Knowledgebase Categories
When can I attach dreadlock extensions to add length? - We see this question a lot on internet forums. Although any dreadlocks that we start (or maintain) in our studio can safely and successfully have extensions attached to them immediately, the same is not necessarily true for DIY dreads that … Continue reading 
How do you attach dreadlock extensions? - In an idea world, glues, adhesives, and string should NEVER be used to install permanent dreadlock extensions. For optimum dreadlock health and longevity, the only thing that should ever be in dreadlocks is HAIR! As such, the extension installation method(s) … Continue reading 
I’ve been told the product I’m using has residue in it, but I don’t think there’s residue in my dreads. How can I tell if I have residue or not? - First of all, you might be wondering, “Well, what is residue and why does it matter anyway?” Great question. Residue is anything that will build up on the hair (in the dreadlocks) that doesn’t rinse away cleanly with water. The … Continue reading 
Recommended Shampoo List - We spend a significant amount of time on dreadlock forums and one of the most common question we see people asking is “Is —[insert product brand/name here]– good to use on dreads?” Well, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of shampoos … Continue reading 
I’ve heard that hard water can make soap build-up in my dreads. Is that true? - Absolutely it is! However, this issue is one that is easily resolved with periodic apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinses. Although all the soaps and shampoos we use and recommend are formulated to ensure that they leave behind no residue, hard … Continue reading 
I have a LOT of loose, undreaded growth at my roots. What should I do about it? - I’m not sure where the idea came from, but when you get dreadlocks your hair does not magically start growing out dreaded! It takes time for your hair to start knotting by itself at the roots. At any point in … Continue reading 
What is the difference between dreadlocks that are “locked” and dreadlocks that are “mature”? - Within the dreadlock community there is a lot of terminology that is sometimes thrown around and not a whole lot out there to clarify what exactly that terminology means! “Locked” is a term used to describe a dreadlock or set … Continue reading 
I can’t afford to come in and get my locks worked on by you guys. Can I just come in to have you show me how to do it myself? - We do offer some workshops that help teach folks how to do some home maintenance techniques, but our Dreadlock Education section of the website has a HUGE database of information dedicated especially to folks who are looking to dread their … Continue reading 
I have a LOT of frizz and fly-aways. Is it OK to cut them with scissors to make them manageable? - NO!!! Absolutely not! Scissors are NEVER the answer unless you want to cut off your dreadlocks entirely. (They should not be used for separating either, for that matter!) Cutting off those loose hairs is a very temporary solution that will … Continue reading 
When can I start adding hair wraps and/or beads to my dreadlocks? - The good news for those of you just itching to accessorize your new locks is that there is NO wait! But, there is a trick to making sure you’re wearing them the “right” way to make sure that you don’t … Continue reading 
How can I round off/blunt the tips of my dreadlocks at home? - There are a few different ways to attempt this at home. The first and least invasive way to do it (folks that aren’t really into using tools can use this method, but it does require a lot of patience!) is … Continue reading 
Is it better to have my ends loose and wispy OR rounded and blunted? - Neither is inherently better or worse than the other. Ultimately it comes down to a matter of personal, aesthetic preference. Many folks believe (correctly) that having loose, wispy ends help facilitate faster, more efficient drying time after washing. However, as … Continue reading 
I have lots of crazy bumps/loops/zig-zags! What do I do about them? - You don’t *HAVE* to do anything! Bumps, loops, and zig-zags are completely normal, expected, and even can be a good sign! They are what happens when a part of you dreadlocks tighten up before another right next to it. Think of a set … Continue reading 
My dreadlocks are frizzy! What can I do to fix it? - First of all, it’s important to realize that frizz is COMPLETELY normal and expected!!! We always say that everything with dreadlocks is two steps forward and one step back. Although your baby dreadlocks may have started off looking super sweet, … Continue reading 
Should I cover my dreadlocks when I sleep at night? - This is question that we have puzzled over for years to come to a conclusion that we feel comfortable sharing here and the general answer is: YES. However, it’s not a step that we would call absolutely necessary to your … Continue reading 
Is it true that people with dreadlocks are more likely to get lice/bugs? - NO!!! Honestly, we’re not exactly sure where this myth comes from. Our best guess it that people are associating lice with uncleanliness; another myth about dreadlocks. (We promise that dreadlocks absolutely SHOULD be washed and cleaned regularly!) In fact, if … Continue reading 
I think I might have lice!!! What should I do??? - Well, first of all take a deep breath! You’re probably pretty freaked out right now and every itch is making you feel like grabbing a pair of clippers and shaving your head a little bit. But don’t worry, there are … Continue reading 
I work out regularly and I get pretty sweaty! What can I do between washes to keep my scalp and my locks fresh? - As mentioned on the page about Washing, you should only wash your locks 1 – 2x per week. If you’re someone who is really active, it can be really challenging to limit yourself to so relatively little when you are … Continue reading 
What about going swimming in pools/the ocean/fresh water? Can I get my dreads wet? - In an ideal world you would try to hold off on getting your hair wet except for days when you are planning (or might plan to) wash your locks anyway so they aren’t getting wet an excessive number of times. (That … Continue reading 
How to Care for “Partial” Dreadlocks - Even if you only have one dread, you need to at the very least keep them CLEAN and keep them SEPARATE! Dreadlocks, whether you have one or one hundred, always have a tendency to want to "eat"/suck in any loose hair around them. Unless you want to end up with mega-dreads you need to regularly run your fingers through your hair around the dreads to make sure none of the hair you want left loose is getting tangled into the locks. Continue reading 
I’m thinking of dreadlocks, but I can’t decide if they’re right for me. What should I do? - Well, I usually tell folks that when the time is right you’ll know! But, if your dilemma is whether or not dreadlocks will look good on you, there are a couple of options. The first, cheaper option, is that you … Continue reading - Permanent Dreadlock Extensions General Info - Please note that Raging Roots Studio is no longer offering custom dreadlock extensions. However, we still install extensions made by sellers on our recommended seller list. There are many reasons for why you may be considering dreadlock extensions. Some simply … Continue reading
- How to Care for Temporary, Synthetic Dreadlocks - The good news is that you can treat them almost just like your normal hair — you can wear them up, wear them down, and you can wash them. You do not need to wash the dreadlocks themselves when you … Continue reading
Can I use hair dye/bleach on my dreadlocks safely? - Just like dying “normal” hair is damaging to the hair, it is also at least mildly damaging to dreadlocks. (After all, they are hair, too!) However, the process is slightly different. You really only need to be concerned with covering … Continue reading 
Do you/will you work on children? - We do not start new dreadlocks on children any younger than 8 years of age. Not only are most children disinclined to sit for such a long period of time as is needed for the placement and maintenance of dreadlocks, … Continue reading 
How much length will I lose if/when I dread my hair? - This is a loaded question and unfortunately the answer is ‘everybody is different’. However, the circumstances by which people lose length with the method(s) we use is at least fairly predictable. The first thing to know is that we cannot dread … Continue reading 
How long does my hair need to be to put in dreadlocks? - It’s possible to dread hair as short as only 3″ long, but they would be some crazy, spikey dreads! A length of at least 5-6″ is preferable for putting in new dreads. If your hair IS still on the short … Continue reading 
I have a really sensitive scalp/dandruff. What can I do that’s safe for dreadlocks to help? - Whatever you do, AVOID USING “TRADITIONAL” DANDRUFF TREATMENTS (such as T-Gel, Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, etc.)!!! The products commercially available for treating dandruff at the store have tons of ingredients in them that are detrimental to the health and … Continue reading 
My dreadlocks are new and my head is SUPER itchy. What should I do??? - It is TOTALLY normal and even expected for any new dreadhead to experience a fair amount of itchiness for the first few weeks. When you have “normal” hair your scalp is used to the regular, daily stimulation of a hair … Continue reading 
How often do I “need” to come back for maintenance? - One thing to remember is that dreadlocks are only as much or as little maintenance as you want them to be. Naturally if you want them to look neat you’ll need to do more rather than less. That all said, ideally we like to see our clients every 4 to 12 weeks. (The younger your locks, and the neater you want them to be, the more they will benefit from more frequent appointments.) Continue reading 
Do you have to shave your head if you want to get rid of your dreads? - Absolutely not! It is true that the longer you have your locks the harder it is to remove them without shaving your head (or cutting your hair very short), but it can be done at any point in the lifespan … Continue reading 
How do you wash dreadlocks and how frequently should you do it? - We recommend to wash once a week or so. At the beginning it can be difficult to wash that infrequently if you are accustomed to washing daily. Wait as long as you can after having your dreads put in (up … Continue reading 
Are dreadlocks dirty and smelly? - We can’t speak for all dreadlocks all around the world, but assuming you are following our recommendations then of course your dreads won’t be dirty or smelly. Clean, residue-free hair knots and dreads MUCH better than dirty hair, so if … Continue reading - Washing - The questions we are most frequently asked usually have to do with washing dreadlocks. The first of which, especially from someone who doesn’t themselves have dreadlocks, is usually “Do you wash them?” or “How do you wash them?” (the latter … Continue reading