Hair accessories give your dreadlocks character, story and personality.
Whether it's wooden beads, metal details or handmade macramé wraps — each material requires a different level of care.
With the right care, your accessories will stay beautiful for longer and you can prevent wear, discolouration or damage.
In this guide you can read how to best care for your dreadlock accessories.
Wooden beads
Wood is a natural material that lives and reacts to water, air and temperature.
What you should do instead
- Whenever possible, remove wooden beads from your dreads before washing them.
- Dry them well if they do get wet.
- Give them a little natural oil (e.g. linseed oil or jojoba) every now and then to prevent dehydration.
- Keep them dry when not wearing them.
What you better not do
- Soak in water for a long time.
- Wash with shampoo.
- Too often exposed to moisture (this can cause cracking or dullness).
✧ Tip : Wood can develop a little patina — that's part of the character of the material.
Metal beads (stainless steel & gold plated)
Metal accessories are strong, but not indestructible.
stainless steel
Stainless steel is the easiest to maintain.
Do:
- Rinse with water if there is shampoo or salt on it.
- Dry after washing.
Don't:
- Do not leave wet for long periods of time (especially in damp areas).
Gold plated
Gold plated beads have a thin layer of gold — which requires a little more softness.
Do:
- As little contact with water and shampoo as possible.
- Remove when washing or swimming, if possible.
- Wipe gently with a dry cloth.
Don't:
- Scrubbing or polishing with rough materials.
- Contact with aggressive products (shampoo, perfume, oil).
✧ Tip : The less water and friction, the longer the gold layer will stay beautiful.
Natural stone beads
Natural stone beads not only give your dreadlocks a special look, but also carry their own character and energy.
Because natural stone is a natural material, it requires a slightly gentler form of care.
What natural stone beads need
- Clean them gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Dry them well if they get wet.
- Whenever possible, remove them from your dreads before washing, especially with heavy duty washing.
- Keep them dry when not wearing them.
What you better avoid
- Prolonged contact with water or shampoo.
- Abrasive materials or hard brushes.
- Chemical products such as perfume, hairspray or harsh cleaners.
Tip : Some natural stones may become slightly duller over time. This is normal—it's part of the material's lifespan. Gentle care will keep them looking beautiful for longer.
Macrame hairwraps
Macramé wraps are often made of cotton, linen or waxed thread (such as Linhasita).
They are sturdy, but also sensitive to intensive washing.
What they need
- Gentle cleaning: clean gently occasionally with a slightly damp cloth.
- Air dry if wet.
- Handle with care when pulling and twisting.
What you better avoid
- Rub with shampoo or soap.
- Do not leave wet for long periods of time (this may weaken the thread).
✧ Tip : Think of macrame wraps like textiles — the gentler you treat them, the longer they will last.
