✨ Faux loc extensions ( aka synth dreads, dreadlock extensions) are a great temporary natural style ( no products or chemicals need for styling). Here's a quick handy guide to ordering!
What is the difference between SE & DE?
- SE or DE refers to the installation type.
SE or single endeds have one singular install point, a loop at the top that you thread a section of your hair through & braid down, secureded by an elastic. It has one singlular end or "tail".
DE or double endeds have one install point but two ends or "tails". Unlike SE, you don't have a loop but rather use the middle of the loc to braid your hair down. And the other side of the loc is flipped over.
Tip: You can use single endeds at the crown, nape, & temples of the head , followed by double endeds to fill in the rest to achieve a seemless natural look.
Note: it's ideal to use double endeds if you desire extra added volume. 10 DE = 20 ends total because each loc has two tails.
What is the difference between smooth & crochet?
This refers to the texture of the loc.
Crochet locs take on a natural free form look. They can have bumps, knots, & look organic; they may be uniform in length & circumference but they'll all be unique to one another.
Smooth locs have a more uniform, palm rolled, tame, & untextured look. They're of uniform appearance & are smoothed over all in the same direction.
How many locs do I need?
This depends on the amount of hair you have, how big your sections will be, & your hair thickness. A general rule of thumb:
The finer your hair & smaller the sections, the smaller your locs will be. The sections must be as thick as the locks themselves; this will guarantee for the weight of the loc to be supported at the base. This will also increase your loc count for full head coverage.
Here is also a guideline for how many in a set that you may need:
- 10 locs for an accent set (sparse amount of locs throughout wherever you want to place them).
-25 for a partial (locs peakaboo underneath) or mowhawk style (undercuts with 2/3 of the head exposed shaved).
- 45 to 50 for a full set install for average, medium sections & medium locs.
- 60 to 80 locs for a deluxe set install, recommended for smaller size, pencil thick locs & small sections.
You may request your desired loc thickness in the checkout notes. All locs are made sharpie thickness as a default unless specified differently by the customer.
How long should my locs be?
You want to have enough loc length for your natural hair to be braided down, yet still have a few inches for the actual loc to hang & extend past. Example: if your hair is 12 inches long, I recommend a length of 16-18 inches. Longer if you want more length!
What are some other styles of locs I can get?
At Violet Cove, I can create many combinations to make a perfect set:
Ombre color melts (one color transitions to another).
Ocean wave ends ( crochet style locs with silky ringlet ends only).
Curly locs ( the entire loc is curled & set with hot water).
Candycane locs (two colors swirled together like a candy cane, only available in smooth texture).
Braid in box braids / plaits.
"Viking Locs" ex: a mixture of different texture with braids & curls , embellishments like wraps & charms etc.
Please feel free to utilize the contact us button for more tips & unanswered questions!