We’re Your Instant Dreadlock Specialists!
We’ve been using the Instant Locs method for years before the term was popularized!
What are Instant Locs? Instant Locs refer to the act of creating fully locked dreadlocks “instantly” with the Crochet Method. This term is also known as “Instant Dreads” or “Instant Dreadlocks”. This is the only method we use! We’ve been creating Instant Dreads for years and we’re here to confidently serve you as specialists with this superior method.
*this page is primarily for Afro Hair – Straight Hair Types should refer to our Dreadlock Installation Page.
I’m very happy with the results! I lost more length than I expected, but I instantly loved the look I ended up with! I’m very satisfied with the quality of work. Natallia is a pleasure to work with and I would recommend her to anyone looking for a professional loctician.
Traveled from the Philly area to York for my full head installation w/ Rick and he was the best! Totally worth the trip! Professional, friendly, accommodating, and he did a great job!! ...Absolutely loved his German shepherd, Ciri, too!! Can’t wait to meet up again for my maintenance!!
I reached out to Dreadlock Central to have my dreadlocks reinstalled after cutting them off for a job(NEVER CHANGE WHO YOU ARE FOR A JOB)! I couldn't be more pleased, Colby has himself a great organization here. He linked me up with Carlee, who did a phenomenal job. I now have my hair back! I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for re-installation or touch up.
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Afro Locs

Caucasian Dreads

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How to prepare for Instant Dreadlocks?
Unlike methods such as twisting or interlocking where your hair can be wet, the Instant Loc Method requires your hair to be completely clean, dry, and product free. Dry hair locks up far better than wet or moisturized hair to start, but don’t worry, dry scalps and hair types can be moisturized soon after installing your Dreadlocks. With that being said, it’s very important to use a residue free and non-moisturizing shampoo to get started properly. Our recommendations are listed here.
What to expect with Instant Dreadlocks?
STIFFNESS: Following your first appointment your dreadlocks will be fully locked and a bit stiff. This is completely normal with the Crochet Method and will relax with time. The stiffness is caused by the hair is being permanently locked with countless tiny knots compared to the twisting method which only twists the hair in a spiral. To help with the initial stiffness we recommend having a hat or beanie on hand if you intend to wear your Locs naturally. A hat will help to shape and form the way stiff dreadlocks lay. Or you can get them finished with a style.

MAINTENANCE: We recommend washing once per week, but no less than once every two weeks. The amazing benefit of Instant Dreads is that you can wash without worrying much about anything coming undone! We recommend seeing us for root maintenance about once every 2-3 months, however the frequency is an optional preference. We also recommend doing a deep cleanse before every root maintenance since the 3 month mark is the perfect reminder to do your quarterly deep cleanse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have unanswered questions about Instant Dreadlocks? This FAQ section should take care of any further questions you may have. Please browse the questions and open the ones that apply to your interest.
Can I get Instant Dreads in straight or mixed hair?
Yes! With the proper experience and technique, Instant Dreads will work in ANY hair type, even straight Asian hair. Mixed race hair textures tend to not work well with twisting, so we highly encourage mixed race hair types to opt for Instant Dreadlocks instead of Twisting.
Can I get Instant Locs with relaxed hair?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Processed hair often leads to some type of damage, even if you take good care of it. Unprocessed hair is always best for anything dreadlock related.
Can I get Instant Locs with extensions?
Yes, absolutely! It’s common for Instant Dreads and Extensions to be used to complement each other. A great benefit of the Instant Locs Method with Loc Extensions is that the connection is flawlessly seamless in most cases. We also offer a permanent attachment guarantee for the Loc Extensions we create, install, and maintain! *as long as you follow all of our guidelines.
Can I get Instant Locs with short hair?
Absolutely, the shortest length we typically need is 3”. Be sure to check the length of the sides and back of your head near the hairline of your neck. The length of hair in around the hairline is typically shorter than the length on the top of your head, which can sometimes cause issues with short hair.
How do you make Instant Locs?
Instant Locs are created by using a very small crochet hook to knot up a series of very tiny knots of hair that ultimately form a unified dreadlock. Also known as the Dreadlock Crochet Method.
How do you Maintain Instant Locs?
Instant Dreadlocks are maintained the same way they’re installed, via the Crochet Method aka Instant Locs Method.
Can you comb out Instant Locs?
The short answer, Maybe… Young dreadlocks can be removed with the right approach, but as the dreadlocks become more and more established over time they become much harder to remove. Read our Dreadlock Removal Article if you’d like to learn more about the removal process.
Are there any products used for Instant Locs?
We can’t speak for other salons, but we do not use any products whatsoever. The only products we recommend for Instant Dreads is a well formulated shampoo and a residue free moisturizer for dry hair and scalp.
Can you wash Instant Locs?
Absolutely! Washing Instant Locs is one of the biggest advantages of this method over the twisting method. You can wash, or swim, or be out in the rain, and your Instant Dreads will not unravel like twisted locs do!
Are Instant Locs permanent?
Yes! The Instant Locs Method permanently locks the hair into a solid and formed dreadlock.
How long does my hair have to be for Instant Locs?
Your hair must be a minimum of three inches when pulled out straight to install Instant Dreadlocks. If your hair is this short you must measure in multiple points of your head, the top is often the longest whereas the hairline around the neck tends to be shorter. If the hair around your neck is too short it may cause issues with your Installation.
How long until Instant Locs relax and lie down?
In most cases Instant Locs will relax and lie down after the first day, and will continue to relax for about 1 week. After your first wash your Dreadlocks will certainly be relaxed enough to feel natural.
Why are Instant Dreads stiff and stick out?
Instant Dreads form a dense series of knots which results in an initial stiffness. They’re stiff because they’re fully locked compared to twisting and interlocking which is essentially just wrapping hair around the outside of the dreadlock.

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