Styles
Not sure what to book? Here is what each style is, how long it usually takes and the shortest hair it needs. Times and prices differ from artist to artist: the exact ones are in their price list when you book.
Natural dreadlocks
Your own hair locked into dreads, usually by backcombing, with no added hair.
- Usual time
- 4 h to 10 h
- Shortest hair
- 7 cm
Length and thickness decide the time. Locks start soft and tighten over the first months.
Synthetic dreadlocks
Dreads made with synthetic hair attached to your own: more length and colour right away.
- Usual time
- 6 h to 10 h
- Shortest hair
- 7 cm
Bring or ask for the hair the artist recommends. Needs maintenance as your hair grows.
DE dreads
Double-ended synthetic dreads, folded around your own hair so both ends hang free.
- Usual time
- 6 h to 10 h
- Shortest hair
- 7 cm
Quick to wear, heavier than they look. Ask the artist how many locks suit your hair.
SE dreads
Single-ended synthetic dreads, attached at the root and finished at one end.
- Usual time
- 6 h to 10 h
- Shortest hair
- 7 cm
A neater, lighter look than DE. Ask how many locks the artist plans for your head.
Dreadlock maintenance
Retwisting the roots, tidying loose hair and repairing locks.
- Usual time
- 1.5 h to 3 h
- Shortest hair
- 7 cm
For existing locks. Book it every few weeks to keep the roots neat.
Box braids
Square-parted braids, with braiding hair added for length and fullness.
- Usual time
- 3 h to 6 h
- Shortest hair
- 7 cm
Smaller braids look finer and take longer. Ask the artist for the size they quote.
Knotless braids
Box-style braids that start with your own hair and add braiding hair gradually, so there is no knot at the root.
- Usual time
- 4 h to 8 h
- Shortest hair
- 7 cm
Lighter on the scalp. Often takes longer than classic box braids.
Boho braids
Knotless braids with loose curly strands left out for a soft, bohemian look.
- Usual time
- 4 h to 7 h
- Shortest hair
- 7 cm
The curls need care and can tangle. Ask how to keep them neat.
Twists
Two strands twisted together along the length, with or without added hair.
- Usual time
- 2 h to 4 h
- Shortest hair
- 7 cm
A gentler, lighter style. Time depends on the size of the twists.
Cornrows
Braids made flat against the scalp in straight lines or patterns.
- Usual time
- 1 h to 3 h
- Shortest hair
- 12 cm
Hair needs enough length to braid along the head. Patterns and extensions add time.
Boxer braids
Two braids along the head, from the front to the back, in a sporty look.
- Usual time
- 1 h to 2 h
- Shortest hair
- 12 cm
A quick style. Needs enough length to braid along the scalp.
French and Dutch braids
Braids worked along the head, gathering hair as they go: French on top of the hair, Dutch raised above it.
- Usual time
- 1 h to 2 h
- Shortest hair
- 12 cm
Needs enough length to braid along the scalp. Fine for one or two braids or a full head.
Fulani braids
A centre braid along the head with side braids, usually with beads or accessories.
- Usual time
- 2 h to 4 h
- Shortest hair
- 12 cm
Needs enough length for the cornrow part. Beads and rings are usually extra.
Small jobs
A touch-up, a repair or a few braids: short visits that do not need a full day.
- Usual time
- 15 min to 1 h
- Shortest hair
- any length
Pick it for a quick fix. Your artist names the job and the price in their price list.