. Word of mouth makes up a large part of my business, so if you are pleased with the service you received, please spread the word.

Peace and budgies xxx