DIY Dreadlock Dye: A Comprehensive Guide to Coloring Your Dreads at Home

Dreadlocks are a powerful statement of personal style, and coloring them can further enhance your unique look. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle highlight, a vibrant all-over color, or a bold ombre effect, dyeing your dreads at home is entirely possible with the right knowledge and preparation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve stunning results while keeping your dreads healthy and happy. From choosing the right dye to the final rinse, we’ve got you covered.

Before You Begin: Essential Considerations

Before you jump into the colorful world of dreadlock dyeing, there are several crucial factors to consider. These include the type of dye you use, the health of your dreads, and the specific technique you’ll employ.

1. Choosing the Right Dye

The most important decision you’ll make is selecting the appropriate dye. Here’s a breakdown of common dye types and their suitability for dreadlocks:

• Permanent Hair Dye: This type of dye contains ammonia and peroxide, which opens the hair cuticle and allows the color to penetrate deeply. It offers the most long-lasting results and is ideal for significant color changes, like going from dark to light or covering gray hair. However, it can also be the most damaging to hair, especially if applied incorrectly or too frequently. Use with caution on dreadlocks. Always perform a strand test before committing to a full head of dye.
• Demi-Permanent Hair Dye: Demi-permanent dyes also use a developer but are less harsh than permanent dyes. They do not lift the hair color as much but deposit color. They’re a good choice for adding depth or tone to your existing color, blending gray, or achieving a subtle color change. They tend to last for 20-28 shampoos.
• Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: Semi-permanent dyes are ammonia-free and deposit color without penetrating the hair cuticle as deeply as permanent or demi-permanent dyes. They are less damaging and fade gradually over 6-12 washes. This type is great for temporary color changes, trying out fun colors, or for color refreshes in between more permanent color applications. However, they won’t lighten your dreadlocks.
• Vegetable-Based Dyes (Henna, Indigo, Cassia): Natural dyes like henna, indigo, and cassia are gentler options that can add beautiful red, black, or brown tones, respectively. They are also a great option for covering gray. These can be a more challenging to work with on dreadlocks and require more expertise to avoid build-up. These are permanent in the sense they do not wash out, but the colour will change with time and depending on your lifestyle. Ensure you research the process fully for each dye before using.
• Bleach: Bleach is a lightening agent and not technically a dye. It removes pigment from the hair. It is extremely damaging, particularly for dreadlocks as it weakens the hair shaft, making breakage more likely. Use it sparingly and only if you are sure your hair is healthy enough. Proceed with utmost caution and have a professional opinion beforehand if possible. Do strand test frequently to assess damage levels. Avoid if you don’t have prior experience with bleaching hair.

Considerations when selecting dye for dreadlocks:

• Porousity: Dreadlocks are usually more porous than regular hair, meaning they can absorb dye more quickly and deeply. This can result in the color appearing darker or more intense than expected. Consider this when selecting shades.
• Build-Up: If you use products like waxes, oils, or heavy conditioners in your dreadlocks, this can create a barrier that prevents the dye from penetrating properly, leading to uneven color results. Ensure your dreadlocks are completely clean and free of product build-up before dyeing.
• Hair Health: Damaged or dry dreadlocks are more prone to breakage. Avoid harsh dyes (especially bleach) if your dreads are already in a fragile condition. Ensure your hair is well hydrated before starting the process.

2. Assessing Your Dreadlock Health

Before applying dye, take a good look at your dreads. Are they dry, brittle, or prone to breakage? Do you have a lot of loose hairs? If so, it’s important to address these issues before applying chemicals. Here’s how to assess your dreadlocks:

• Dryness: If your dreads feel dry and brittle, moisturize them regularly with a light, residue-free dreadlock oil or spray for a few weeks before dyeing.
• Breakage: If you have a lot of broken strands or weakened sections, you might want to hold off on dyeing or use a gentle demi- or semi-permanent dye instead. Consider a protein treatment to strengthen hair.
• Build-up: Ensure that there is no product build up in your dreadlocks. Use a clarifying shampoo before dyeing to remove residue which may cause patchy or inconsistent colour results.

3. Essential Supplies

Gather all your supplies before you start the dyeing process. Here’s a checklist of everything you’ll need:

• Hair Dye: Select your chosen dye and ensure you have enough for full coverage of your dreadlocks. If you have long or thick dreadlocks, you may require two boxes. Always do a strand test before applying to entire head.
• Developer: If using permanent or demi-permanent dye, you’ll need the correct volume developer as directed by the dye instructions.
• Mixing Bowl and Brush: Use a non-metallic bowl and an applicator brush for mixing and applying the dye.
• Gloves: Protect your hands with a pair of disposable gloves.
• Old Towel: Drape an old towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing. Consider wearing an old t-shirt as well.
• Clips: Use hair clips to section your dreadlocks and keep them out of the way during application.
• Vaseline or Barrier Cream: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or barrier cream to your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining.
• Hair Colour Applicator Bottle (Optional): An applicator bottle can make it easier to distribute the dye evenly, especially if you have thick dreadlocks.
• Plastic Shower Cap or Wrap: Use a plastic cap to trap heat and moisture, aiding in dye processing.
• Comb with tail: Sectioning hair before applying dye is very important in a consistent application. A comb with a tail is ideal for achieving this.
• Hair Clips/Ties: Separate your dreadlocks into manageable sections with hair clips.
• Clarifying Shampoo: A clarifying shampoo is essential to remove product build-up before dyeing.
• Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner: For use after the dye process, ensuring your dreadlocks remain hydrated and healthy.
• Dreadlock Oil: Essential for moisturising your dreadlocks after the colouring process is complete.

4. Strand Test

Before you apply any dye to your entire head, it is crucial to perform a strand test. This will help you see how the dye will look on your dreads and assess whether the colour is to your liking. It will also show you if any adverse reactions or damage will occur.

• Select a Strand: Choose a small, inconspicuous dreadlock at the nape of your neck.
• Apply the Dye: Follow the instructions on the dye box to mix the dye. Apply the dye to the chosen dreadlock section, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Process: Follow the dye’s processing instructions. Usually between 20 and 45 minutes.
• Rinse and Assess: Rinse the dye thoroughly from the test strand and observe the color. Is it the shade you wanted? Does it look healthy? If yes, you can proceed. If not, you may want to consider a different shade or product.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dyeing Dreadlocks

Now that you’ve prepared yourself and your dreads, let’s get into the actual dyeing process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your desired look:

Step 1: Prepping Your Dreadlocks

1. Cleanse Your Dreadlocks: Use a clarifying shampoo to wash your dreadlocks thoroughly. This step is critical to remove any build-up that may hinder dye absorption. Ensure to rinse your hair thoroughly and dry with a towel.
2. Detangle and Section: Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently detangle any loose hairs, being very careful not to disrupt your locs. Divide your dreadlocks into sections using hair clips. This will make the application process more manageable.
3. Protect Your Skin: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or barrier cream around your hairline, ears, and the nape of your neck to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
4. Protect Your Clothes: Drape an old towel around your shoulders and wear an old T-shirt to protect your clothing from stains.

Step 2: Mixing the Dye

1. Follow the Instructions: Read the instructions provided with your hair dye kit very carefully. This is extremely important in achieving the desired results. Mix your chosen dye, developer (if applicable), and any other required ingredients in your non-metallic bowl as directed by the manufacturer.
2. Blend thoroughly: Mix using a brush until the mixture is a smooth and consistent paste.

Step 3: Applying the Dye

There are several ways to apply dye to dreadlocks, depending on the style you are going for:

1. All-Over Colour
   • Start at the Roots: Begin applying the dye to the roots of your dreadlocks. Make sure you coat them thoroughly but avoid getting dye onto the scalp too much. Work in small sections at a time.
   • Distribute Evenly: Using your hands, an applicator brush or an applicator bottle, apply the dye to each section of dreadlock one at a time, being sure to cover every strand thoroughly. Don’t forget the ends! Saturate each section completely with dye.
   • Work Systematically: Move from section to section, making sure all of your dreadlocks are coated with dye.
2. Highlights and Lowlights
   • Select strands: Choose the strands you would like to highlight or lowlight.
   • Apply Carefully: Using your hands, an applicator brush or an applicator bottle, apply the dye carefully to the strands you have selected, being sure to saturate them completely.
   • Blend as desired: For a subtle effect, use the brush to blend the edges of the dyed strands in with the rest of the hair.
3. Ombre or Dip-Dye
   • Apply to Ends: Decide how high up the dreads you would like your ombre or dip-dye to reach. Apply dye to the ends of the strands, working up to the desired point. Be sure that the ends are completely saturated in dye.
   • Blend: For an ombre effect, blend the dye up the strands using the applicator brush.

Step 4: Processing the Dye

1. Cover Your Dreads: Once all the dreadlocks are dyed, cover your head with a plastic shower cap or wrap to trap heat and moisture. This will help with processing.
2. Set a Timer: Follow the processing time stated on the dye packaging. Do not leave the dye in for longer than this as this can cause damage to your dreadlocks and can also result in the colour going too dark or uneven.
3. Check Regularly: You can check a small strand of hair after half the processing time. This will give you an indication of the progression of the dye. If you are not satisfied with how the colour is developing, you can leave the dye for a longer time but must not exceed the stated time frame.

Step 5: Rinsing and Conditioning

1. Rinse Thoroughly: After the processing time is complete, rinse your dreadlocks thoroughly with cool to lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Continue rinsing until no more dye is being washed out. It is essential that all of the dye is rinsed out to ensure no build up occurs.
2. Shampoo: Use a gentle, colour-safe shampoo to cleanse your dreadlocks. Gently massage and work the shampoo in, taking care not to damage any weakened strands. Rinse your dreadlocks again thoroughly.
3. Condition: Use a good quality conditioner that is safe for dreadlocks, focusing on the lengths and ends of your dreads. You may want to avoid conditioning at the roots as this can cause build-up. Rinse thoroughly again.

Step 6: Drying and Moisturizing

1. Towel Dry Gently: Gently pat your dreadlocks dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing as this can cause frizz.
2. Air Dry: If possible, allow your dreadlocks to air dry. You can also use a hairdryer on a low heat and cool setting if needed. Avoid hot air as this will cause dryness and potential damage.
3. Moisturize: Once your dreadlocks are dry, apply a light, residue-free dreadlock oil to moisturize and nourish them.

Tips for Successful Dreadlock Dyeing

Here are some additional tips to ensure your dreadlock dyeing experience is successful:

• Go Gradually: If you’re aiming for a dramatic color change, avoid going too light or too dark in one go. It is recommended to do gradual changes to reduce the likelihood of damage and to allow your hair to adjust to the new colour.
• Use Quality Products: Invest in high-quality hair dye and aftercare products specifically designed for dreadlocks. These will have a gentler impact on your dreads and can achieve better results.
• Don’t Over-Process: Avoid leaving the dye in for longer than the recommended time. Over-processing can cause damage, dryness, and breakage.
• Deep Condition Regularly: After dyeing your dreadlocks, they’ll need extra hydration. Use a deep conditioning treatment regularly to keep them moisturized and healthy.
• Limit Washing: Limit washing your dreadlocks for at least 24-48 hours after dyeing. This allows the colour to settle and to prevent it from fading prematurely.
• Stay Patient: Dyeing dreadlocks can take time and patience, especially if you are making a dramatic colour change or if you are applying complex techniques such as ombre or highlights.
• Don’t Over-Dye: Avoid dyeing your dreadlocks too frequently. This can lead to damage.

Aftercare for Dyed Dreadlocks

Proper aftercare is essential to maintain the health and vibrancy of your dyed dreadlocks. Here are some key tips:

• Use Color-Safe Products: Use shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products are gentle and help prevent fading.
• Minimize Heat: Limit your use of heat styling tools, such as hair dryers, as excessive heat can fade your color and damage your dreads. Air drying is always preferred.
• Moisturize Regularly: Apply a light, residue-free dreadlock oil or spray daily to keep your dreadlocks hydrated. This helps prevent dryness and breakage.
• Protect from the Sun: The sun can fade your hair color. When you are going to be in the sun for extended periods of time, use a UV protection spray on your dreadlocks. You can also wear a hat or scarf to protect them from the sun’s harsh rays.
• Touch Up as Needed: Depending on the type of dye you used and how quickly your hair grows, you may need to touch up your roots every few weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong dye: Ensure the dye you select is the appropriate type for your needs. If you have dark hair and are wanting to go light, ensure you have the correct chemicals needed (ie bleach) but note this process is the most damaging.
• Not performing a strand test: Always conduct a strand test before using a new dye on your full head of hair.
• Skipping the clarifying wash: Not removing build up before dyeing your hair will result in a patchy, inconsistent colour finish.
• Applying dye to dry dreadlocks: Ensure your dreadlocks are completely dry before applying dye. Excess water can create a barrier to the dye and result in an inconsistent or patchy finish.
• Leaving the dye in for too long: Following instructions and sticking to the recommended time frames is critical in achieving the desired results and preventing damage.
• Not moisturizing properly after dyeing: After dyeing your hair it is important to moisturize regularly to maintain healthy hydrated hair.

Conclusion

Dyeing dreadlocks at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps carefully and taking the necessary precautions, you can achieve beautiful, vibrant color while maintaining the health of your dreads. Remember to choose the right dye for your needs, prepare your dreads thoroughly, and always prioritize their health. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rocking your unique, colorful dreadlocks in no time!