How Much Does a Dreadlock Retwist Cost?

Last Updated on April 15, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

If you ever had dreadlocks, then you surely know that they are far from easy to maintain properly. It’s not a job for everyone and you’ll have to take care of it daily. When it comes to grooming and maintaining locks, you actually have quite a few options and approaches. Each technique is available both as a DIY project and as a professional service. Each technique comes with its benefits so you should always do your own research and go for the one that suits your needs best.

This article will go over just three of the main techniques for dreaklock retwist, although the list is somewhat bigger. We’ll also list price points and benefits for each of the retwist techniques, so it is easier for you to make an informed decision. Of course, in the end, the cost will depend on several factors, like the method you use, the loc maturity, the hair thickness, and the hair length, among others, so make sure you consider all of the variables when budgeting for a deadlock retwist.

How Much Does a Retwist Cost?

The cost of a dreadlock retwist done by a professional is somewhere between $35 and $400, depending on several factors including the method you use, the loc maturity, the hair thickness, and the hair length, among others. The average individual will likely spend between $75 and $200 for this service.

Palm Rolling or Retwisting

Palm rolling is the process of grasping the dread with the base of your palms and then rubbing it back and forth in a vigorous motion. You will have to apply a decent amount of pressure so that the dread is compressed and tightened. The process is very similar to rolling a Play-Doh in the palms of your hands to make it longer and skinnier.

You can try to use wax in the locks if you want to get the best results when Palm rolling.

How often should this be done?

You will need to make an appointment every two weeks or so to keep the locs in optimal shape. This is to keep its consistency while it matures and becomes stronger.

The price of this technique

As pointed out above, there are a few very important factors that will decide the final price your Loctician will quote you, and here are the most important ones:

1. The strength of the dreadlocks is very important
2. It’s also important if you’ve properly maintained the hair or not
3. The length of the hair will also be taken into account
4. The needed time to complete the process will also be factored in, as locs in better condition will take less

Expect a price between $60 and $300 for starter locs, while retwisting mature locs will cost between $35 and $150.

Interlocking

The method of interlocking is used to maintain new growth with the help of a latch hook or an interlocking tool. You will achieve this using the three-rotation system. The interlocking tool is used to pull the whole loc in 3 angles. This method will work better for mature locs, as it is used for new growth.

You might also like our articles about the cost of box braids, tree braids, or body wave perms.

When interlocking, it would be a great idea to leave at least some loose hair at the scalp. This will give you great flexibility with the locs.

How often should this be done?

You can do Interlocking far less frequently, as this technique is more of a knot builder inside the loc, so you will need to wait for new growth to do it again. Professionals recommend around 6 to 8 weeks between jobs. Although doing this 8 weeks apart will be better because your hair will have enough time to grow.

You can use interlocking if you fall into any of these categories:

• You have plenty of slippage and difficulty in locking your hair
• If you have to travel a lot to reach your Loctician for each appointment
• If your initial braid locs were on longer hair
• If you workout a lot and have a rather active lifestyle

The price of this technique

This process will also have a variable price, that depends on factors like the strength and length of your dreadlocks, whether you maintained them properly, and the amount of time the Loctician will spend doing the job.

You are likely to spend between $100 and $350 for interlocking starter locks while doing it for mature locs will only cost between $75 and $250.

Crochet

You should get crochet dreadlocks if you have a hair length of at least four to five inches. The process is also better on loose or un-knotted hair. Depending on your hair type, thickness, and texture, you will get quite different results when using this process. You won’t notice any length loss when getting new locs with the crochet or backcombing method.

You are also likely to need more than one session to complete the process for new dreadlocks.

How often should this be done?

Full maintenance should be used 6 to 7 weeks after the initial sessions, to ensure that the locs look fresh. Then, after three more months, you will need another maintenance appointment so that the dreadlocks that are closer to the bottom are straightened, as they are likely to shrink.

The price of this technique

As with all other techniques, it will have a variable price depending on several factors like the strength and length of your dreadlocks, whether you maintained them properly, and the amount of time the Loctician will spend doing the job.

Expect crocheting to cost somewhere around $60 per hour, which translates into a cost of $300 to $400 for both starter locs and mature locs, as the process is likely to last around five hours.

Soft Crochet

This is the method that will enable your dreadlocks to form in a natural way. The method is not only messy but also slow, and is likely to take more than 4 months before locs will properly develop. You will have no control over the shape or consistency, and you are guaranteed to lose six or more inches of hair in the process.

How often should this be done?

Based on our research, we recommend that you get a follow-up appointment 5 weeks after the initial session, as a way of tightening the rebelling dreadlocks, after which, the process will continue. After 6 more weeks, go for yet another maintenance session so that you keep the locs looking properly.

The price of this technique

The soft crochet technique is likely to cost over $275 and will be done just on starter locs.

It’s very crucial to have consistency when building your locs, so make sure you do proper research when picking the method that works for you and stick to it.

Having consistency in how you develop your locs is vital to avoid irregularities later on. If you were to switch between multiple techniques you will most likely create a line of demarcation between areas, which will create a bend in the locs.