Removal of SE extensions

Dreadlock extensions can last a long time and grow out with your hair. However, we recommend reinstalling them after about 3 months.

Hair grows an average of 1-2 cm per month, and after 2-3 months, the braid will reach a point where the hair at the bottom begins to form a real dreadlock. This is something we want to avoid as it can be difficult to detangle and takes a long time.

Step 1: To remove each dreadlock, start by removing the elastic holding it in place. This can easily be done using a small seam ripper knife or scissors, but be careful not to cut the hair.

Step 2: Once the elastic is removed, take a tool such as a loose hair tool and gently pull the end of the braid out of your extension. This step may require some patience, especially if the dreadlock is tightly braided.

Step 3: After pulling the end out, the braid will begin to loosen, allowing you to remove the dreadlock from your hair without damaging it. Make sure to work slowly and gently to avoid pulling or tearing your natural hair. If you encounter resistance, it may be necessary to loosen the braid gradually until the dreadlock is completely removed.

Repeat this process for each dreadlock you want to remove, taking the time to ensure that all elastics and braids are completely loosened before removal. This will help keep your hair healthy and minimize damage.

Step 4: Once all your dreadlocks are out, wash your hair before brushing or combing it. After washing and conditioning it, begin to run your fingers through, and when it feels smooth, you can start brushing. Start from the ends and work your way up towards the roots. Once the hair is brushed and smooth, rinse out the conditioner.

Step 5: Finally, wash your hair again with shampoo, making sure it lathers well to ensure all conditioner is washed out. You can then optionally give your hair a hair mask.

Hair Loss After Extensions

People typically lose around 100 hairs a day, whether they have dreadlocks or not. When you have dreadlocks, many of these loose hairs tend to get caught and embedded in the braids. When you remove your dreads, it may seem like there is a significantly larger amount of hair falling out than usual. This experience can seem alarming, but it's important to understand that it's a common reaction when removing dreadlocks. This process of removing the braids can cause the embedded hairs to come loose, giving the impression of greater hair loss. However, it's important to remember that this doesn't mean you're losing more hair than usual. The body naturally replaces the lost hairs, and it's part of the normal hair growth cycle. So, while it may seem worrying, it's actually a completely normal part of the process of removing your dreads.

Reuse Your Dread Extensions

You can reuse your extensions multiple times. To maintain them, we recommend giving your extensions a detox after removing them. This detox cleans and refreshes your extensions, so they're ready for the next time you want to use them. We've written a short blog post about Detoxing dreadlocks, and you can buy a Detox Bar from our webshop, specially designed for dreadlocks.

Click here to read more about detox.
Click here to buy RAW ROOTs Detox Bar.

When Can I Reinstall Them?

You can put your extensions back in immediately or give your hair a break. We recommend listening to your scalp: if it needs a break, respect that so the scalp can recover and be ready for next time. If you have no issues with your scalp, you can reinstall them right away.

With our SE dreadlocks extensions made of real hair, you can easily cut off the loop and use them as an extension of your own dreadlocks, depending on your preference. If you want to use extensions to extend your own hair, we recommend reading our guide on preparing for dreadlocks first.

Aftercare for the Scalp

After having dreadlocks for an extended period, the scalp may become dry and irritated. Therefore, it's good to use a good cleansing shampoo like the Hydrating Shampoo from Raw Roots and a good conditioner. You can find all our dreadlocks care products by clicking here.

Storing Your Dreadlocks

If you want to take a break from your dreadlocks, the most important thing is that they are completely dry before storing them. A shoebox or similar container works perfectly for this purpose. Make sure to store them in a dry and protected place so they're ready for next time you want to use them. This will ensure that your dreadlocks remain in good condition and are ready for use when you want them.