How long do dreads and plaits last?

Usually dreads and plaits last for around three months. However, unless the hair was less than 3 cm long, dreads and plaits do not come out until they are taken out, which is at the wearer's discretion.

Dreads and plaits will last longer if the root hairs that grow are tidied, which In Visible Light shows their clients how to do.

After around five months the roots will start to dread, which can be combed out, or is a great way of starting dreads naturally if you want to switch from plaits to dreads that are unpermed but well sectioned.

Can plaits or dreads be done without sectioning the hair?

No. The hair within each dread or plait needs to be clean and well defined so that it does not dread into the adjacent dreads and plaits, which would happen within one or two weeks if dreads or plaits are not sectioned.

Sections are usually not visible underneath, or at back. A few sections are visible at the hairline, but they disappear during the first week and are covered by the short new growth hairs between each section.

Can I colour my hair or roots if I synthetic hair extensions?

Yes. Synthetic hair extensions are a mono-fibre plastic/nylon base and will not dye. However, white and blonde can be stained by strong pigments for a few weeks.

How long do dreads and plaits take to put in?

Regardless of the length of the extensions you should not make plans for immediately after the appointment, because some extensions take longer to complete than the average time.

Estimated times vary based upon thin, medium or thick dreads or plaits. As an approximate guide:

These approximate times are based upon the extensions being made up prior to having your hair braided into the extensions. Having hair extensions made up prior to braiding also enables the hair extensions to be re-used.

How do I make an appointment for In Visible Light hair services?

You can either telephone or call in (see our location and contact page) to arrange an appointment and discuss your preferences and options. We will usually require a 50% deposit which may be posted in for telephone bookings.

We also have a lay-by option. Your dreads or braids are inserted when your lay-by is complete. We do not have a set rate of payment, or time limit on lay-bys. Alternatively, you can make special arrangements with us.

What happens if I need to change my appointment?

If you give us more than 48 hours notice there is no charge. However, if you give us less than 48 hours notice there is a $45.00 charge which is usually debited against your deposit.

If you do not complete the arrangement your deposit is forfeited, or held until you are ready to have your dreads or plaits done.

Do I need to cut my hair when the dreads or braids come out?

No. Your hair will return to its natural condition. However, you will comb a lot of dead hair out which can seem worrying because we lose and replace around 100 hairs a day which adds up when the dead hair is retained for a few months.

How do I wash my hair when I have dreads or braids?

Wash your hair normally, but try not to wash your hair more than once a week. Which does not mean that you cannot shower regularly because it is the scrubbing action which pulls hairs out at the roots of the short new growth hairs, or down the length on plaits where your hair ends at varying lengths.

The best method to minimise hair stress is to apply the shampoo with your hands, massage gently between all roots, run your hands through your hair and squeeze through hair to the ends.

The roots are most important because you are no longer combing oils down through the hair, and stimulating the scalp to produce more oil in the process. The more that you wash your hair, the faster the oils produce to feed the hair follicles and lubricate the hair shaft etc.

Washing your hair everyday because your hair feels greasy by the end of the day, is a double edged sword. If you have plaits you can break the oil cycle in a little over a week, and the scalp oil production will return to normal, without the daily stimulation.

You will not need to use special products or 'sleep on silk pillows' unless you want to. If your head itches from time to time, you may need to use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo.

Why do my plaits or dreads itch?

It is not unusual to experience some itching during the first week. Some people experience moderate to mild itching for longer periods which can make some slightly paranoid, because of urban myths of spiders hatching in hair and lice.

Usually, itching is caused by one or more of the following reasons:

Tying your hair back to often or too tight. The itching is caused by the blood attempting to circulate through your scalp, and signals for you to loosen your hair.

During winter and in dry weather , your scalp dries out, because pieced hairstyles, such as dreads and braids, allow air through to your scalp more easily.

Are extensions or dreads suitable for fine straight hair?

Many techniques were developed for thick or coarse hair, and are not suitable for fine straight hair which does not hold as well as thick or coarse hair.

Extensions or dreads using techniques developed for thick or coarse hair can often slip out of fine straight hair especially at the bottom half, because of the effects of gravity.

At In Visible Light, we use three different techniques based upon your hair type.

Is it painful to get extensions or dreads done?

The level of pain experienced is usually dictated by the technique used to put extensions or dreads in. There will be some pulling, but only at the end when we secure the roots.

As each dread or plait is finished the pain will ease immediately, but you will feel an overall sense of tension. Approximately one in every 500 clients will experience a headache from new extensions or dreads.

The first night after the extensions or dreads your head may be a little tender to lie on, and you may need to sleep on your side. By the following morning, the tenderness will be all but gone.

If extensions or dreads feel tighter than you can tolerate during the first few days, which is uncommon, removing the extensions or dreads will not necessarily clear your scalp any faster. It is usually better to allow the joins to loosen enough to ease the excess tension.

What can I expect after I have extensions or dreads done?

The first night after the extensions or dreads your head may be a little tender to lie on, and you may need to sleep on your side. By the following morning, the tenderness will be all but gone.

On the second day you can tie the extensions or dreads in a low ponytail, but not at a ninety degree angles.

It is not unusual to experience itching on the third day. Sorbolene cream or Vitamin E cream on the affected areas will usually stop the itch. For most people the itch will last for two or three days, and then ease.

Despite the itching, you should try not to scratch excessively, because you can easily break the skin.

For dandruff related itching you should wait at least 5 to 7 days after having extensions or dreads done before using an anti-dandruff shampoo.