Synthetic Dreadlocks Guide

Synthetic dreads are made of synthetic fibers, and they’re quickly gaining popularity due to their outstanding versatility.
On Dreadlab we are stocking several different types of synthetic dreads, which can be installed on dreaded and undreaded hair, and we are also stocking synthetic hair, which you can use to make your own unique dreadlocks. In this article we’re going to cover the different types of synthetic dreads, their uses and advantages, and we will share our favourite tutorials to make and install synthetic dreadlocks at home.

Here’s a quick look: 

• If you don’t have dreadlocks and are unsure about committing, synthetic dreads can be installed and removed easily for a temporary look.
• If you do have dreadlocks, synthetic dreads can be added for more volume or for an extra colour kick, without needing to dye your hair.
• You can also use crocheted synthetic dreadlocks to extend the length of your natural dreadlocks.

Synthetic dreadlocks installed on undreaded hair

Here at DreadLab we stock a wide variety of synthetic dreadlocks: single ended, double ended, crocheted, soft style, and we also stock wool dreadlocks, which can be used like synthetic dreads, but have a more natural feel to them. Read further to know which type of dreads are the best for you!

The main differences are between:

• Shape and installation method, with either Single Ended (SE) or Double Ended (DE) dreadlocks
• Structure of the dreadlock, with either crochet dreadlocks or back-combed/twisted dreadlocks

These characteristics define their uses, their quality and their durability. Let’s first take a look at the SE and DE dreads:

Single Ended dreadlocks 

SE dreads are manufactured with a loop at one end. Our SE extensions (see link) come in 2 different lengths: 30 or 50 cm.

 You can choose between a natural colour or some colour contrast.

Let’s see how to install them.

You’ll need some mini elastic bands and a dreadlock comb. 

Section your hair first. For instructions, check our sectioning guide. Then:

• Pick a section of hair and pass it through the loop of your SE dread
• Pull the loop as close to the roots as possible
• Separate your section of hair in two and braid them together with the synthetic dreadlock in a 3-strand braid
• Then secure everything with a mini elastic band
• Repeat the steps with the next sections

There are several video tutorials online that show this technique in detail, for example this one by Doctored Locks.

The recommended amount for a full head is at least 50 SE dreadlocks. We have full-head kits of 50 dreads each, half-head kits of 30 each and single packs of 10 each.

You can use SE dreads to add some extra volume or colour to your natural dreads. 

For installation:

• Insert the tip of your SE dreadlock in its loop and pull it through, but stop before the end
• You’ll have a bigger loop now, that can be tightened
• Insert one of your natural dreads in this loop, making sure the loop is as close to the roots as possible and tighten it to hold in place

To see this technique in detail, check out this video tutorial from Tessarr. 

Double Ended dreadlocks: 

DE dreads literally look like double dreads, and they’re used folded in half, so each single DE dread will look like two dreadlocks. Our DE dreadlocks (see link) have two lengths: 25cm (outstretched 50cm) or 45cm (outstretched 90cm). These dreads are high quality and can last a long time, but in case you’d like a slightly cheaper option we also stock “Soft Style” dreadlocks and Elysee Star dreadlocks in many different colours.

As you can see from the detail, DE dreads have no loop but are folded in half.

Let’s see the different uses:

With DE dreadlocks you’ll have 2 dreads for each section of hair, so you’ll be able to create less sections for the same amount of dreads. This is why DE dreads are often quicker to install. For installing, you’ll need mini elastic bands, a dreadlock comb and to know how to create sections.

• Once you have your sections, pick one to start
• The DE dread will be placed with its middle segment on top of the roots of your section
• Then you’ll split the section in two and braid together those two parts plus one half of the DE dread

Ch527kerosene made a wonderful video tutorial of this process.

Just tie a knot with your DE dread around your natural dread and pull it as close to the roots as possible. This knot could be quite visible, so it’s recommended to place it at the back of your head. 

How long can synthetic dreadlocks last?

Our dreads can be installed, removed and re-installed several times. 

This is why our packaging is also re-usable, so that you can store your dreads properly. Synthetic dreadlocks can last you months or even years, depending on how well you treat them, but generally speaking the higher their quality, the longer their lifespan will be. 

Quality depends a lot on the creation process. Most synthetic dreadlocks are backcombed: they look like a bunch of hair that has been twisted on itself, and overtime they will come undone. On the other side, crocheted dreadlocks are made with a crochet hook and look like real dreads. They take much longer to make and their cost is higher, but they will last much longer than the other types of dreads.

Some of DreadLab’s crocheted dreadlocks

Backcombed VS crocheted synthetic dreads

The creation process for crocheted dreads is remarkably longer and this explains the price difference, but depending on what you're looking for, a little investment might be worthwhile. Some of the benefits of crocheted dreadlocks are:

• They look nearly identical to real dreads, whereas backcombed dreads are not meant to look natural
• They can last years, even if you wear them constantly
• They can be worn and washed like natural dreads and are not as delicate as backcombed dreads
• They can be installed as extensions of your natural dreadlocks (see paragraph below for instructions)

Photo by fauxels from Pexels

How to install crocheted dreadlocks as dreadlock extensions

For this you’ll need exclusively crocheted dreads as backcombed dreads cannot be attached to your dreads’ ends. For installation, simply cut the loop off, or cut as much length as you want, and attach the cut end to one of your own dreads using a crochet hook. There are several tutorials online, for example this one by Elise Buch. 

Elise is matching her extensions to her natural hair colour, but you can consider a different colour to get an ombre effect.

Did you know?

You can also choose to make them yourself! Synthetic dreadlocks can be created at home using synthetic hair, such as jumbo braid hair, pre-stretched braid hair, and our afro kinky hair. Making your own dreads is more time consuming, but will give you complete freedom in choosing the colours, style, and thickness. To learn how to make your own synthetic dreads, head to this guide.

Is this guide helpful to you? If so, share it with your friends!

Why not also subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive deals and updates on the latest dreadlocks products and helpful guides! Find the form at the bottom of this page.

About the author