Frequently Asked Questions
Before you order a set of dreadlocks, it's best to ensure you're 100% about the different aspects of dreadlocks. From maintenance, storage & general wear, here's a few answers to the most frequently asked questions.
If there is a question that you'd like answered but you can't find it here, feel free to contact us.
:: How do I fit my dreads & take them out? ::
It's easiest if you have a friend to help you fit them but it does get easier over time to fit them yourself.
Basically you braid the dreadlock into your own hair. Instead of using 3 sections of hair like you would when normally braiding your hair, you use 2 sections of your own hair & use the dreadlock as the 3rd piece.
Once you've braided your hair in to the end, you take a braiding elastic & secure the ends so it's tied to the dreadlock.
Taking the dreadlocks out is really simple, all you do is cut the elastic bands & seperate your hair from the dreadlock.
:: What are they made of? ::
Vanity is Bliss dreadlocks are made of a synthetic fibre called Kanekalon. Although there are many other synthetic fibres that can be used to make dreadlocks, this is the most resiliant - especially when it comes to keeping the dreadlock shape.
:: How long can I keep them in for? ::
It's personal preference really. We would advise keeping them in for between 2 to 6 weeks at a time. The longer you keep them in the more loose they will become over time due to your natural hair growth.
:: Do the dreadlocks hurt when fitted? ::
There is slight discomfort when first fitting your dreadlocks. This is mainly because of the amount of pulling done on the scalp when fitting them. The tenderness on the scalp goes away after the first day or so.
You may also find that the dreadlocks may make your head slightly itchy, the itchiness does go away within a few days - your head just isn't used to having foreign fibres against it for long periods of time.
Once your head has acclimatised to the dreadlocks, they're super comfortable to wear.
:: Can I wash my hair with dreadlocks in? ::
By all means yes, you can. It's not a necessity though as it's a common misconception that your hair begins to smell after a while. So you could go 4 weeks without washing your hair when the dreadlocks are fitted. If you choose to keep a section of your hair out, like a fringe for example, it's easy enough just to wash that section of hair to keep it looking fresh.
:: Can I style or cut my dreadlocks? ::
You can easily put up your dreadlocks in various ways, there are loads of tutorials on youtube on "how to wear dreads" that are worth a watch if you're in need of inspiration.
However you cannot use heat on the dreadlock sets {like curling irons, straighteners or hairdryers} as it would cause damage to the dreadlocks.
It is not advised to cut the dreadlocks either as this could cause the dreadlock to come undone, this is why it's best to know what length of dreads you would like before placing an order as well as if you want them curly or straight.
:: When wearing dreads, will I damage my own hair? ::
When the dreads are fitted correctly, there is no damage to your own hair. The only thing you should be aware of is that once your dreads have been taken out, your hair will be fairly dry. This is easily sorted by leaving a good conditioner in for 5 minutes when washing your hair, or using a one off deep conditioning treatment.
You will also find that once your dreads are out, there is a lot of loose hair. This is perfectly natural as we lose up to 100 hairs a day normally, but the dreadlocks restrict these hairs from shedding as all your hair is tied up.
:: How do I take care of my dreadlocks? ::
Synthetic dreadlocks are very resiliant & they will last you lifetime if looked after correctly.
For storage, it's best to keep them in a zip lock bag or even a standard plastic bag, or box. This is mainly to ensure the dreads won't be getting dust or dirt on them while they're not in use.
It's recommended now & again to wash your dreadlock set after so many uses. You can use any generic shampoo & hand wash them, once you're done washing out all of the shampoo residue, set them on a towel to air dry.
As stated before, don't use any high heat on the dreadlocks as this will cause damage to the set.
Other than that, these sets truly are a great investment & are very low maintenance.
:: How do I pay for a set of dreadlocks? ::
Currently we only accept PayPal as a payment system but we're hoping to have card payments in the future.
:: Is there a payment option to spread the cost? ::
Actually yes, there is! We're aware that paying out for something all in the one go can be a fairly big expense. So we offer customers the chance to spread the cost over 2 payments.
When placing an order, we require half of the full set amount up front as a deposit. When we have finished making the set, we get in touch with you & ask for the remaining amount.
If for whatever reason customers can't afford the rest of the payment at the time of the sets completion, we store the dreadlocks for the customer until funds are available.
:: How long does it take to make a set? ::
Normally we have an average turn around time of 3 to 4 weeks. This starts from when we order the hair for making the set. We keep all customers up to date with the progress of the set through email.
If, for whatever reason, customers require the dreadlocks within a smaller time frame, we do our best to provide this service - but this may add an extra charge to the over all set cost.