WHAT THIS LESSON CONTAINS:

• Temporary “Tie-in” Extensions
If you’re just looking for something temporary and fun, or you want to try out dreadlocks before you commit to them permanently, temporary tie-in extensions will get the job done. Just to be clear, this is THE ONLY situation we would ever use string in dreadlocks.

• Dreadlocks vs. Regular Hair
Whether you have dreadlocks or not, you can still work with temporary tie-in extensions. The approach will be a bit different, but the overall concept is the same which is simply using string to tie the dreadlock into your hair temporarily.

• Established Dreadlocks and Root Constriction
I’m always amazed when I see other salons tying string into dreadlocks so tight that it constricts the dreadlock. It basically “suffocates” it and creates a scenario where the hair cannot move and shift and lock up. It literally prevents the locking process.

• Looped Temporary Extensions (hands on)
I’ve found a specific way of tying looped extensions into dreadlocks without restricting the locking process. First do root maintenance for the dreadlock, then slide the loop up to the scalp, flip the dreadlock up over the clients head, latch-hook the string through the dreadlock, flip the extension back down, and tie the string around the top of the loop. This attaches the extensions very securely without “suffocating” the dreadlock from locking up.

With normal hair, you can simply create a section of hair and slide the loop up to the scalp, then split the hair into two segments and wrap or braid the hair around the extension, pull the tips of hair inside the extension with the latch hook, the apply a rubber band or string around the hair holding the extension in place.

• Double Ended Temporary Extensions (hands on)
I normally wouldn’t recommend using these in pre-established dreadlocks, but they work fine with normal hair. Similar to the looped extensions you’ll start by creating your section, then split the hair in two, fold the extension in half, wrap or braid the hair around the halfway point of the extension, latch hook in the tips, and hold in place with rubber band or tying string.

• Routine Maintenance (cutting string hands on)
For ongoing maintenance, you’ll simply want to cut out the string, remove the extensions, do root maintenance on your extensions or wash your normal hair, and reattach the same way. Simple.

• Feel free to experiment
I’m certainly no expert on this topic, my expertise is in permanent attachment via Instant Locs Crochet Method. Therefore you should consider this an introduction. With that being said, I would recommend either seeking out this information elsewhere or experimenting with your own variations.