Frequently asked questions

How much do your services cost?

You can read the pricing of services here

How long will my service take?

Working with Dreadlocks takes time. It’s not like your usual visit to a hairdressers or barbers. Under each service I have given a time frame of how long the service may take and this will always depend on your hair. I am a perfectionist and need to provide a quality service and each set of dreads is unique. Before your appointment, I will have asked you for some photographs of your hair (or dreads) and estimated a time frame for you but also be aware that the service could take a little longer if some further work is required on the day.

Where can I park when visiting?

There is no car parking as the studio is on the canal with only pedestrian access. Please click here for more information.

Should I do anything to my hair before my appointment?

Yes, you must always come with clean dry hair. Click here for how best to prepare for your appointment.

What is the technique that you use to create dreadlocks?

The technique I use is backcombing and crocheting with a root tie at the scalp. I do not use sticky waxes but do use organic vegan pomades and sprays, which aid the maturing of the locks. I start by tying a synthetic fiber thread close to the scalp and then the dread builds up by me backcombing and crocheting the hair together with the help of a unique crocheting technique to the desired shape that you want. This technique can be applied on all types of hair and ensures the dreadlocks are kept separated for longer. I am a professional loctician trained in the Seienstyle method.

When my new dreadlocks have been created, will I need further services?

Your hair will continue grow as usual and most people prefer to keep their dreads tidy and neatly separated at the roots. It can also be painful if you allow your dreads to matt and join together. Maintenance by a loctician is a personal choice. Some people like very natural, freeform dreads and even take care of their own. For some, this can be hard to do themselves and so the majority of people book for maintenance to help keep their scalp healthy. At root maintenance appointments I backcomb the new root growth, crochet the loose hairs, and apply a new root tie at the scalp. I like to see new dreadlocks after about 2/3 months and again after 4 months and then depending on your growth rate, most people visit for maintenance once or twice a year. You can also read about how to care for your dreadlocks here.

Why do you use a string as a root tie?

The string I use is specially created for hair. It keeps your dreadlocks separated and it also helps your regrowth to get matted faster when your hair grows. It takes the pressure off your scalp and prevents breakage when crocheting your roots.

Do I take the root tie out?

No, this keeps your dreadlocks nicely separated and can prolong your need for maintenance. Your hair will either grow over it or if you come back for maintenance, I will snip it out and apply a new one at your root. The root tie I use is specially created for dreadlocks and does no damage to your hair.

Can I colour my hair after I have dreadlocks created?

You will find so many differing viewpoints about this. As a qualified hairdresser I understand the damage that colouring hair over a long period of time can have. When your hair is matted together, it is even more difficult to ensure that all the colour is removed. I have also seen damage to Dreadlocks caused by colour, especially bleach. I would advise against applying bleach to Dreadlocks. Bleach can make your dreads weak, dry, brittle and ultimately break. As I have a backwash and can spend a long and concentrated time removing colour, I do provide a colour service (not using bleach) if I have tested your hair for strength and feel your dreads are in good condition. A skin test also needs to be conducted to check for allergic reaction at least 48 hours before, and so you would need to arrange a consultation in advance of the service.

As an alternative to colouring your hair, you could consider coloured tips. You could have any colour you choose added as an extension to your dreadlock and this is one way to add colour without causing any weak spots. You can find out about extensions to dreadlocks here.

Can I use a hairdryer, straighteners, or curling tongs on my dreadlocks?

Yes, if you have all natural dreads or dreadlocks with human hair extensions you can treat it like your normal hair. This means that you should be mindful of any heat to your hair and the damage that excessive use of heat could cause. If you have synthetic dreadlock extensions then you must not apply heat. This is because the synthetic fibers are likely to be plastic (Kanekalon) and can melt. If you have wool accent dreads, just be mindful of that dreadlock when using a hairdryer to make sure it does not get too hot.

How do I book an appointment?

You can arrange an appointment by calling or texting me on 07807 974153. If you are a new client then I will ask you to send me some photographs or your natural hair and also some photos of the look that you are wanting to achieve. You can do this on fb messenger (here), Instagram (here) or email me at Sarah@heblocks.co.uk. Before your appointment you will need to pay a deposit and this is usually 50% of the service. I will send you further details of how you can transfer this to me. For terms and conditions regarding your deposit, please click here.

Can I choose between whispy ends (loose hair) or blunt ends for my dreadlocks?

Yes, the choice is yours. It is a personal preference. The only difference is the time that it will take initially to create your dreadlocks. Blunt ends take longer and so you should consider this when factoring in your budget.

I have broken, bumpy or nobly dreadlocks, can they be repaired?

Yes, in most cases they can be repaired using many different techniques. This can be done during a maintenance session where I crochet your roots and then also work on specific areas further down your dreads. I would ask that you to send me some photos of these areas so that I can allow enough time for your appointment.

Can I wash my dreadlocks and how often should I wash them?

If you have had new dreadlocks installed you can wash them (but do not use conditioner) after about 2-3 weeks. You can read my advice here, How to take care of your dreadlocks and what shampoo to use.

Do you use any products when creating or maintaining dreadlocks?

I do not use beeswax or any sticky products and I recommend that you do not use wax yourself as over time, wax can leave a residue, become hard and feel heavy. Please read above What is the technique that you use to create dreadlocks. I also sell the Dollylocks range in my studio.

How can I help my dreadlocks mature?

You can read more information here about how to take care of your dreadlocks

How long does my hair need to be for you to create dreadlocks?

You need to have at least 10cm/4ins of hair to create a dreadlock. To get beautiful and comfortable dreadlocks from day one, I recommend that you should have shoulder-length hair.

If you have hair that’s at least 10 cm long and want to have long dreads from day one, I recommend that you choose dreadlocks with extensions (click here to read more).

How long will dreadlocks with extensions last?

The durability of dreadlocks extensions can last for several years. With extensions it’s a good idea to come by for at least one maintenance per year to ensure your dreadlocks will last for a long time.

How many dreadlocks can I have?

This depends on the thickness, texture and density of your natural hair. A usual rule of thumb is the thicker your hair, the more dreadlocks you can have. You need to have a certain amount of hair in order to create a dreadlock and whilst you can add additional hair for length, if you add hair for density, as your hair grows, your roots would be too skinny. It is important to understand this and have a realistic idea of what your dreadlocks will be like. In my studio I have a model head where I can show you sectioning techniques that can be created to enhance the appearance of the amount of dreads for fine hair. If you have fine hair and want very long extensions, you may be better suited to synthetic extensions as they are a lot lighter than human hair extensions. A full head of dreadlocks is usually between 40 and 60 dreadlocks depending on the density of your hair. For partial dreadlocks you would usually have between 10 -20 depending on where you have them and the density of your hair.

Will may hair shrink when I have dreadlocks created?

The process of backcombing means that you will use about 2ins off your length, depending on the thickness of your hair. This is why some people opt for dreadlocks with extensions to maintain the length or even have longer hair altogether. You will also notice that your dreadlocks will shrink a little in the first few months. This is because your hair is condensing itself and you are not stretching it when wet or drying. This is normal and shows they are maturing healthy and matting well. On average, you’ll get between 1/4 - 1/3 shorter hair when I do dreads with Seienstyle method.

Can I swim or do outdoor sports with dreadlocks?

Bear in mind that dreadlock hair takes a lot longer to dry than hair that has not been dreadlocked. It is also very important that your hair dry’s fully to avoid odours, mould and damp. The older and more dense the dreads, the longer they may take to dry fully. But you don’t need to wash your hair as often, you can use spray cleansers in between washes to cleanse your scalp. Salt (sea water) actually helps new dreadlocks to mature but sand can be a nightmare for getting out of your dreads, A lot chlorine can do damage to any hair so try avoid getting your dreads wet if at all possible. A swim hat might be a good idea and seriously think about how you may manage if you have a particularly active lifestyle. Dreadlab provide useful tips for dreadlocs and sports (click here)

I have started to see loose hairs coming out of my dreads, why is this?

No one has perfectly smooth and sleek dreadlocks all of the time. You will rub your dreadlocks on your pillow, put hats or hoods on, and all sorts of activities and lifestyles can make your hair scruffy. A dreadlock night cap can also help prevent your hair frizzing whilst you sleep. New hairs also grow in between your dreadlocks which will stick up and hair can work its way out of your matted dread. This is normal and some people like this look, and some prefer all hairs to be neatly tucked in. There are techniques and products which can help stray hairs and I provide more advice here, or book in for a maintenance session where I can talk you through these self care techniques whilst tidying up your dreads.

I have a really itchy scalp, what can help?

An itchy scalp can be very irritating and this can happen because of a number of reasons: Your hair is no longer free flowing, its now encouraged to grow into the dreadlock sections and this can pull your hair in new directions and cause tension on your scalp. This can cause a lot of irritation and discomfort for a while until you, and your hair get more used to it. In my experience if you have fine hair and you’ve had very longer extensions, the extra wait can cause a lot of tension. An itchy scalp can also be caused by a dry scalp and so your scalp could be crying out for moisture. Or you may have an irritation caused by a new product. Firstly, try and work out what is the cause, and then you will be able to find the best product or solution for your needs. I have suggested a couple here and you could also read a little about the oils available for dry scalps here. The good news is in most cases an itchy scalp eases over time and you soon get a routine that works for you and your scalp.

How do you extend my dreadlocks?

I’ll use some human hair that matches your dreadlocks and I’ll mix different shades of colour that will match your own hair perfectly. In advance I will require either a consultation in person, or request that you post me a small sample of your hair.

With the help of a small crochet hook, I’ll weave in the human hair strand by strand in your already existing dreadlock and then the extension is created with the help of backcombing and crocheting.

In most cases, I also go through the roots and the whole dreadlock to create a more beautiful overall impression.

What will happen if I decide to take out my dreadlocks?

Your dreadlocks are a permanent creation and whilst it is possible to comb them out, this will depend on how long you have had them and the patience that you have. If you want some advice on this you can find some information in the blog here https://www.seienstyle.com/blog?tag=dreadlocks

What are Sister Locks, starter locks, coil locs and the twist and comb method?

These techniques are generally applied on Afro Caribbean hair. I do not offer this technique which is a specialism in mainly Afro Caribbean salons. If you have had your dreadlocks installed this way, have Afro Caribbean hair and want many small thin coil dreadlocks, I would suggest you find a loctician who offers this service. If you want more information about this method, follow Freshloc on Instagram. Locally @prissyshairextensions.co.uk (fb) offer a twist, comb coil loc service.

How long do temporary dreadlocks last?

Synthetic dreads are great if you want to try out having dreads, but your'e not sure if you want to commit to dreadlocks for a long time. They work great if you have shorter hair, and want to let it grow and try something new in the meantime. I do not make synthetic temporary dreadlocks myself but if you purchase them, I can install them for you by plaiting them into your hair. In order for the hair to look beautiful and not to take any harm, you have to remove the synthetic dreads or reattach them after approx. 3 months because you’ll get a regrowth during this time and even if you don’t comb out this outgrowth in a few months, the hair will start to dread itself.

You can find out more information about where to purchase them here.

How do I take care of my synthetic dreads?

Wash your hair with a silicone-free shampoo 1-2 times a week, when your hair is damp you can pull your fingers through your hair to make sure your own hair doesn’t get matted in-between the dreads.

Once a day you can spray conditioner spray on your synthetic dreads to make your own hair feel good and for the dreads to look beautiful longer.

It’s not so much harder than this to take care of synthetic dreads but you must not use a hairdryer or apply heat. Most of the Dollylocks range can be used on synthetic dreads and you can find out more here

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