8.1.4 – Discussion – Color & Texture Matching When Adding Extra Hair

WHAT THIS LESSON CONTAINS:

• Disclaimer
To be clear, you aren’t REQUIRED to match hair texture. Some clients might even love having different colors and textures in their hair. However, our approach is to use the most natural way to approach dreadlocks possible. With that being said, matching color, texture, and hair type provides the most natural look and feel. And often times the closer you can match the client’s hair to the hair being added, you’ll have tighter and more secure work.

• Matching Afro Hair Texture
Matching the texture of thick and coarse Afro Hair is often the easiest, just use the bulk Afro Hair we recommend for practice and you’re good to go. Soft Afro Hair is a whole different scenario. Using the Afro Hair we recommend will work in soft Afro Hair as well, it will hold much stronger, however the texture will not match very well. Unfortunately I don’t have an alternative option at this time other than browsing the internet for alternative options.

• Matching Straight Hair Textures
Matching non-Afro Hair textures can be quite a challenge to get right. Most medium to thick hair densities will match most extension hair that you’ll find online or in stores. Finer and Softer hair textures are often much more difficult to match. If you have the time and patience you might want to consider visiting a local hair supply store. With the help of someone who works there, you might just find something that matches your hair well.

• Soft and Fine Hair Textures
Though I haven’t used this myself, I’ve heard of people using Alpaca hair to add to dreadlocks. Using Alpaca hair seems to make the most sense for very soft and fine hair textures. I have no personal experience with this at this time, however it might be worth trying to match soft hair textures. You can browse loose Alpaca hair on Etsy. Here’s a shop to get started – https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWoolenWagon

• Matching Hair Color
It’s always best to match color out in sunlight, that’s when any color differences will be most noticeable. This is impossible to do online. When matching color for clients digitally I always require them to take a photo of their hair against a white sheet of paper while standing outside. This will give you the most accurate color of the clients hair. Then you just have to use your best judgement with online suppliers.