If your hair is a very light blonde then it's really easy. If not, then you have to bleach them first. I have heard of people using regular household bleach, but I have never tried it and I don't think it's a smart idea so I do not recommend it. Go to Wal-Mart or Sally's and get the cheapest hair bleach you can find. I have used Clairol and it worked great. Some bleach will make your hair turn orange, but this one turns you hair a very light blonde. Let the bleach sit in the hair for a while, because you want to make sure you get all the hair, and make sure you squeeze it into the dread when you do it, otherwise the dark hair will show through. Make sure you wash all the bleach out, and wait a day before coloring your hair, because your hair may be very delicate right after you do it. When applying the color, do it the same way you applied the bleach, squeeze it in the dred locks to make sure you get all the hair you can, and make sure you wash all of it out.

What are the different styles I can fix my dreads in?

You can ponytail, pigtail, or braid them. You can wrap them in hemp, ribbons, and string. You can dye them different colors. Wear a tam, crown, headband, bandana, toque, or those head wraps. You can put beads, peyote stitches, or Pyrex in too.

Are beads just for style?

No. Just like rubber bands beads help the dreading process. They are really great for loose spots on the dread locks. They also smooth out lumps, and flaps.

Will it mis-shape my dreads if I put them in a ponytail?

The dreads may have a crease just like your normal hair would after you take the ponytail out, but don't worry, it will go away when you wash them, or palm roll them.

How do I get rid of lumps in my dreads?

The best way to take care of a lump is palm rolling or you can put a bead over the lump and take it off in two months.

How long is the dreading process? And how long until my dreads look like dreads?
Depends on which method you choose

Backcombing- it will take about 3-6 hours to dread the hair, and about a month to three for them to lock up.

Twist and Rip- it will take six months to a year to form dreads, and they lock up on the way.

Neglect- it usually takes about 2-3 years to lock up.

Dread Perm- locks up in about 3 months

Twisting- I haven't heard of it working for Caucasian hair, but it usually takes about 2 months for African American hair to lock.

Comb rubbing for short African American hair- it usually takes about 3-4 hours to complete the process

Dread Braiding- it can take 1-5 hours to braid your hair depending on how long your hair is. It can take anywhere from a year to three for the braids to turn into dreads and lock up.

Silky Dreads- It can take 2-6 hours to braid the synthetic hair into your hair and wrap the braids. Your dreads will look just like normal dreadlocks right after they are finished

Industrial Dreads- Check methods for your dreading method.

Loomed Dreads- It will probably take about 1-2 hours to put them in and they will look like dreads right after you finish.

Twist & Pin- It will take between 1-3 hours to put the dreads in and it can take 3-6 months for the dreads to lock up.