Welcome to your new set of JAM Dreadlocks! Here are a few tips and tricks to help you along your dread journey.

BRAND NEW DREADS:

The most important thing after having your dreads done, for the first time, is to keep them dry for at least 2 weeks (longer if possible). This just ensures that your hair has the best chance to tighten and strengthen after the chemical process (the smelly part that locked your dreads).

If you pop in for a short appointment in the first 2 weeks of having your dreads we will give them a band and wax (see DREAD MAINTENANCE) free of charge, to get you set on the right track of your new dread life.

DREAD MAINTENANCE:

Here are a few different things you can do to keep your dreads looking great.

WAX:
Waxing is the process of rolling a small amount of wax clockwise into each dread. This is a great way of keeping them smelling sweet and keeping all those nasty fly always under control. Once a fortnight for the first 6 months and then as needed after that should do the trick. DREAD IT is your go to wax product for this, nice and natural and only $25. Recommended as continuous maintenance for the life of your dreads.

BANDING:
Banding is the process of putting small rubber bands at the base of each dread. Bands can help the hair to dread up naturally but most importantly they help keep each dread separate as they have a tendency to join together which isn’t very healthy for your scalp. This is a service we offer at JAM called BAND AND WAX for $45-$70 (depending on the amount of hair you have). Bands can also be purchased in store for $5 per bag if you want to take care of it yourself. (Twist each dread clockwise and wrap a band around no more than 3 times making sure to include only the loose hair from that particular dread). Recommended as continuous maintenance for the life of your dreads.

CROCHETING:
Weaving and threading do this and crocheting is the process of rejoining all of the loose hair that inevitably works it way out of the dread.  This is a good chemical free way of tidying your dreads up if it hasn’t been too long since your last maintenance (if you have too much regrowth a RE-DREAD may be your best option. Crocheting is $125 per hour (average time for a full head is 2-3 hours). Recommended every 4-6 months.

RE-DREAD:
A Re-dread is done using the same method as crocheting but is taken a step further by winding each dread in pipe cleaners and perming them just like the first time they were done. Using this method we can sort out any regrowth and loose hair and make you feel brand new again. A Re-dread is from $450 and you are usually in the salon for about 5 hours. Recommended every 6-8 months.

CLEANING DREADS:
Contrary to popular belief dreads (and your scalp) benefit from being clean and there are a couple great ways of doing this.

HOT TOWEL STEAM:
Heat up a damp towel or tea towel in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and then lay this over your dreads. This is like a steam clean which is great because it means your dreads and scalp get nice and fresh without getting wet (drying them can take a while). You can use this method as frequently as you like.

SHAMPOO:
Shampoo is a great way of stopping any itchiness and keeping your scalp healthy. Squirt a bit of shampoo in your hand and foam it up then pat this through your scalp (what runs through your dreads when you rinse it will be all they need). We have a great really natural shampoo called THEORIE which is magic for this. Once a fortnight is a pretty good timeframe for this one.

Hopefully this information helps but if you have any other questions we are only a phone call away.

Oh one more thing…ENJOY YOUR DREADS!

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GENERAL CARE

DOs
Put long hair in a loose plait secured with a covered band on the end while you sleep.

DON’Ts
Swim in a chlorinated pool, your extensions will turn green!

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BRUSHING

Separate the bonds from each other at the root area. This stops them sticking together or getting entwined with your own hair. Begin by brushing the ends of your hair with a ProStyles’ soft bristle brush (available at Jam) using a downward movement gently removing any tangles. Then move up the hair until finally you place the brush near the root of the hair and brush thoroughly and firmly from the root right through to the ends, remembering to hold the extensions in the root area.

DON’Ts
Don’t perm or colour your hair extensions.
Don’t use a balltip brush.
Don’t worry if a few of your extensions work loose
and come out. It is normal to lose one or two.
Don’t constantly play with your new hair
extensions as this will cause irritation to the scalp.

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SHAMPOOING

DOs
Separate the bonds and brush the hair before shampooing. Shampoo as required using the specially formulated ProStyles Frequent Use shampoo (available at Jam) as this will not damage the bonds or strip the colour from your hair. Shampoo your hair while in the shower as water and the hair both flow in a downward direction. Apply the shampoo all over and using your fingertips, gently massage the scalp area and stroke the shampoo into the extension, right down to the tips. Rinse thoroughly using clean running water and gently squeeze the extension hairstyle to remove excess water.

DON’Ts
We recommend that you return to the salon for your first wash, but if this is not practical, do not shampoo for at least 24 hours after you have had your extensions applied. Don’t rub the hair vigorously while shampooing. Don’t twist the hair when drying. Don’t brush the hair when wet, you may use a wide toothcomb.

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CONDITIONING

DO’S
To keep your hair in top condition you should use ProStyles Daily Conditioning Spray (available at Jam) before brushing and apply ProStyles Conditioning Rinse after shampooing. Use Prostyles Conditioning Rinse (available at Jam) to condition your own hair and your extensions as required. Rinse hair afterwards in tepid water. Always hold extensions near the bonds while brushing to avoid placing unnecessary tension on the root area.

DON’Ts
Don’t back-comb or back-brush your hair. Always brush downwards away from the roots. Don’t apply conditioner on the bonds themselves. Only put conditioner on the hair extensions from about midway to the tips.

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DRYING

Dos
Dry thoroughly before brushing or styling. Separate the extensions at the root area before drying so that they don’t stick together. Using a warm hairdryer, dry the bonds first before drying the rest of your hair. Once the roots and bonds are dry brush the extensions gently in the direction of hair growth, starting with the ends, gradually working back into the root area.

DON’Ts
Don’t go to bed with wet hair. Don’t tie ponytails too tight. Don’t have the hairdryer heat setting on high.