the Price of Dreadlocks

Style and hair health consultation, application of hair product, stylist teasing twisting and rolling hair into dreadlocks.

Upon my arrival at the salon the wait was minimal (10 minutes at most) as the stylist was on a phone consultation with a customer. The salon provided complimentary snacks and beverages, so the wait was actually pleasant. Once in the chair the stylist dove right in, explaining the process, the maintenance requirements and the amount of time it would take to dreadlock my entire head of hair. After the explanation she went over my hair and assessed its suitability for the process by brushing it with her hands, examining the ends and snipping several strands to test for elasticity and strength. Once it was decided that my hair was healthy and would dread well, we got started. My hair was washed with a special shampoo that removes buildup and prepares it for the dreading, and then it was dried. She sectioned off my hair into quarters, and then 1-2 inch sections of hair were teased with a comb and her fingers, and rolled with special wax and saline spray to facilitate fast dreading and to lock the bunching in. The stylist was careful to make sure my scalp got a rest and that I was comfortable and well stocked on snacks and beverages. As the process is quite long I brought along some knitting and music to listen to. The whole appointment lasted approximately 5 hours, 4 hours of dreading, with a 1 hour break for a late lunch/dinner. I enjoyed every moment of the appointment, and made two friends with the staff!

Be prepared for a very long appointment, unless you don't mind going home with a half dreaded head. Even the shortest hair you can dread will take several hours. Bring a book, an music player, a personal DVD player or something to keep you occupied.