Frequently Asked Questions

On this page is a list of Frequently asked Questions Concerning everything Dready ranging from creation and maintenance to questions on our dreadlock hairdressing service. 

This is still a new page but will grow fast so easy way to find relevant questions to you would be to search for words using your browser

1.Q How long should my hair be when i get my hair dreaded by you guys?

R Well ideal length is around shoulder length. Shorter will dread ok but will take longer to settle and look properly dready. To see examples of this see our gallery http://www.alteredstatesuk.com/customer-gallery/ and type 'short' in the search for examples.

Longer of course is fine. However very long hair will take longer to lock up and cost more as it will take longer to dread.

2. Q hiya i am thinking about getting dreads but am scared i wont like them are suit them. I  would want them really long and big can u do that if i got them in am a stuck with them forever

R Firstly don't be scared they will be ace. We haven't has a SINGLE complaint yet. Long and big we can do that. Even if you don't like them ...which you will we could take them out for you.

3. Q I have heard Beeswax is good for dreads where can i get this from?

R Stop!!! I cannot stress this enough do not use pure beeswax in your hair! Our dreadlock wax contains beeswax but is soft. Pure beeswax is solid and comes in blocks. If anyone comes near your dreads with beeswax and a lighter punch them in the head! The same with superglue, window sealent, or honey, don't do it! 

4. Q I would use your Dreadlock Hairdressing service but I think Newcastle is a bit too far away! Can you recomend anyone nearer?

R  You would be surprised how far people travel. London even fly over from Ireland! The fact is we are the best :-) Also there really is no other places that are reliable. A large part of our work involves sorting out afro - carribean places mess. It may be a long way for you to travel but it will definately be worth it.

5. Q I have shoulder length green hair and normally wear long extensions, could these also be made into dreads? also, would they fall out/look odd?

R.  Yes we can use your extensions. We would dread your normal hair first which would take all day and cost £150. We can then attach your extensions to your new dreads. These would then be attached to your dreads an dreaded so we could instantly put on - 3 years growth!

6. Q When you have dreads can you still bleach your roots and dye them?

R. Yes you can do both no problem. As always when using bleach be careful not to leave it on too long. If you do it can make your hair brittle worst case senario your dreads could snap! Just be cautious and leave time in between bleaching, dying and your dreads will be fine.

7. Q I started my dreads a week a go, and now my scalp is very itchy, i noticed irritation a rash and a weird greasy dandruff!  and as I always had skin conditions, my mum is freaking out and saying  that i am going to be bald. Is it just my scalp getting used to it or am I really going to be bald? lol I really wouldnt want that,but i dont want to remove the dreads. Help

A) Ok firstly stop worrying your hair is NOT going to fall out. However although it might be Very hard you have to stop scratching your head this makes it worse.

The problem with dreads is because of the nature of them normal skin cells oil etc get trapped next to the scalp. You can help this by carefully so not to irritate your scalp massaging you head facing the floor so the skin can fall out. I do not recommend the dreadhead shampoo as this can be quite harsh for sensitive scalps. Try the knotty boy soap bar and the cooling spray. The trick is to allow your head time to adjust without scratching or it will never heal.

If this does not work try a medicated shampoo once every other week.

8.Q I live in wales can you recomend a salon near to me?

A)Firstly we really cannot recommend and places nearer to you. A very large part of our work involves correcting other salons, friends mistakes. We frequently have people travel from all over London, wales, even fly over from Ireland.

9.Q How short is too short to dread?

A) Well if your hair is shorter than about 4" it is impossible to dread really. However when it is short dreads tend to stick out for a while before settling. To see examples see

http://www.alteredstatesuk.com/customer-gallery/?keywords=short&x=0&y=0&search=1

These are customers that have had short hair.

You may want to consider having extensions this is were we would dread your real hair one day then the next attach real human hair and dread that. This immediately gives full permanent long dreads. The cost of this is £300 for the 2 day appointment you would provide the human hair matched to your hair colour (we can get this if you like).

10 Q Do you think that 50 is too old as regards hair condition etc?

A) Absolutely not. Dreadlocks look stylish on all ages and we have a lot of mature customers last week we had one of our regulars who was 65. Dreadlocks actually help with slightly thinner hair because the hair that naturally comes out day today on you hair brush etc is stored in the dread so after a while dreads appear thicker and fuller.