FAQs
What services do you offer?
We offer:
- New dreadlock installation
- Maintenance on existing dreadlocks
- Special occasion dreadlock hairstyling (updos, braiding, hair wreaths)
What’s included in new dreadlock installation? What should I expect?
Before we install new dreadlocks, we have a consultation, via email, phone, or in person. We may ask you for a recent photo, so we can get an idea about your hair’s length and texture. We go over any questions you have at that time, and you put down a deposit (which is $50 or 25% of your service, whichever is greater). We’ll then give you instructions about preparing your hair for dreadlocks, and we schedule your appointment.
At your appointment, we bring everything we need for the installation, including a new dreadlocking comb and any product necessary (such as wax or a locking gel and a dread tool–all yours to keep afterwards). We then start the dreadlocking process, which can take anywhere between 3 and 6 hours, depending on your hair’s length and type.
After your dreads are installed and you can tear yourself away from admiring yourself in a mirror, we’ll go over aftercare and maintenance.
How long does my hair have to be to get dreadlocks?
You need about 4 inches of hair, minimum, to start new dreads. Remember, though, that dreadlocks will make your hair seem shorter once they are installed.
How do you maintain existing dreadlocks? What’s included in that?
Even mature dreads need a little TLC. We’ll help weave in pesky loose hairs, hide loops, tighten your roots, blunt tips, and groom your top layers of dreads with our own special, vegan/wax-free locking gel and hand-made dread tools.
Do you remove dreadlocks?
We don’t remove existing dreadlocks. There are dreadlock removal kits available from Knotty Boy and DreadheadHQ. We don’t have experience with these products directly, but from what we understand, they both contain extremely rich conditioner you use to help release and comb out the knots. As to their effectiveness, we’ve heard mixed reviews about them–they’ve worked very well for some folks, and for others, well, they’ve still had to cut out their locks to remove them. We’re pretty much convinced that you should consider dreadlocks a long-term hairstyle, should you choose to get them.
Do you use wax?
The use of dread wax is heavily debated among dreadies. Some folks swear by wax, others report that it actually keeps hair from dreading and attracts dirt. We use a moderate amount of wax when installing new dreadlocks, particularly in hair that is very soft, straight, or thin. A moderate amount holds the new dreadlocks together through their delicate phase and usually disappears out in a few washings. The wax we use is usually entirely gone by the time the dreadlocks have started tightening themselves.
That being said, we rely on technique over wax, however.
If you do not want us to use wax, let us know. We’re happy to install dreadlocks without wax, and use some of our own 100% wax-free locking gel instead. Dreads installed this way will feel looser the first few weeks and require more maintenance to stay in and keep from knotting together (or “eating” one another). For wax-free dreads, we recommend daily maintenance with a dread tool–we can supply you with one and teach you how to use it.
Why should I choose Seattle Dreads over another salon?
We have lots of respect for the local salons here, but most stylists don’t know much about installing or maintaining dreadlocks. We have and love dreadlocks, and the experience and the knowledge to make sure your dreadlocks look and feel amazing. Point is: we know dreadlocks and we know the products. We know technique and are available to answer your questions, post-appointment. Our prices are competitive with (and in many cases, much lower than, salon prices), and we come to do for your dreadlock care–and for installation (which can take most of a whole day), being in your own place in your comfy pants makes for a much, much more pleasant experience.
Can you give me temporary dreadlocks?
Nope. The dreadlocks we install are made to last. There are, however, lots of very talented folks who make dread falls, temporary dreadlocks that you can pin into your hair. We recommend searching over at www.etsy.com.
Where are you located?
We’re located near Capitol Hill in Seattle. The nice thing, though, is that Seattle Dreads comes to you.
Why do you come to me?
The truth is installing dreadlocks takes quite a bit of time and can feel draining. It may seem odd that we come to you, but this way you can be comfy in your own place, watch movies, listen to music, or have friends come over and hang out while we work on you. We’ve found this makes for a way more pleasant experience than being stuck in a salon chair somewhere re-reading the same lame magazines over and over.
Can I come to you?
If you’d rather, we do have limited appointment times in house (you must be cat-friendly!). Let us know when you request a consultation.
How do I make an appointment?
Send an email to seattledreads@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you, usually super duper quick.
How much do you charge?
It depends on what we’re doing and how long your hair is. We hammer all that out at the consultation. To give you a general idea, though, here’s some price ranges for our services:
- New dread installation (hair shorter than 6 inches): $150 – 200
- New dread installation (hair 6 – 12 inches): $200 – 300
- Dread maintenance (1 hour): $60
- Dread maintenance (2 hours): $100
- Special occasion hair styles: $25 – 100
What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
To change or cancel your appointment, email us at seattledreads@gmail.com. There’s no charge to cancel or change your appointment if you contact us with at least 24 hour notice. If you have to cancel your appointment with less than 24 hour notice, we’ll refund your deposit minus a $25 cancellation fee.
