Have Fun!

Get creative! Go through drawers, tickle trunks or paw through your siblings' stuff. Your mission is to find lots of different things that could potentially work to make those locks really shine. You can literally put anything in your hair (as long as it's not sticky in any way, ie. food, glue, etc.), if it's done tastefully!

Bits & Bobs

Here are some things to look for:

• elastics and stretchy things like brightly coloured nylon stockings
• strips of fabric or ribbon to wrap around your head or individual locks
• dreadbands
• sashes from dresses, scarves, thin belts
• necklaces, strings of shells, pearls etc.
• pendants, charms, dread beads and coils
• sea shells
• feathers
• flowers, grasses and twigs
• barrettes
• plastic-coated wire
• yarn
• pipe cleaners
• Rexlace and tubular crin (okay, so maybe not everybody has this at their house...)

Now that you've finished your scavenger hunt, start decorating! Bear in mind, though, that even if you've gathered up a ton of stuff with which to adorn your dreads - less is more. You don't want to look like you're hosting a garage sale up there. Now go have fun!

Not All That Glitters

There are no hard and fast rules about what you can and can't use in your locks, but there ARE a few gentle guidelines. Here's a few things we don't recommend:

• Glitter or sparkles - you run the risk of leaving a trail of fairy dust everywhere you go... forever.
• Spray-in colour - it may not be as temporary as the bottle says, since your hair is always shifting around in your locks. The next time you palm roll you could get a surprise!
• Fake blood - we love a good zombie costume, we really do - but this stuff tends to be sticky and really densely pigmented. It might stain your locks, especially light coloured ones!

Synthetic Dreads & Loose Extensions

Commitment-free, outrageous colour that never EVER fades?! Synthetic dreads or loose extensions are a dream come true for anyone who likes to change their locks as often as they change their socks. They're available in a range of colours from absolutely natural to completely out-there artificial, and can be custom hand-blended to match any hair or vision.

If you're looking to add density to sparse locks or bulk up your lion's mane, synth dreads are awesome for filling in the gaps or just giving you more to play with! With just one, or a whole head's worth, these custom created add-ins can be installed and removed with no damage to your own precious dreads.

Embroidery Wraps & Felting

With patience (and a handy friend or two) embroidery floss is about to become your new best friend. It's dirt cheap and easy to find, and comes in every colour imaginable.

Just start at the top and wrap the strands tightly around your lock, moving to the tips. Build up as many layers as you like, creating patterns and designs to suit your fanciest fancy.

Felting is wool roving needle felted into your locks creating a soft, textured colour. Another awesome way to avoid chemicals! Choose solid colors, stripes, or even animal print.
Check out our Felting Dreadlocks Tutorial to learn how!