How Tos

Follow these step-by-step instructions...

Attaching Dreadlock & Wool Falls

Firstly, put your hair into either one or two ponytail or pigtails, high up on your head, using good quality fabric-covered ponytail elastics, not ouchless elastics, elastic bands or scrunchies. The higher the pony/pigtails the better, as it will support the weight of falls much better. Wrap your hair around the base of each pigtail to make a tight bun - twisting the hair as you coil it around will make a more secure bun. If you have particularly slippery hair, or sparse or short hair, you may have best results with braiding your hair in a single braid before wrapping it into a bun. Secure the wound end of your hair firmly with a bobby pin or two close to the scalp, ideally sliding through the ponytail elastic. Then slide at least 3 or 4 [or more if you prefer!] spiral pins through each bun, horizontally [ie as parallel to the scalp as possible, but at different angles - like spokes on a wheel. Give a bit of a tug on each bun once you've put the spiral pins in, to be sure they'll hold - if they seem less than perfectly secure, then put in a few more. No other pins will work as well as spiral pins, trust me - I've tried them all!

Now you have a nice secure bun or buns - well done! That's the most difficult part done with, pat yourself on the back. Now take the dread/plastic fall and tie the lace mounting around the base of the bun, nice & tight, and ideally with the dread/plastic fall centered over the top side of the bun, so when it’s flipped over, it will cover the bun as much as possible. Best to tie a bow rather than a knot so it’s easier to remove!

Add extra bunches if you have more than one fall to attach, one on top of the other. Tie them securely! Flip the dreads over so they cover the bun completely, making adjustments where necessary and adding more spiral pins where needed - try to thread them through the underside of dreads and high up on the bun to stop any bunchiness - you don't want them to actually look like they're pinned on! Now you can tie a fabric strip, a scarf or stocking [halving a pair of old laddered stockings works the best, plus you're recycling!], or bun ball [which you can also place over a stocking or scarf], around the base, to support the dread fall and hide any lace.

Repeat with other side if required, then add a headband, fringe, goggles or other funky accessories if you want, and you’re all set!

Caring for Dread Falls

Dreads need little maintenance and NO combing! ... if you find the ends getting frizzy, just trim them, or dip them in just boiled water and that should tighten them up again. If any section seems to be coming unwound or loose, then simply twist it tight and give a short time under a hairdryer on low setting or over a steaming kettle to firm up the shape again. You can always trim off stray hairs that remain stubborn, too.

Dread Falls are best stored flat in the bag they arrive in, or you can hook them over a suitable hook somewhere, on a clotheshanger in your closet to avoid dust - but they're fairly indestructible!

Just one more thing: If either dreads or loose falls have been subjected to cigarette smoke or other odours, hang them in a well ventilated space, and spray a little Febreeze or other odour remover over them.