First Time Installing Synthetic Dread Extensions? What to Expect, What’s Normal & What’s Not

If you’re thinking about installing dread extensions for the first time, breathe. You don’t need a spiritual awakening, a personality change, or a new zodiac sign to pull this off 😁

From my experience (and yes, I both make and wear dreads), most first-timers panic about things that are completely normal.

“Will they feel heavy?”
“Will I look weird?”
“What if I regret it on day two?”
“Will they fall off in my sleep?”

Short answer: no, you won’t fall apart. And neither will the dreads.

The first 1–2 days feel… different. Not painful. Just different. Your brain suddenly registers: “Oh. There is volume here.” Your neck adapts. Your scalp adapts. You adapt. Humans are surprisingly good at that.

And yes, people will stare if you choose bold colors. That’s kind of the point.

This guide isn’t a dry technical manual. It’s everything I wish someone told my clients before their first install: what to expect, what’s normal, what’s not, how to sleep, how to wash, and how not to overthink every single sensation on your head.

Let’s go step by step.

Who I Am (and Why You Can Trust Me)

My name is Yaromira, but you can just call me Mira. If you ever see the name “Iryna” somewhere, yep, that’s also me. It’s my legal first name, but Mira is the one I actually use.

I’ve been installing and wearing dread extensions since 2018. I started broke, stubborn, and determined. My first sets were DIY survival mode: ugly, uneven, not properly crocheted, basically a “learning experience” in physical form. But that’s the best part. I learned on my own mistakes, and that gives me a ridiculous amount of real-world practice.

My hair is natural blonde, fine, medium density, and I usually leave my bangs out. Fine blonde hair is often treated like it’s “fragile and doomed,” but here’s reality: with correct installation and reasonable wear time, dreads can be worn beautifully even on fine hair. I’ve been doing this since 2018 and I’m still not bald. Amen 😄

If you’re curious what my work looks like in real life (not just pretty photos), here’s the behind-the-scenes page: Behind the Scenes.

Who This Article Is For

If you’re a total beginner, this is for you.

Thin hair, thick hair, sensitive scalp, undercut, natural colors, neon “look-at-me” colors, doesn’t matter. If it’s your first time and your brain is currently doing 47 worst-case scenarios per minute, welcome. You’re exactly the target audience.

The Most Common Beginner Panic: “I’ll Go Bald When I Take Them Out”

This one is legendary. People hear horror stories about taking dreads out after a month and finding a scary clump of hair, like the scalp just rage-quit.

Here’s what’s actually happening.

It’s normal to shed hair every day. The American Academy of Dermatology says losing about 50–100 hairs daily is normal. Cleveland Clinic notes an average range of roughly 50–150 hairs a day.

Now do the math: that’s around 1,500–3,000 hairs in a month (sometimes more). And when you’re wearing dreads, those shed hairs don’t fall to the floor or sit in your brush like usual. They stay trapped inside the braid pattern around the extensions until removal day.

So when you take the set out and finally comb everything through, all that “daily shedding” comes out at once. You look at the pile and your brain goes: “I’m finished. I’m done. It’s over.” Nope. That’s just normal shedding that couldn’t go anywhere earlier.

Bonus: after removal, you will probably look like a poodle for a bit. It’s not a bug, it’s a feature. Sometimes it’s even kind of funny 😄

What’s Normal in the First 1–3 Days (and What’s Not)

Normal “new install” feelings:

• “There is so much hair on my head.” Even with a half install.
• A sense of weight at first, especially if you’ve never had volume.
• Light scalp itchiness.
• Mild tenderness or sensitivity along partings.
• “Alien head” feeling, like your head is slightly not yours.

This is your body adjusting. Usually, the neck and scalp adapt in 1–3 days. For most people, by day 2–3 the “weight” basically disappears because your muscles stop treating it like a crisis.

A gentle, mild pull can be normal if the install is done well. Some people even like it. It can feel like a soft constant micro-massage.

Now the “not normal” list (red flags):

• Strong pain.
• Burning, intense itching, or that “I want to rip my scalp off” feeling.
• Big, angry redness that spreads or gets worse.
• Headaches that don’t calm down.
• After 3 days you still feel heavy, miserable, and uncomfortable with no improvement.
• Any sensation that screams “this is wrong.”

If it’s truly painful, don’t “be brave.” Message your installer. Don’t wait it out hoping it magically fixes itself.

The Most Common Beginner Mistakes

1) Scratching like your life depends on it

Light itch can happen, but aggressive scratching can irritate your scalp and put extra stress on the roots, especially along fresh partings. If you itch, do it gently. (Yes, I know. Easier said than done 😅)

2) Panicking on day two

This is so common it deserves its own trophy. Day one you’re excited, day two you stare in the mirror like: “Why did I do this? I look like a completely different species.” Give it three days. Seriously. A lot of people flip from “what have I done” to “wait… I actually love this” after they adapt.

3) Tight hairstyles too soon

For the first three days, avoid high ponytails and tight buns. You’re still adapting. Go loose, or a low ponytail, or a very gentle half-up without tension.

Before Your First Install: Quick Prep

Wash your hair before the appointment. Mostly because… basic human dignity 😄

Try not to get a fresh blunt-cut haircut right before installation. A super sharp, even cut can make blending and securing trickier and takes more effort. If you already have a fresh cut, it’s not a disaster. Just understand it can be a bit more work.

Hair length: ideally 5 cm or more. A skilled installer can work with around 3 cm, but that’s very technique-dependent.

Also: don’t drown your hair in heavy silicone masks and conditioners right before install. Your hair is about to be braided and protected for weeks. It’s basically going on vacation from heat tools, daily washing, and styling. (Your hair will thank you.)

Should You Go to a Professional for Your First Time?

My honest recommendation: yes, if you can.

The biggest reason is tension control. Too tight is misery and can stress roots. Too loose and things slip, frizz, or get messy fast. Also, sectioning the back of your head evenly on yourself is not easy without practice.

Can you do it yourself? Sure. Some people hate having anyone touch their scalp (I get it). If you do DIY:

• Use a clear video tutorial.
• Ask a friend/partner to help with the back.
• Be patient with sectioning.
• Don’t “win” by pulling tighter. That’s not a flex, that’s pain later.

And yes, guys can actually help with installs. Do not underestimate a focused dude with a mission 😄

If you want a step-by-step guide for installing boho dreads, here it is: How to Install Boho Dreads.

Will They Feel Heavy? How to Choose a Beginner-Friendly Set

Weight depends on:

• How many pieces you install
• Length (70–80 cm is a lot for a first time)
• Thickness (chunky dreads weigh more)
• Fiber quality (cheap fiber can be heavier and scratchier)

Beginner move: start shorter and lighter.

• If you’re nervous, try 40–50 cm or even 40 cm.
• Try fewer pieces first: 10 on the nape, or 25–30 for a half head.

Thickness matters. For a first time, don’t start with super thick 1 cm+ dreads unless you already know you love that feeling.

A gentle option for beginners: Soft Twisted dreads. They’re thinner (around 5 mm), lightweight, and move easily. (I don’t have a product link for these on the site right now, so this is just a genuine tip, not a sales pitch 😁)

Fiber quality matters too. Premium fiber tends to be softer and lighter. Cheap fiber can feel itchy and rough, and that “itch” doesn’t always disappear in three days.

Personal warning from experience: super cheap sets (yes, including many marketplace bargain ones) can be scratchy and heavy. If your scalp is sensitive, this is the fast lane to suffering.

How Many Dreads Do You Need?

It depends on your hair density, whether you leave bangs out, and what volume you like.

General ориентири:

• Full head: usually 50–60 pieces for thicker/denser hair
• Fine hair or if you hate the “helmet” look: 40 can be plenty
• Undercut: about 25–30
• Half head: about 25–30
• Just trying it: 5–10 pieces (nape or hidden under top layers)

Some people love dramatic “Hagrid energy.” Others want natural balance. Neither is wrong, it’s taste 😄

If you want the full deep-dive (including Single Ended vs Double Ended), read this: Single Ended vs Double Ended Dreadlocks: Which One Is Better?

Sleeping: Low Maintenance vs High Maintenance Sets

Let’s translate it into real life.

Low maintenance:

• Just dreads
• Dreads + braids (including a few decorative braids)

These are easy. Many people can just sleep normally. Sometimes I even use mine like a pillow. (Not saying you should. I’m just saying… it happens 😅)

High maintenance:

• Anything with loose curls or loose strands (brushable or not)

For these, protect them at night:

• Loose braid (not tight)
• Satin bonnet / satin sleep cap
• Long durag style wrap

If you wake up and the curls are a mess:

• Separate gently with your fingers
• A little water can help
• Light gel can bring definition back

If it turns into a real knot situation and you’re afraid of making it worse, message your installer. A good one can save curls without turning your morning into a horror movie.

Want a clear explanation of low vs high maintenance (and why it matters)? Here: Low Maintenance vs High Maintenance Dread Sets

Sleep guide (super useful for beginners): Sleeping With Synthetic Dreadlocks

Examples you can check:

• Low maintenance example: Boho Chic Dirty Blond & Dark Blond
• High maintenance example: Synthetic Dreadlocks Unique Blond & Brown

Washing: The Simple Method That Works

You wash your scalp. Not the entire set like it’s a dirty hoodie 😁

Easiest beginner method:

1. Make shampoo foam in a bowl of warm water (or lather in your hands).
2. Apply foam to the scalp and along the partings.
3. Massage gently with fingertips.
4. Rinse thoroughly, focusing on the scalp.

The dreads don’t need aggressive washing. Let the shampoo water run down through them while you rinse your scalp.

Optional “advanced mode”: a dread shampoo bar (solid shampoo). Many people find it easier to apply along partings and get a clean scalp without product overload.

How often to wash:

• Usually every 5–10 days
• Oily scalp: closer to 5
• Normal/dry scalp: 7–10 can be perfect

No, you won’t smell like a swamp if you wash your scalp properly and let everything dry 😄

Full care guide here: How to Care for Boho Dreads

How Long Can You Wear Them?

Most people: about 1 to 1.5 months.
Some: up to 2 months.
In slower hair growth cases: even 3 months can happen.

The real indicator is how far your natural hair has grown out and whether the extensions start “hanging” away from the scalp, leaving a visible loop and loose area. When you see that, it’s time for removal, reinstall, or correction (if your installer offers it).

Beginner note: don’t attempt complicated self-corrections if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s how tangles become legendary.

Reuse: Can You Install the Same Set Again?

Yes.

For low maintenance sets (dreads/braids):

• Put them in a laundry bag
• Wash on a delicate cycle
• Air dry fully
• Do minor touch-ups if needed, then reinstall

For high maintenance sets with curls:

• Wash gently by hand in warm water
• Don’t rub like crazy
• Squeeze water out, towel dry, air dry
• Then do light curl restoring, or bring them to your maker/installer for refresh

Very important: after removal, brush out your natural hair before washing it. If you wash first without detangling, you can create a massive tangle that’s way harder to deal with.

Gym, Workouts & Active Life

Can you go to the gym? Yes. Tie them back.

Beginner tip: avoid high ponytails for the first 3 days. Go low ponytail or a gentle bundle. Your scalp needs a minute to adapt.

If you want a proper tie (instead of random elastic bands that either slip or pull like a demon), here’s the one I use: Handcrafted Wood Dreadlock Tie

FAQ, Rapid Fire

Will they fall off in my sleep?

No, not if they’re installed properly.

Will this damage my hair?

When installed well and not worn too long, many people find their hair actually feels better after, because it gets a break from heat, daily styling, and constant manipulation.

What if I regret it on day two?

That’s a classic. Give it three days. Your body and brain need time to adjust to volume and a new silhouette.

Final Words From Someone Who’s Been There

If this is your first time, you’re not “dramatic,” you’re just adapting. Give your neck, scalp, and brain a few days to calm down and accept the new normal.

And if something genuinely hurts or feels wrong, don’t suffer in silence. A quick message to your installer can fix most problems fast.

Mini Checklist for First-Timers ✅

• Washed scalp before install
• Didn’t do a fresh blunt cut right before (or accepted it may be trickier)
• Started with beginner-friendly length/amount if nervous
• First 3 days: no tight high hairstyles
• Wash scalp only, every 5–10 days depending on oiliness
• Protect curls at night (bonnet/braid) if you have a high maintenance set
• Red flags = pain, burning, intense itch, worsening redness, no improvement after 3 days
• After removal: detangle before washing your natural hair

More beginner-friendly resources:

• How to Install Boho Dreads
• How to Care for Boho Dreads
• Low vs High Maintenance Dread Sets
• Sleeping With Synthetic Dreadlocks
• Single Ended vs Double Ended: Which One Is Better?

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