A note dedicated to information on how to wear and care for your wool loc/dreadlock extensions.
Even if you don’t have them yet!
**Please note that some of what is written here could potentially apply to other wool dreadlocks made by various makers.
Just to be sure though, it is best to consult the artist on how to best wash/clean and maintain a long lifespan for your locs.**
So, you have your Eco Nomadic Set sitting in front of you and you want to put them in.
How To Wear:
You will have either:
Double Ended (DE) or Single Ended (SE)
Or a mix of both.
Installs:
This is the “Braid-In” method and typically lasts 3-6 weeks unless otherwise removed.
This method is done by sectioning your hair and braiding the dreads into each section.
You can use a regular braid, a blanket stitch braid, or criss-cross braid method.
The ends of your braid are secured by elastics or thread to keep them flush with the dreadlock.
The installation process can take on average 1-4+ hours depending on your stylists technique, level of experience and speed. It is also dependant on the length and thickness of your hair and the quantity you are having installed.
Braid-In Installs are great because it is a temporary change without taking the full plunge of real/permanent locs, but feels and wears much like the real deal. They can help you grow your hair, give it a break from chemical services or help keep things simple when frolicking at a festival in the woods!
The install can be done by yourself if you’re feeling confident but is much easier with the help of a friend, or someone who has experience installing locs/dreadlock extensions like a Professional Loctician!
*It is advised not to leave them in longer then the recommended time frame so as not to cause your roots to matt up. This can make removal harder than it needs to be. You can experiment with each install duration to get a better idea of how long you are able to wear them*
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Removal process:
When you notice that your roots have started to grow in (about 1 to 1.5 inches) or if your roots look messy or tangled then it is probably time to take them out.
This is different for everyone as hair grows at different rates for all of us. It will also depend on how well they were installed in the first place.
While taking them out it is easier to do each section one at a time.
1) Break the elastic(s) or snip the threads.
2) Un-braid the section and remove the loc.
3) Comb it out fully to the root,
Then move on to the next one!
A spray bottle mixed with a little leave-in conditioner will help this process greatly. After a few seactions are comed out, spray it down and clip or braid it to keep it out of the way!
Once it’s done, give your head a good wash and condition and they are ready to be reinstalled again whenever you want!
Please note: While they are installed the hair you would naturally shed daily has no way to escape the braid and so when you take them out you will most likely notice some shedding that will seem a lot more than normal.
We naturally shed anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs per day… and with nowhere to go its just there waiting to be combed out.
*THIS IS NORMAL*
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Washing/Drying while wearing:
If you feel the need to wash your hair or scalp while the woolies are installed… It can be done!
Many find it easiest to tie the dreadlocks up into high pigtails or messy buns and cover with plastic bags.
This keeps them from getting fully saturated with water.
Then, in a small cup or spray bottle dilute a small mixture of shampoo and water and pour it on your scalp. Massage and rinse well!
To dry, wrap your locs in a towel and squeeze down the length (not pulling of course).
Repeat this a few times till you can feel that most of the water has been absorbed.
You can blow dry on low heat as well keeping away from the end of the braid where the elastics are.
Tips:
*You may want a “sacrificial” towel*
* Do not wash with hot water as it could weaken the elastics and cause them to break prematurely. Hot water may also cause color bleed and premature fading.
* Getting the dreads fully wet will be heavy, so keep this in mind when washing, swimming or out in the pouring rain.
* Tying them up into a snug but not too tight, high pony or bun will help reduce the weight placement on your neck when wet.
* Make sure they are fully dry before going to bed, if they are wet for too long they will grow musty the same way laundry does. Use a Hair Blow-Dryer if needed!
Please note:
Wool Locs do NOT need to be washed frequently.
Unless of course you are living/working in an environment that would cause them to become unusually dirty or smelly.
**Many of my clients do not wash for their entire install or only wash every 2 to 3 weeks with no issues. Some good smelling essential oils and a scalp refreshing spray really do work wonders.**
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Washing After Removal:
Washing your dreadlocks after you have taken them out is about as easy as it gets.
Throw them in a bowl of cold or lukewarm water with a little bit of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar..
Add a hint of soap, shampoo or laundry detergent and swish them around gently to your hearts desire.
Then rinse with cold water till it runs clear!
Drying:
Lay your set in one direction on a towel or cloth.
Wrap them up and squeeze them so that you rid them of any excess water.
Remove them from the towel and hang to dry
(small rods or coat hangers work great)
Side note: You may want to place a towel underneath them while they dry so as to soak up any water that drips off.
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Storing:
Once your dreads are COMPLETELY dry they are ready to store.
Some keep them on the coat hanger, others store them in a plastic totes or bins, some in bags, depends on what works best for you.
Tip: I find hanging to be the best as they will not crumple this way and still get airflow.
Do not store in places with either high humidity or direct sunlight.
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Lifespan: General facts about wool.
Wool locs/dreadlocks can last a very long time with the proper care.
Some of my clients have been wearing their sets for 10 years on and off now with minimal upkeep and they are still going strong!
A few things that I personally love about wool:
* It is an endlessly versatile material that can be used for many many different creations.
* It is a natural, renewable resource that will decompose at the end of it’s life with little waste or impact.
* It is lightweight while maintaining breathable qualities and can both cool you down or keep you warm.
* It is non toxic and safe for next to skin application.
*If you are allergic to wool or have hyper sensitive skin, there are other options for you*
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Here are a few last things to keep in mind, potential happenings and what to do in the event that they happen!
Fading:
It is possible that your Locs could fade over time.
Especially if they are a vibrant or intensely hued colorway.
Over washing can cause this to happen sooner than later, but natural use over time can lead to fading too.
This can be delayed by less frequent washing, washing with cold water and general good treatment.
Wool does not always fade, but it is a potential risk.
I offer re-dye and maintenance services in the event that you feel they are not as vibrant or tidy as they were when they were brand new.
You can find this in my SERVICES section.
Staining:
It is very rare that your dreads will leak color onto clothes or bedding or you but it has happened in a few cases.
(think of when you dyed your hair bright pink).
This is an attribute of specific dyes not fully saturating into the wool and even after rinsing can leave some residual colour.
Side note:
If this is something that worries you, try giving them a nice cold water rinse in a bowl that you will NOT use for food before you first install them.
You will not need soap for this as you are just squeezing them and observing any changes to the water color.
Then, use a specific towel for your dreads and check to see if any color comes off while you squeeze dry them.
If all is clear you should be good to go.
Hang to dry and then install or store as normal!
Shedding and Fuzzy Dreads:
Certain wavy high texture breeds are more prone to shedding when they are brand new. This will eventually slow down or stop completely with long term wear. If shedding is something you can not tolerate please let me know so i can offer alternative textures better suited to you!
Smooth Textures on the otherhand are more prone fuzz or “pilling” over time and there are a few things you can do about it.
Next time you wash them, tightly run your fingers down the length of the locs bringing along any loose fuzz with them. This can also apply to the wavy/hairy breeds!
As always if you have any questions feel free to shoot me a message via the CONTACT page or on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM
Thank You!
Eco Nomadic 