Textured Dreadlocks

Textured dreadlock extensions are synthetic dreads with a bumpy, uneven surface that looks like dreads grown over years. We make each one by hand from low-temperature kanekalon. The fiber is backcombed, crocheted and then treated with boiling water, which fixes the relief. Sets come as double ended (DE) or single ended (SE) dreads, 0.8–1 cm thick. For an even surface, see smooth dreads. Spirals and waves live in curly dreads.

How textured dreads are made

First the fiber is backcombed with a comb. Then it is crocheted with a 0.4 mm hook, or with a 0.6 mm hook for thicker dreads. Boiling water comes last and sets the bumps for good, so they stay after washing and wear. A textured set takes 1–3 days of work, all of it by hand.

The colour is part of the fiber, so it does not fade or oxidise. After you order, Danila makes one dread first and sends you a photo to confirm the colour and texture. The rest of the set follows once you approve it.

DE or SE

DE dreads have no loop. Each one folds over a thin braid of your own hair, which gives two ends from one attachment and keeps the braid hidden. SE dreads have a loop at the top that goes onto a strand of your hair, and the strand is then braided around the dread. SE works well along the face, at the nape and where your hair is thin. Our guide to dread textures and the SE and DE guide explain more.

Length, thickness and quantity

Each dread is 0.8–1 cm thick along its whole length. Length is measured from the attachment point to the tip. Product pages list the standard lengths, and other lengths from 5 to 120 cm are made to order.

• For a full head with DE dreads you need 40–45 for thin hair, 50–55 for medium hair and 60–65 for dense hair.
• With SE dreads you need 45–50, 60–65 and 70–75 for the same three densities.

The dread calculator works out partial installs. Delivery time and cost for your country are shown under the buy button.

Colours and mixes

Textured sets come in single colours, in ombre and in mixes where every dread has its own shade. Some sets combine textured dreads with curls. Most carry thread wraps or beads, and the beads in your set may differ slightly from the photos. Browse by colour in coloured dreads and ombre dreads.

Care and wear

• Wash at most once a week. Dilute the shampoo 1:5 with water, put it on the scalp only and let the dreads air-dry.
• Do not use conditioner. The dreads hang on thin braids of your own hair, and conditioner makes those braids slip.
• Never comb or brush the dreads. Pull tangles apart with your fingers. A badly tangled knot can be carefully cut off.
• Keep the heat below 60–70 °C. Saunas, hot hair dryers, flat irons and very hot water are bad for kanekalon. A warm bath around 40 °C is safe.

One install is worn for 1.5–2 months. After that the set comes out and can go straight back in, with no break needed. A textured set lasts 2–3 installs. The DaddyDread Academy has free videos on installation and care.

Combining textured dreads with other styles

Each set keeps the composition shown on its page. To mix styles, buy a second set, for example 20 textured DE dreads plus 10 smooth or curly ones in a related shade. Install them together and decide where the second style should show.