.png)
_edited_edited.png)
_edited.png)
_edited_edited.png)
_edited.png)
_edited_edited.jpg)
.png)
.png)
_edited.png)
_edited_edited_p.png)
For a partial there are so many options available for a variety of looks. It will always be easier to have a partial when you have full rows completed. This is so you can have a straight line across your whole head separating your natural hair from the dreads. If you have a straight line separating your hair and dreads, it is so much easier to style and maintain both throughout your wear! When you have random places with no dreads, it is totally doable, just know the maintenance is higher when you don't just have an easy separation between the hair and dreads!
The lower number will be for people with thinner/finer hair, the higher number will be for those with thicker/denser hair! (Bottom to top) One row, 3-5 dreadlocks. Two rows, 8-11 dreadlocks. Three rows, 18-23 dreadlocks. Four rows, 27-34 (This is half of a full set install). Five rows, 36-40 (This leaves out just the midscalp region.) A full set is 45-55 dreadlocks on a typical head.
_edited.png)
How often do I wash my hair with partials?
When you have partial dreads, you will most likely be washing more than once a week, but try to wash as little as possible. The more you wash, the faster your dreads loosen up and you'll have to remove them sooner than you could if you washed less.
When you wash, use moisturizing shampoo for optimal health of hair while wearing your dreads. If you only have a couple dreads at the bottom, the shampoo running over them when you wash your normal hair should be enough to keep them clean, but if you have more than 10, make sure to specifically wash the roots of your dreads at least every 7-10 days.
When you condition your real hair, avoid getting it on the dreads by putting them aside or putting your hair in a clip. Dry shampoo is okay to use on your hair, but avoid getting it on or near your dreads.
_edited.png)
_edited.png)
How do I maintain my partial dreads?
I recommend brushing your hair 1-2 times daily to prevent your hair from forming to the dreadlocks. This is especially important at the beginning while they are maturing. The first couple weeks they are fuzzy and your hair can stick to the loose hairs and form to the dreads if you go long periods of time without separating and brushing the natural hair. Be careful to not brush through the dreadlocks while brushing your real hair! Make sure to follow regular maintenance instructions as explained on my "Dreaducation" section. All other care instructions apply to partial dreadlocks as well. Do not leave in longer than 5 week at a time.
_edited.png)
.png)
.png)
_edited.png)
How do I measure length for my partial dreads?
Most people want their partials to be the exact length of their hair and have a hard time knowing how to do that. Because our hair is constantly changing lengths because we grow and cut it, I recommend finding that happy medium length that is in between the shortest your hair is after a haircut and the length it is after growing out before cutting it again. Get a measuring tape on the bone behind your ear and measure to that sweet spot. This will allow you to be able to wear them with all of your in between lengths and not just one perfect length. You don't want your hair to be longer than the dreads, so it's safer to go longer than shorter!
Up above is how to measure for the bottom 2 rows. If you are getting 3+ rows, order your chosen amount for 2 rows in that first length, then measure another length for the dreads for the next 3 rows so all of the dreads are falling to the same length. I recommend measuring from the top of your ear or temple area for the remaining dreads for 3-5 rows! You can get however exact you want, but behind the ear and the temple are great reference points to keep it simple and arranged in a way to wear them with multiple length options.
_edited_edite.png)
_edited.png)
_edited.png)
_edited_e.png)
_edited.png)
_edited.png)
.png)
_edited.png)
_edited_edited.jpg)
_edited.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
_edited_edited.png)
Styling precautions
It is very common to do updos with partials, that is my favorite way to style my hair with partials! With new dreads, be mindful of how you're tucking and scrunching them in ponytails. At the beginning before they have matured, they have not yet formed their web and are easier to unravel on the ends or other dreads in the style, so just style mindfully for the first couple weeks!
At the beginning before the dreads have matured, they also should not be in super tight styles, and should not be slept in buns or other similar hairstyles. Avoid having your dreads in tight styles for long periods of time to avoid kinking the dreads. Wait until they have matured and have started to form their web. After 2-3 weeks they are less susceptible to kink with hairstyles being worn for long periods.
_edited.png)
_edited_edited_.png)
.png)
.png)
_edited.png)
_edited.png)
_edited.png)