Q: Is it very damaging to my hair?

A: Define damaging. A dreadperm will chemically damage your hair. Backcombing and knotting your hair will do some damage too. The whole idea behind starting locs is to "damage" the hair. However maintenance on the re-growth should not be nearly as damaging as the initial dreading process.

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Q: Should it be done professionally?

A: This is a matter of personal opinion. If you can find a friend who is patient enough to sit and dread your hair be advised of two things. Start your dreads with clean dry hair and keep your sections defined. If you do decided to seek a professional, do your research. Ask questions; ask for photos of their work and price compare.

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Q: Is it a painful?

A: Sometimes yes sometimes no. Everyone has a unique tolerance to pain. (fun fact: women handle pain for longer periods of time)

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Q: Should I wash my hair before I get dreads?

A: That'd be much appreciated, thanks. Clean dry hair, no conditioner and no products. Try using a clarifying shampoo or dish detergent. Tough on grease, soft on hair.

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Q: How long does my hair need to be for dreads?

A: Some people recommend at least 4-5 inches. Here at Knot Just Dreads your hair can be dreaded with as little as 2 inches of length!

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Q: Do I have to shave my head when I don't want locs anymore?

A: No. Dreads can be cut off and/or combed out. The more hair you want to salvage the more time it will take. Often people will cut the majority of the loc and comb out the top 2 to 3 inches.

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Q: I heard from someone else that I should...

A: Uh huh. It isn't fair to dismiss what anyone else says because there is no right or wrong answer. You do what works for you. Always get a second opinion.

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Q: What's the difference between crochet dreads and a dreadperm?

A: Crochet dreads imply the use of a crochet hook to matte or knot the hair into a loc. A Dreadperm involves using a chemical to permanently alter the structure of the hair. In the case of dreadlocks, the hair is chemically fixed into a matted position. Both methods are instant and permanent. They look different in the beginning but ultimately serve the exact same purpose.

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I JUST GOT DREADS…

Q: Why are my ends not dreading?

A: Locking hair to the very bottom is an aesthetic and not imperative to the rest of the dread forming. Often the last inch of hair dreads at all. Blunt ends can be achieved by waiting for the dread to properly form, then cutting off the un-dreaded tips.

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Q: Why does my scalp itch?

A: Your scalp is adjusting to the fact that your hair is permanently sectioned. This is normal. Itching goes away in time.

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Q: Why does my scalp flake?

A: This can be due to one of several reasons:
You are shampooing too frequently and drying out the scalp
You are shampooing too infrequently and the scalp is producing oily flakes
Weather
Diet
Heredity
Don't panic. Try alternating your shampoo routine.

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Q: Why do my dreads smell funny?

A: It could be mildew caused when moisture is trapped in the hair. Make sure your dreads are completely dry before tying them up or going to bed at night. On the other hand, it could be an excess of sebum in the scalp. Everybody has a unique scent. Some are stronger than others. Shampoo or other naturally scented products such as rosemary, lemon or mint can help. Be careful not to go overboard and mask odors like a bad perfume! Use common sense.

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Q: I have little bumps on my scalp, what are they?

A: Tension bumps. This happens when dreads or extensions are too tight. Usually shows up 12-48 hours after the service and goes away in a few days.

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Q: Can I colour my dreads?

A: Of course. Remember that dreadlocks will soak up colour like a sponge so it is important to know that you will likely need 2 to 3 times the amount of hair-dye. The colour may also appear a little richer and a little darker than how it would look on natural un-dreaded hair.

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Q: How often should I wash my hair?

A: It is not necessary to wet or wash locs more than once a week. Some people go two to three weeks and others go months without shampooing their locs. If you are someone who, before locs, washed their hair daily, it might be smart to wean yourself down before you stop shampooing altogether.

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Q: How often should I get maintenance?

A: As often as you feel like. Some people get maintenance every 2-4 months and others don't come back for years.

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Q: Can I do my own maintenance?

A: We encourage people to take care of their own dreads. Check out homecare for more information. A little professional maintenance doesn't hurt from time to time.

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Q:How are synthetic dreads made?

A: Each section of synthetic hair is backcombed and lightly twisted. Then steam is applied to shrink and tighten the synthetic hair that ultimately creates the look of a dread.

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Q: How are synthetic dreads attached?

A: Although there are a few ways to attach synthetic dreads, Knot Just Dreads exclusively uses the Hairpolice technique . The synthetic hair is braided into the client's own hair with a small pinchbraid less than one inch long. Then it is tightly secured with a string.

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Q: How long does my real hair have to be?

A: At least 2 -3 inches.

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Q: My hair is curly, does this matter?

A: Curly hair does not affect the application but it may change the aesthetic. Your own hair is visible between the synthdreads so if your hair is curly it might pop out more obviously than straight hair.

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Q: Can I get curly synthdreads?

A: Synthetic dreads do not come curly but they can be made curly. Curly synthdreads help to blend in with curly hair. There is an additional cost for this service.

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Q: Can you permanently attach synthdreads to my hair?

A: Yes but it is not often recommended for practicality reasons.

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Q: Can I dye synthdreads?

A: No. Synthetic hair is plastic and it will not respond to bleach or hair dye.

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Q: Can I still colour my hair if I have synthdreads?

A: Yes. It is easy to colour hair with synthetic dreads installed. However it may be recommended to wrap light-coloured synthdreads with tin foil if you plan to use a dark haircolour. Although haircolour does not penetrate synthetic hair, repetitive applications of dark hair dye will dull synthetic hair.

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Q: What advantages and disadvantages are there with synthdreads?

A: Synthdreads are versatile. They can be made thick or thin, short or long. They are available in just about any colour imaginable. They are reusable and they do not damage the hair. There are no disadvantages per say. It may only be that the client prefers natural dreads instead.

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I JUST GOT SYNTHDREADS...

Q: Why does my scalp itch?

A: Your scalp is adjusting to the fact that your hair is in sections. This is normal. The itching will go away.

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Q: I see little white dots at my root. Are the synthdreads pulling out my hair?

A: Absolutely not. Your hair sheds up to 150 hairs a day. These hairs have white bulbs. This is normal.

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Q: Can I blow dry my synthdreads?

A: Synthdreads don't actually absorb water because they are made of plastic. When you get them wet they will drip dry for several minutes. The best way to remove all the water is to wrap your synthdreads in a big fluffy towel. After the dripping has stopped you can use a blow dryer to speed up the process of drying your real hair. DO NOT USE HIGH HEAT DIRECTLY ON SYNTHDREADS. They are made of plastic and will melt.

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Q: How long does my hair need to be?

A: The length of your hair and the desired look you are trying to achieve will determine if you are a good candidate for extensions. Typically average to fine hair (straight, wavy or curly) just above the shoulders or longer is best suited for extensions.

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Q: Do extensions damage my hair?

A: It's not whether extensions damage the hair so much as the hand that rocks the cradle. If an extension stylist braids your hair so tight for a weave that hairs are popping out at the root or he or she accidentally drips a big gob of glue on your root then maybe they shouldn't be doing extensions. A good extension stylist with plenty of experience should know how exactly to apply and remove extensions with little to no damage.

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Q: If my hair is curly and I straighten it all the time, can I get straight extensions?

A: No. Extension hair should match the natural texture of the client's hair. Curly hair blow-dried straight looks different than naturally straight hair.

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Q: Where does the hair come from?

A: All over the world. Typically from Asia and India. More expensive hair comes from Europe.

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Q: Is human hair sanitary?

A: Absolutely. All extension hair is sanitized and sterilized.

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Q: What are some of the different kinds of extensions methods?

A: Weaving, netting, pinch braids, Hairlocs, fusion, acrylic bonding, latex bonding, and polymer bonding just to name a few.

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Q: Which extension method is the best?

A: The answer to this question is all a matter of opinion. Some extension stylists swear by their method because they don't know any other. A good extension expert will be able to help educate the advantages and disadvantages to a variety of techniques. Traditional weft extensions are offered at Knot Just Dreads because the hair is reusable therefore making the service economical. Sewn weft extensions are easy to remove with zero damage.

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Q: Which hair is of the lowest quality and why?

A: Asian hair (Often Chinese and Korean) is of the lowest quality. The cuticle is often burned off in an acid rinse. Then the hair is coated with a silicone sealant for temporary shine. This hair will tangle quickly. This hair is the least expensive to purchase.

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Q: Which hair is of medium to good quality and why?

A: European hair is most popular for hair extensions. This hair does not necessarily come from Europe. It can also come from Latin America and India. It is strong and usually not overly processed.

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Q: What kind of quality is Indian hair?

A: Indian hair comes in the most variety of quality. The hair is not as thick as Asian hair and not as fine as some Caucasian hair. The quality can vary depending on whether the cuticle is stripped or whether the hair is Remi.

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Q: Is Virgin hair the best hair for extensions?

A: Virgin hair is not chemically treated or coloured. This hair is very expensive, very difficult to find and not economical for hair extensions.

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Q: What is Remi hair?

A: Remi hair is a term used to describe high quality loose or a wefted human hair in which all the cuticles are facing down in the same direction.

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Q: What is the difference between single drawn and double drawn Remi hair?

A: Single drawn includes hair of different lengths. Double drawn arranges hair by equal lengths.

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Q: What is cuticle hair?

A: Cuticle hair is the same as Remi hair. These terms are used interchangeably.

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Q: What is Yaki hair?

A: Yaki or Yak hair mimics the texture of relaxed African/African American human hair.

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Q: Can I still colour my hair if I have extensions?

A: Yes however if you have multiple colours or hilites, it might be recommended to simplify your colour before you get extensions. Ask your extensions stylist.

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Q: Can I colour extension hair?

A: It is not recommended to bleach or lighten extension hair since the peroxide can cause excessive dryness and tangling. Changing tonal value or going darker however does not damage hair and therefore safer to do so. Consult with your colour specialist. Low quality extension hair is coated with a silicone sealant that often rejects hair colour altogether.

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Q: Can I swim with extensions?

A: At your discretion. There are no guarantees because everyone cares for their hair differently. Lake water is the most gentle on extension hair. Salt water is drying on extension hair. Chlorine is the worst! Think of your skin and how it feels when you go into different water. If you have a pool and like to swim, you might want to think twice about getting extensions-at least for the summer.

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Q: What's the difference between a weft and a weave?

A: A weft is made up of a few hundred or a few thousand hairs where the top of each hair is either machine sewn or hand tied to a thin strip of material. Machine wefts tend to come in one long continuous curtain of hair. This long weft needs to be cut into shorter wefts in order to fit the client's head. Hand tied wefts are often made for custom fit. A weave is the overall extension hairstyle made up of several wefts.

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Q: Will anyone be able to tell I have extensions?

A: When someone has extensions they know what to look for. A really good head of extensions will leave an expert guessing.

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I JUST GOT EXTENSIONS…

Q: How often do I need to get my extensions tightened?

A: Extension maintenance should be repeated every 2-3 months.

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Q: Why does my scalp itch?

A: Sometimes your scalp needs a little time to adjust to having extensions. This is normal and will go away in a few days.

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Q: My extension hair is shedding, what should I do?

A: Think about what you may or may not be doing with your extensions. Excessive or vigorous brushing or combing can cause hair to pull out. Remember wet hair is more fragile than dry so always de-tangle wet hair with your fingers. Hold the extensions firmly and de-tangle the ends of the hair first. Gradually work your way to the top of the hair. If you are still shedding hair, make an appointment to get the wefts looked at by a professional. Sometimes the hair sewn or tied into the weft is too fragile and needs to be reinforced. Unfortunately if a weft has shed too much hair, it will need to be replaced.

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Q: How do I care for my extensions?

A: Treat your extension hair better than you would your own. Dry your hair before going to bed at night. Some people prefer braiding their extensions to keep the hair from matting on their pillow. Others prefer sleeping with a silk kerchief or silk pillowcase for more slip and less grip. Remember to regularly use a light conditioner to hydrate your extension hair. Avoid conditioner on the roots.

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Q: I took my extensions out and small amounts of hair came out with it, am I losing my hair!??

A: No you are absolutely not losing your hair. Regardless of which method was used to apply your extensions, your scalp is continually replenishing hair. In fact some people shed up to 150 hairs a day! If you have extensions, some of these hairs will inevitably get stuck. When extensions are removed, the shed hair is combed out. This is not breakage. This is normal.

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