Dread Care Guide

✨ Start Here!

Dread Extension Care Guide 🤍
Everything you need to feel confident, comfortable, and obsessed with your new dreads

🧼 SECTION 1 — DETOX BEFORE INSTALL 

Why this matters: 
Just like new clothes, your dreads should be cleansed before wearing. A quick detox helps remove residue and leaves them feeling softer and fresher.

How to detox: 

  1. Fill a clean sink or bowl with hot water  

  1. Add:  1/4 cup apple cider vinegar  

  1. A small amount of shampoo  

  1. Soak your dreads for at least 30 minutes  

  1. Hang to dry completely before installing  

✨ You can repeat this between uses to refresh your dreads 
 
💇 SECTION 2 — INSTALLING YOUR DREADS 

Can I install them myself? 
 Yes! If you’re comfortable with braiding, you can install them yourself. If not, you can ask a friend or visit a stylist. 

Important tips: 

  • Keep tension medium to loose  

  • Tight braids can cause discomfort or tension bumps  

  • You should not feel severe pain after install 

🧠 SECTION 3 — WHAT TO EXPECT (FIRST FEW DAYS) 

The first 1–3 days are an adjustment period 🤍 

  • Slight tenderness is normal  

  • Some tension bumps may appear (especially at hairline/nape)  

  • Let your dreads lay naturally (don’t force styling yet)  

Helpful tip: 
 A warm shower can help loosen and relax the braids 

✨ By day 3, everything should feel much more comfortable 

😴 SECTION 4 — HOW TO SLEEP 

Your first night may feel unfamiliar — that’s normal! 

Try:        Loose braid  

  • Silk bonnet  

  • High bun (after day 3)  

✨ Choose what feels most comfortable for you 

🚿 SECTION 5 — WASHING YOUR DREADS 

Yes, you can wash them 🤍 

How to wash: 

  • Use a small amount of shampoo  

  • Gently massage your scalp  

  • Clean between dreads + ends  

Important: 

  • Wash about once per week (or as needed)  

  • ❌ Avoid conditioner (can cause buildup)  

  • ✅ Blow drying is okay 

🔄 SECTION 6 — MAINTENANCE 

Daily care is simple and only takes about 5–10 minutes ✨ 

Key habits: 

  • Separate your dreads regularly  

  • This prevents them from merging together  

  • Run your fingers through to define and reduce frizz  

✨ After 1.5 months, maintenance becomes much easier 

✨ SECTION 7 — FRIZZ + REFRESHING 

Some frizz is completely normal 🤍 

To keep them looking fresh: 

  • Refresh the front + nape around 2–3 weeks ( if you want )  

  • Lightly maintain areas that show wear first 

🌿 SECTION 8 — USING LOC’D & LOADED 

Your dreads’ best friend ✨ 

This serum helps: 

  • Reduce frizz  

  • Support scalp health  

  • Speeds up the maturing process  

👉 Link your product here 

⏳ SECTION 9 — HOW LONG TO WEAR THEM 

You can wear your dreads as long or as short as you like 

Typical wear time: 
 ✨ 4–8 weeks 

Depends on: 

  • Hair growth  

  • How well roots hold  

Note: 
 Longer wear (especially with curly hair) may cause natural hair to begin forming dreads at the roots adjust wear accordingly

 

⚠️ SECTION 10 — IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW 

Itching 

  • Very common at first  

  • Your scalp is adjusting to less oil distribution  

  • Should improve over time  

👉 If uncomfortable, remove and try again later 

Sebum Regulation 

Washing less often helps your scalp balance oil production naturally 



Protective Style Benefits 

Dreads help: 

  • Reduce heat + styling  

  • Protect your natural hair  

  • Support healthier growth  

Rare Reactions 

If you experience: 

  • Persistent rash  

  • Severe itching  

👉 Remove the dreads and reassess 

🤍 FINAL SECTION — YOU’VE GOT THIS

This style is meant to feel:
✨ Easy
✨ Empowering
✨ Low-maintenance

If you ever have questions, I’m always here to help 🤍

 delraeartistry@outlook.com