Hairdressers Obsessive Compulsive Dreadlocks

Dread Installs usually take between 4-7 hours.

After install, we recommend not wetting your hair for a full week, giving the dreads a chance to establish. We also recommend wearing a shower cap every time you have a shower when not washing your dreads, as the steam can unravel loose hairs on your dread bases.

You can find our recommended washing routine under Washing Your Dreads.

Once having dreads installed, people generally require maintenance once in the first 4 weeks, and then every 6-10 weeks after that. Some people require minimal maintenance sessions, while others can need more. Dread Maintenance, when done regularly, generally takes 2 hours. However some people’s dreads can be closer to 3 hours.

1. HOW LONG DOES MY HAIR HAVE TO BE?

Your hair needs to be at least 15 cm’s, preferably longer.  The longer your hair is, the easier it will be to dread and quicker it will mature so if your hair is on the shorter side they may just need a little more maintenance before they really start to lock and tighten.

2. HOW MUCH SHORTER WILL MY HAIR BE WHEN I DREAD IT?

Due to the fact we don’t backcomb the hair, new dreads start out a lot thinner, usually half the size desired, and expand over the first 3-12 months. This process means no loss of length.

3. WILL IT HURT?

It really does vary from person to person. Some people find the process to be relaxing while others can be a little more sensitive. With new dreads, the scalp can be a little tender the first night you sleep on your new dreads, but is usually settled by the next day.

4. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY DREADS TO MATURE?

Well this depends on a couple of things – some hair types dread easier than others (think curly, course hair) and how much time your spend on maintenance can influence it also.

From day one you’ll most definitely get the dreadlock look. You might find some are standing straight up, particularly if your hair is shorter but over the coming days and weeks these little guys will start to settle down.

From about the first to fourth week it may seem like they are starting to loosen and you’ll have lots of loose hair coming away from the dreads. Don’t panic, this is normal as dreads tend to tighten and mature from the inside out.
By week 6 – 8 you should notice them really start to tighten and mature. You may notice them shrink a little more and perhaps get a little lumpy as and crooked as some mature faster than others. Your dreads are basically going through puberty but hang in there, they are well on there way to adult hood!

At the 3 month mark they are becoming smoother and tighter by the day. Be sure to keep the clean with a residue free shampoo as this will also help encourage the new growth to lock up.

6 months and they should feel tight and smooth and no doubt can hold a lot of water – make sure you squeeze them out after washing and allow them to dry properly.

By their 1st birthday you should be sporting a hot head of mature dreadlocks – congratulations! From here on in maintenance only gets easier and less often.

5. CAN YOU DYE OR BLEACH DREADS?

Yep and coloured dreads can look amazing! It’s best to dye or bleach the hair before it is dreaded and don’t use the deep conditioner which is often supplied with the colour. Colouring and bleach does tend to dry out the hair but this is all good for dreads as it means knotting and locking up will be easier.

It’s actually quite easy to colour dreads, as the hair is already sectioned, you may require a little more colour than usual though!

6. WILL SPORTS OR SWEATING EFFECT MY DREADLOCKS?

No, sweats fine and dreadlocks should not inhibit your ability to get amongst it! Lots of sweating though means lots of showers and those can loosen new dreads. Always use a residue free dread shampoo and handle new dreadies with care.

7. ARE DREADS HARD TO TAKE OUT AFTER YOU DO THEM?

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to shave your head to get rid of your dreads! Using our method, it is possible to comb out the dreads, however it will take a long time! After combing them out, you’d expect a bit of a trim, but the hair bounces back quite quickly after a couple of deep conditioning treatments.

8. TO WAX OR NOT TO WAX?

We say no! Wax can be detrimental to dreads, leading to dread rot, dirt, and smelly dreads! Back in the day, everyone waxed their dreads, but these days most people know to steer clear of the dreaded wax. We see no point using harmful products in dreads, when it isn’t necessary.

Washing your Dreads

    Services

•  Dreadlock Maintenance
•  Dreadlock Installs
•  Dreadlock Extensions
•  Dreadlock Repairs
•  Dreadlock Dayspa

   Reviews

“I have had a lot of maintenance on my dreads in the past and has hurt like a mofo but obsessive dreads is by far the best  place i have been amd didn’t hurt at all cheer man u did a awsome job im stoked as”

“First went to Jordan for some maintenance. He was so friendly & easy to talk to. I was so pleased with the work that he did & I thought his pricing was very competitive and he had great product knowledge.
During this time I asked him about extensions. He was very informative about the options and patient with my questions.
I went ahead with the extensions and I was so happy with the outcome.
I have since then had another lot of maintenance done & again I was totally impressed.
If you are looking for a great efficient & friendly loctician then look no further than Jordan from OCD. I highly recommend him!!”

“All around top notch work! He installed my dreadies and developed them over 6 years as my style evolved! I’m currently trying to convince him to come to Ireland to do some maintenance as I have just recently moved back. Alas I think he’s all yours Australia so make use of him before I kidnap him and whisk him away to the Emerald Isle just so I can get some decent maintenance!”

“11/10 hands down best work I have seen by any loctician, I looked everywhere before Jordan for somewhere more local to me but I am glad I make the journey that i do for the awesome work and advice that he gives you on keeping and maintaining your locks, would recommend him to anyone who wants someone who takes pride in what they do.”

“When I decided to finally get my dread hawk with extensions, I researched as much as I could and kept coming back to Jordan’s pages again and again. His work speaks for itself. He is very friendly, professional, full of information and a wizz with the crochet hook. Would recommend him to everyone and love my dreads. You rock…”