Synthetic vs. Real Dreadlocks: What’s the Difference & Which is Right for You?

When considering dreadlocks, one of the first decisions to make is whether to go for synthetic or real dreads. Both have their own benefits depending on your lifestyle, hair goals, and preferences. Let’s break down the key differences to help you choose the best option for you.

Synthetic Dreadlocks

• Temporary style (typically worn for 2–3 months)

• Low maintenance (just needs reinstalling every 2-3 months)

• Braided into your hair — less natural-looking at the roots

• Easy to remove

• Adds a lot of volume

• More affordable option

• Quick to install (2–4 hours)

• Painless to install

• Dries quickly after washing

• Appearance stays the same over time

• Minimum 8cm of hair needed to install

Real Dreadlocks

• Long-term commitment

• Requires more maintenance, especially during the first year

• More natural look — formed with your own hair (and option for extensions)

• More challenging to remove (time-consuming comb-out)

• Volume depends on your natural hair density and thickness

• Higher cost for installation

• Takes longer to create (often half a day or a full day)

• Installation and upkeep can feel sensitive at first (can be painful for some)

• Takes longer to dry as they mature and compact

• Dreads may look loose or messy at first, but mature beautifully over time!

• Hair needs to be at least 15cm for extensions or ideally shoulder-length for natural dreads

What’s Your Main Reason for Wanting Dreads?

Let’s look at some common reasons people choose dreadlocks — your answer might help guide your decision.

I Want More Volume in My Hair

If volume is your goal, synthetic dreads are the quickest and easiest way to get it. Even with fine or thin hair, synthetic sets can be customized with more double-ended dreads for added fullness.

Real dreads also add volume (especially if we use extensions to add extra length and volume), but the result depends on your natural hair. Thick hair will naturally produce more dreads, while fine hair will result in fewer. You can boost volume by adding some temporary single-ended dreads to your real locs!

Summary: For instant volume, synthetic dreads are your best bet.

I Love Switching Up My Look

If you enjoy changing your hairstyle regularly, synthetic dreadlocks give you the freedom to experiment with lots of different colors, lengths, and textures without committing to one look.

Real dreads are a longer-term style. While you can still personalize them with wraps, beads, or temporary dreads, changing the overall style takes more effort!

Summary: Want flexibility and variety? Get yourself a few synthetic dreadlock sets and start mixing it up!

I Want the Most Natural Look Possible

Real dreadlocks are made from your own hair, so they blend in seamlessly and evolve naturally over time. They develop character, shape, and texture that’s completely unique to you.

Synthetic dreads, while beautiful, are braided into your hair, and the braid is usually still slightly visible at the roots. They maintain a more uniform and polished look that doesn’t change much with time.

Summary: For the most authentic appearance, real dreads are the way to go.

I Don’t Want to Spend Much Time on My Hair

Synthetic dreads are a low-effort style. Once installed, they hold their shape, are easy to style, and only need washing about once a week. Plus, no more bad hair days!

Real dreads require more care, especially early on. As they mature, the routine gets much easier and they really don't need much maintenance at all! (Other than seeing your loctician like us to do a root tidy when your hair grows and you have some loose roots! And for any repairs of course!) But they do demand a bit more time and patience in the beginning.

Summary: For a fuss-free, time-saving style, synthetic dreads are ideal.

I Want to Try Dreads Without a Long-Term Commitment

Thinking about getting dreads but not sure if they’re right for you? Synthetic dreads are a great temporary option! Wear them for a few months and see how they make you feel and whether they suit you!

Real dreads, on the other hand, are much more permanent. While it’s possible to remove them, it takes time, patience and effort (by combing-out!) And since they’re a bigger investment, it’s best to be sure before you commit. That's why if you wish to get a feel for the "loc life", you could start with the synthetic temporary locs first before committing!

Summary: Want to test the waters? Try synthetic temporary locs first!

I’m Tired of My Frizzy or Flat Hair

If you’ve tried every style and nothing seems to work, dreads can offer the change you’re looking for. Synthetic dreads can give your hair more body, length, and ease, and they’re easy to reinstall after short breaks to let your scalp breathe.

Real dreads are perfect if you want a long-term solution. Once your hair is dreaded, there’s no going back to the daily battle with frizz — you’ll just need periodic maintenance.

Summary: Both types can help, depending on whether you want a short-term or long-term solution.

I’m Over Detangling My Hair Every Day

If tangles are your daily nightmare, dreadlocks could be a dream come true!

Synthetic dreads require brushing and detangling when you remove them every few months, which can be a chore — especially if your hair tangles easily.

Real dreads are formed once, and you don’t have to detangle again. In fact, if your hair naturally tangles, that can actually help your dreads lock faster!!!

Summary: Both options can help, but real dreads mean no more daily detangling for good. Some of our clients LOVE this about real dreads!

Still Not Sure What’s Right for You?

Choosing between synthetic and real dreads is a personal decision. If you’re still unsure, we offer personalized FREE consultations (in person or over the phone) to help you decide!

Whether you want something fun and temporary or a long-term transformation, we’ll help you find the right fit for your hair type and lifestyle! Fill in our contact form on the "CONTACT" page and we will come back to you asap to arrange a free consultation or simply discuss your wants and needs!