How much do dreadlocks cost?
How much do dreadlocks cost?
$200 – $1,000+ average initial cost
Average dreadlocks cost
Dreadlocks costs start at $200 for traditional lock styles to over $1,000 for intricate Sisterlocks and human hair extensions. Dread retwists cost $60 to $160 per visit and are needed every few weeks or months to keep your locs fresh. Plan on spending another $50 to $300 per year on quality loc maintenance products.
| Service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Starter dreads (initial install) | $200 – $1,000+ |
| Dread maintenance (retwist) | $60 – $160 per visit |
| Loc detox (every 6 – 12 months) | $30 – $50 per visit |
| Maintenance products (as needed) | $50 – $300 per year |
Starter locs
Getting starter locs costs anywhere from $200 to over $1,000 for the initial install and marks the beginning of the loc journey. Starter locs prices vary depending on your hair length, thickness, desired loc size and style, the technique used, and your loctician's skills and location.
The process involves sectioning off the hair and using techniques like two-strand twists, coils, braids, or palm rolling to encourage the strands to start locking and matting together. These baby locs can take 3 to 6 months to transition from your loose natural hair into the first stage.
In those early months, the starter locs are loose, frizzy, and prone to unraveling. You'll need to get retwists every 4 to 6 weeks to keep them locked in, plus wash them every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent buildup.
But don't worry, as the starter locs mature over the next 12 to 18 months, they'll gradually thicken up, get more defined, and be less likely to unravel on their own. It's all part of the beautiful loc journey.
Dread retwist
Keeping your locs fresh means getting retwists regularly. This maintenance service to tighten loose hair and keep dreadlocks from unraveling costs $60 to $160 per visit on average. Some locticians include a wash, while others prefer to retwist on dry hair and recommend you shampoo at home the day before.
During a retwist, your loctician will use their tools or fingers to re-twist the new growth at the roots and tighten up any loose locs. This reinforces that locked structure and prevents slippage.
For baby locs, you’ll need to get retwisted every 4 to 6 weeks.
Young locs can go 6 to 8 weeks between retwists until they fully mature.
Mature dreadlocks can stretch 8 to 12 weeks between tightening sessions.
If you’ve got finer, thinner strands, you’ll likely need more frequent twisting to avoid unraveling. But coarser, thicker hair can often go longer between retwists without issues.
Pro tip: Using loc-friendly products and covering your hair when sleeping/showering can help extend the time between retwists.
Loc detox
A professional loc detox costs $30 to $50 for a deep cleansing treatment twice a year that helps remove built-up residue, lint, oils, and product buildup from inside the locs. The process involves soaking the locs in a detoxifying solution to refresh them, get rid of odors, improve manageability, and promote a healthy scalp.
Pro tip: At-home detox kits cost $10 to $40 on average but are not recommended for baby locs under 6 months old. It’s best to let a professional handle the detox when your locs are just starting out.
Hair products for dreads
To keep your locs healthy and defined, you need to use the right hair products made specifically for loc’d hair. Expect to spend $50 to $300 per year for retwisting waxes and gels, residue-free shampoos, and deep cleansing treatments. Lots of companies offer complete loc maintenance kits with multiple products bundled together for convenience.
| Product | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Loc retwist kit | $15 – $30 | Includes products for retwisting new growth like wax, gel, or pomade |
| Loc conditioner / spray | $10 – $25 | Residue-free, clarifying shampoos to cleanse locs |
| Loc oil / butter | $10 – $20 | Leave-in conditioners or sprays to moisturize and soften locs |
| Loc detox kit | $10 – $40 | Includes products for deep cleansing and removing buildup from locs |
| Loc maintenance kit | $25 – $60 | Bundle with shampoo, conditioner, oil, and styling products |
Dreadlocks cost by type
Dreadlock pricing can vary wildly depending on the style and technique. Freeform locs that form naturally are the lowest cost option at $50 to $200. On the higher end, instant locs prices and dreadlock extension prices can reach over $1,000 due to the time and skill these styles and techniques require.
| Type | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional locs | $200 – $500 | Most common type of dreadlocks that are medium to large in size, created using coil twists or backcombing |
| Two-strand twist | $200 – $400 | Hair sectioned and twisted into two-strand twists, which eventually lock into dreadlocks over time |
| Freeform locks | $50 – $200 | Allowed to form naturally with minimal assistance to help guide the formation process for an organic, unstructured look |
| Braidlocs | $150 – $500 | Started by braiding the hair into square or triangle parts, then allowing the braids to lock over time |
| Sisterlocks | $500 – $1,000+ | Trademarked method of creating small, uniform dreadlocks with a neat and tidy appearance using a patented interlocking tool |
| Interlocks | $200 – $600 | Dreadlocks formed by interlocking the hair strands using a latch hook tool for a neat, uniform look. |
| Instant locs | $300 – $1,200 | Speeds up the initial locking process with a combination of teasing and using a small crochet hook to make tiny knots that loc the hair |
| Faux dreadlocks | $150 – $500 | Synthetic hair extensions styled to mimic the look of dreadlocks. |
| Dreadlock hair extensions cost | $300 – $1,400+ | Real human hair dreadlock extensions attached to add length and thickness |
Dreadlock hair price by service
Dreadlock hair prices fluctuate depending on how much hair is being locked. If you want your whole head done, or if you're working with some long locs, be ready to pay a higher price tag. Shorter hair or just getting part of your head dreaded will definitely cost less.
Some locticians charge hourly rates from $75 to $150+ per hour for installation and $50 to $100+ per hour for maintenance services. They calculate a base rate that covers a set number of hours and then tack on extra hourly fees if it takes longer than expected to install the locs or extensions.
| Style | Average price |
|---|---|
| Hourly loctician rate | $50 – $150+ per hour (based on service) |
| Partial / half head dreads | $200 – $450 |
| Full head dreads | $400 – $800+ |
| Shoulder length hair | $350 – $500 |
| Mid-back back length hair | $600 – $800 |
| Waist length hair | $800 – $1,200 |
| Dreadlock removal | $75 – $150 per hour |
A half-head or partial dreadlock installation takes around 2 to 5 hours, while a full-head installation typically requires 5 to 8 hours or more, depending on your hair length, thickness, and how many individual locs you’re getting.
Small, precise dreads like Sisterlocks and dreadlock extensions using real human hair take as much as 8 to 15+ hours and may be split into 2 or more sessions.
Loc pricing factors
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the cost of getting locs. Several factors play a role in determining your final price tag:
Hair texture: If you're working with longer, coarser, thicker strands, be ready to pay more. That extra length and density means your loctician has to put in more time and effort compared to shorter, finer hair.
Loc method: Some techniques are more labor-intensive than others. The instant lock or crochet method, where the loctician uses a hook to knot and interlock the hair, tends to be pricier than backcombing or twist & rip styles.
Number of locs: Going for a full head of locs will always cost more than just getting a partial set on the back, top, or sides.
Extensions: Adding synthetic or human hair extensions can give you instant length but will increase the price. The extensions themselves are an added expense, plus installing them properly takes more time.
Loctician skills: The more experienced and in-demand your loctician is, the higher their rates will be. You're paying for their expertise.
Location matters: If you're in an urban area with a high cost of living, expect to pay more. In regions where locs are super trendy, there may be more demand for skilled locticians who can charge premium prices.
Dreadlocks FAQs
What are dreadlocks?
Dreadlocks, also known as locs, are a hairstyle with a rich history. Hair sections are twisted or interlocked, maturing over time into distinct rope-like strands. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, offering a unique and personal way to express yourself.
Where did dreadlocks originate?
The origins of dreadlocks are shrouded in mystery, but their presence can be traced across ancient civilizations worldwide. From the spiritual beliefs of ancient Egypt to the cultural identity of various African tribes, dreadlocks have been a symbol of wisdom, strength, and connection to one's roots.
How can I get dreadlocks?
Embracing the dreadlock journey can be a rewarding experience. For some, it's a matter of patience, allowing their hair to naturally tangle and knot over time without combing or brushing. Others opt for more intentional methods, such as backcombing, crochet hooking, or rolling and knotting techniques, to create their desired look more quickly.
Can you start dreadlocks with short hair?
Absolutely! While longer hair may seem like an easier canvas, the dreadlock journey can begin with as little as 2 to 3 inches of hair length. It may require a bit more patience and maintenance, but within 1 to 2 years, those short strands will transform into stunning, lengthy locs.
Are dreadlocks permanent?
While locs are seen as a semi-permanent or even lifelong hairstyle for many, there may come a point where you want to take them down. Getting rid of locs can definitely be a tedious and time-consuming process, but it's doable if you use the right techniques and stay patient with it.
How often should you retwist locs?
In the beginning, you should retwist locs every 4 to 6 weeks to tighten loose hair and keep them from unraveling. When they are no longer baby locs, retwist every 6 to 8 weeks until they mature. Then, fully mature dreadlocks can usually go about 8 to 12 weeks between sessions.
Thinner hair typically needs more frequent retwisting. If you have thicker hair, you may be able to go longer between sessions.
Questions to ask your stylist about getting dreadlocks
Choose a qualified and experienced loctician who understands your hair type and uses proper techniques and products to get results you’ll love. When searching for a dreadlock hair stylist near you, be sure to ask these questions:
How long have you been installing and maintaining dreadlocks? Can I see examples of your previous work and the progression over time?
What starting method do you recommend for my hair type and desired look?
How much does the initial dreadlock installation cost? How much should I budget for future maintenance appointments?
What products do you use for starting and maintaining dreadlocks?
Do you have any concerns about ingredients in products I may want to use?
How often should I come in for maintenance appointments like re-twisting or tightening?
What is included in the maintenance service?
What should I expect during the different stages of the dreadlock journey?
When will I be able to dye, color, or style my dreadlocks after installation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.