How Much Do Dreadlocks Cost? (2026 Price Guide)

When I decided to start locs in 2019, the first thing I did was call three locticians in Atlanta. The quotes ranged from $150 to $600 for installation alone. I had no idea where that range came from, and nobody would explain it without me sitting in their chair first. So I did the research myself. This guide covers every cost associated with dreadlocks in 2026: professional installation prices by method, ongoing maintenance expenses, DIY versus salon comparisons, and a total year-one breakdown so you know exactly what you are signing up for before the first twist.

Quick answer: Expect to spend $100-800 for professional installation depending on the method, plus $50-150 every four to eight weeks for maintenance retwists. Total year-one cost ranges from $350 (DIY freeform) to $2,500+ (professional sisterlocks with regular maintenance). Scroll to the year-one cost breakdown table for the full picture.

Professional Installation Costs by Method

The cost of starting locs depends almost entirely on the method you choose and the loctician doing the work. Here is what each method costs in 2026, based on conversations with locticians in Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago.

Comb Coils ($100-300)

Comb coils are one of the most common starting methods for 4C hair. A loctician uses a fine-tooth comb to twist small sections of hair into tight coils that eventually lock over time. This is the method I started with, and it is the most affordable professional option for textured hair.

What affects the price:

• Hair length. Short hair (1-3 inches) takes less time and costs less. Longer hair (4-6+ inches) requires more sections and more product, pushing the price up.
• Hair density. Thick, dense 4C hair means more individual coils. A person with 80 coils pays less than someone with 150.
• Loctician experience. A senior loctician in a major city charges more than a junior stylist in a smaller market.
• Location. Atlanta and New York are consistently more expensive than Houston or Charlotte for the same service.

Typical range: $100 for short hair in a mid-market city. $200-300 for medium-to-long hair in a major metro area.

Best for: 4B and 4C hair types. The tight coil pattern grips well on tightly curled hair. If you have 4A or looser, your stylist may recommend two-strand twists instead. For a deeper dive into starting methods, check our guide on how to get dreads.

Two-Strand Twists ($100-250)

Two-strand twists are another popular starter method. Two sections of hair are twisted around each other, creating rope-like twists that gradually lock over several months. This method works across a wider range of hair textures than comb coils.

What affects the price:

• Number of twists. More twists mean more time. A full head of fine twists (100+) costs more than chunky twists (40-60).
• Hair length. Two-strand twists require at least 3-4 inches of hair to hold properly. Longer hair takes more time.
• Parting precision. Some clients want perfectly even, uniform parts. That level of detail adds 30-60 minutes to the session.

Typical range: $100-250. Most clients in a major city pay around $150 for a standard installation.

Best for: 3C to 4C hair types. Two-strand twists work well on a wider range of textures because the twisting motion creates grip regardless of how tight the natural curl pattern is.

Interlocking ($150-400)

Interlocking is a technique where the loc is pulled through itself at the base using a specialized tool. This creates an immediate “locked” appearance at the root without relying on gel or twist tension to hold. It is a more technical method that requires specialized training.

What affects the price:

• Number of locs. Interlocking is done loc by loc, so more locs means significantly more time.
• Loctician certification. Interlocking requires specific training. Certified interlocking specialists charge a premium because fewer stylists offer this service.
• Hair condition. Previously damaged or chemically treated hair takes extra care and time.

Typical range: $150 for a small number of locs on short hair. $300-400 for a full head on medium to long hair. Some specialists charge up to $500 in high-cost markets.

Best for: People who want minimal product use, active lifestyles (interlocked locs hold better during exercise and swimming), and those who prefer the neat look from day one.

Crochet / Instant Locs ($200-600)

Crochet locs, also called instant locs, use a crochet needle to interlock loose hair into a locked structure immediately. Instead of waiting months for your hair to loc naturally, a skilled loctician can create the appearance and feel of mature locs in a single session.

What affects the price:

• Hair length and density. This is the most labor-intensive starting method. A full head of crochet locs on thick, long hair can take 6-10 hours.
• Desired loc size. Thinner locs take dramatically more time. Pencil-thin locs on a full head can push the session past 8 hours and the price past $500.
• Market location. Major metros average $350-500. Smaller cities may be $200-300.

Typical range: $200-600. The average for a full head in a major city is around $350-450.

Best for: People who want mature-looking locs from day one, those who do not want to go through the messy starter loc phase, and anyone whose profession requires a polished look immediately.

Sisterlocks ($400-800+)

Sisterlocks are the premium tier of loc installation. They are extremely thin locs (thinner than traditional locs) installed using a proprietary interlocking tool by a certified Sisterlocks consultant. The installation takes 12-24 hours, usually split across two to three sessions.

What affects the price:

• Certification requirement. Only certified Sisterlocks consultants can install them, which limits supply and increases cost.
• Installation time. A typical installation takes 15-20 hours across multiple days. Some people need 24+ hours for very dense hair.
• Location and demand. In Atlanta, a Sisterlocks installation runs $500-800. In New York or LA, expect $600-900+. In smaller markets with fewer consultants, the cost can actually be higher due to limited availability.

Typical range: $400 for short, low-density hair. $600-800 for average density. $800+ for thick, dense hair or high-demand markets.

Best for: People who want the thinnest, most versatile locs. Sisterlocks can be styled in ponytails, updos, and twists that thicker traditional locs cannot accommodate. Note: while the name includes “sister,” men absolutely get Sisterlocks. I have seen it more in the last two years, especially among professionals who want locs with maximum styling versatility.

Freeform Locs ($0)

Freeform locs cost nothing because there is no professional installation. You simply stop combing your hair and let it loc naturally over time. Some people separate sections periodically to prevent matting into one large clump. Others do not touch it at all.

What you still need:

• A good shampoo ($5-12 per bottle)
• Patience. Freeform locs can take 6-18 months to form recognizable locs, depending on your hair texture.
• Willingness to embrace the messy, unpredictable look during the formation period.

Best for: People with 4B or 4C hair (which locs most easily on its own), those who want a natural, organic look, anyone on a tight budget, and those who philosophically prefer letting their hair do what it does without interference.

Professional Installation Price Summary

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Installation is just the beginning. The real cost of locs is maintenance. Here is what to budget for after your initial installation.

Professional Retwists ($50-150 per session)

A retwist is the standard maintenance appointment for locs. Your loctician retwists the new growth at the base of each loc so that it integrates with the existing locked hair. This is what keeps your locs looking neat and uniform.

Frequency: Every two to four weeks for starter locs. Every four to eight weeks for mature locs. Over-retwisting causes thinning at the root, so more is not necessarily better.

What determines the price:

• Number of locs. More locs, more time, higher price.
• Loc size. Thin locs take longer to retwist individually than thick locs.
• Included services. Some locticians include a wash and style in the retwist price. Others charge separately.
• Location. Atlanta averages $75-100 for a standard retwist. New York and LA run $85-150. Smaller markets average $50-80.

Annual cost estimate:

• Starter locs (retwist every 3 weeks): 17 sessions x $75-100 = $1,275-1,700/year
• Mature locs (retwist every 6 weeks): 9 sessions x $75-100 = $675-900/year

Interlocking Retightening ($75-200 per session)

If your locs were started with interlocking, you will continue maintaining them with the same technique. Interlocking retightening costs more than a standard retwist because the technique is more time-intensive.

Frequency: Every four to six weeks.

Annual cost estimate: 8-12 sessions x $100-150 = $800-1,800/year

Sisterlocks Retightening ($100-250 per session)

Sisterlocks require retightening by a certified consultant. Because the locs are so thin and numerous (some people have 400+), sessions take two to four hours and cost accordingly.

Frequency: Every four to six weeks.

Annual cost estimate: 8-12 sessions x $125-200 = $1,000-2,400/year

DIY Retwists ($0 labor, products only)

Many people learn to retwist their own locs to save money. After watching your loctician do it a few times, the technique is straightforward. You will need a locking gel, clips to section your hair, and a mirror. For gel recommendations, read our best locking gel for dreads guide.

Annual product cost: $30-80 for gel, shampoo, and oil. That is the total, not per session.

Product Costs: What You Actually Need

Beyond salon visits, you will spend money on products. The good news is that loc care products are relatively affordable compared to loose natural hair products. You do not need ten products. You need three or four.

Essential Products

Total annual product cost: $67-260, depending on product choice and hair density.

Optional Products

• Loc butter or cream for moisture ($10-15, lasts 2-3 months): $40-90/year
• Apple cider vinegar for deep cleansing ($3-5 per bottle): $10-20/year
• Spray bottle for daily moisture ($3-5, lasts all year): $5/year
• Loc jewelry and accessories (if you are into that): varies widely

Tools You May Need

• Crochet needle (for maintenance, if you learn the technique): $5-10 (one-time purchase)
• Loc clips/rubber bands for sectioning during retwists: $3-5 (lasts months)
• Hooded dryer or bonnet dryer attachment (for drying thick locs after wash): $30-80 (one-time purchase)

DIY vs. Professional: The Honest Comparison

I get asked this constantly. “Can I just do it myself?” The answer is yes, with caveats. Here is the real comparison.

My recommendation: Start with a professional installation and at least three to four professional retwists. Watch carefully. Ask questions. Learn the technique. After that, you can start doing your own retwists and save $600-1,200 per year. Visit a professional every two to three months for a “check-up” retwist to catch anything you might be missing.

If you are maintaining your own locs, having the right shampoo for your hair type is essential for keeping things clean between professional visits.

Cost by Hair Length

Hair length significantly impacts installation cost because longer hair takes more time to section, twist, and style. Here is a general guide.

Note on stretched vs. shrunk length: 4C hair shrinks up to 75%. If your hair appears 2 inches but stretches to 6 inches, the installation takes the same time as someone with visibly 6-inch hair. Discuss stretched length with your loctician when getting a price quote. Understanding how 4C hair grows helps set realistic expectations for length and timeline.

Regional Price Variations

Where you live matters. Loc prices follow the same pattern as other professional services: higher in major coastal cities, lower in the South and Midwest (with the exception of Atlanta, which is a premium market for Black hair care).

Atlanta deserves special mention. Despite being in the South, Atlanta is the cultural capital of Black hair care in America. The concentration of skilled locticians is higher than almost anywhere else, but so is the demand. Prices reflect that. When I was getting my locs maintained in Atlanta, I paid $85 per retwist session, which was middle of the road for the area.

Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

The installation and retwist prices are only part of the picture. Here are the costs that catch people off guard.

1. The “Emergency” Retwist

Starter locs unravel. It happens. Sometimes you wake up and three locs have come loose overnight. If you do not know how to fix them yourself, you need an emergency salon visit. Most locticians charge $30-60 for spot maintenance outside your regular appointment.

2. Deep Cleansing Treatments

If you used the wrong products (see: beeswax disaster) or went too long without washing, you may need a professional deep cleanse. This involves an extended apple cider vinegar soak, specialized cleansing products, and sometimes steam treatment. Cost: $50-100 per session.

3. Thinning Repair

Over-retwisting or excessive tension can cause locs to thin at the root. If a loc thins enough to risk breaking off, a loctician can combine it with a neighboring loc or reinforce the root. This is specialized work that costs $10-20 per loc repaired, and some people need 10-20 locs addressed.

4. Loc Extensions (If You Want Length Faster)

Some people add human hair extensions to their starter locs for immediate length. This adds $50-200+ to your installation cost depending on the amount and quality of hair purchased. Synthetic hair is cheaper but does not blend as naturally.

5. Satin Bedding

Cotton pillowcases cause friction that creates frizz and can pull on locs. A satin or silk pillowcase ($10-25) or satin bonnet ($8-15) is a practical necessity, not a luxury. You will replace these every 6-12 months.

6. Hooded Dryer

Thick locs take hours to air dry. If you wash your locs at night, sleeping with wet locs can lead to mildew. A bonnet dryer attachment ($30-50) or tabletop hooded dryer ($40-80) is a one-time purchase that saves you from this problem. Not essential, but strongly recommended for anyone with medium to thick locs.

Total Year-One Cost Breakdown

Here is the full picture. These estimates assume a full head of traditional-sized locs on medium-density hair, with prices at national averages.

Context matters. A $2,000 year-one cost sounds like a lot until you compare it to other men’s grooming expenses. A barber visit every two weeks at $30-50 per cut costs $780-1,300 per year. Add in a daily hair product routine and you are easily matching the cost of professional loc maintenance. Locs are not cheap, but they are not unusually expensive either when you factor in what you are replacing.

Money-Saving Tips That Actually Work

After talking to loc wearers and locticians across the country, here are the strategies that genuinely reduce your loc costs without compromising your hair.

1. Learn to Retwist Yourself

This is the single biggest money saver. A DIY retwist costs $0 in labor and $2-3 in gel per session. A professional retwist costs $50-150. If you retwist every three weeks, that is the difference between $50/year and $900+/year in maintenance. Watch YouTube tutorials from professional locticians (not random influencers), practice on the front sections first, and invest in a good locking gel that makes the process easier.

2. Extend Time Between Retwists

Most people retwist too often. Starter locs benefit from retwists every two to four weeks, but once your locs are past the budding stage (6-12 months), you can stretch to every four to six weeks. Mature locs can go six to eight weeks easily. Every extra week between retwists saves you $50-150 per skipped session.

3. Choose Budget-Friendly Products

You do not need premium loc products to have healthy locs. A $5 jar of Jamaican Mango & Lime works as well as a $18 boutique gel for most people. A $4 bottle of pure jojoba oil from the drugstore moisturizes just as well as a $25 branded “loc oil.” Focus on clean, simple ingredients rather than brand names.

4. Wash Your Own Locs

Some locticians charge separately for a pre-retwist wash ($15-25). Washing your locs at home before your appointment saves that cost and ensures your hair is prepped the way you prefer. A simple residue-free shampoo is all you need.

5. Go Freeform for the First Six Months

If you have 4C hair, your hair naturally wants to loc. Starting with a freeform approach for the first six months costs nothing and lets your hair begin the locking process organically. After six months, visit a loctician to “clean up” the freeform locs into more uniform shapes. This saves you the initial installation cost while still ending up with neat locs.

6. Find a Loc Apprentice or Student

Many experienced locticians have apprentices who need practice clients. These apprentices work under supervision and charge 30-50% less than the senior stylist. The quality is often excellent because the supervising loctician ensures everything is done correctly. Ask your local loc salon if they have an apprentice program.

7. Buy Products in Bulk

Most loc products are available in larger sizes at a lower per-ounce cost. A 16 oz jar of gel costs less per ounce than an 8 oz jar. BSS (beauty supply stores) often have buy-two-get-one deals on Black hair care products. Stock up during sales.

What About Loc Removal?

Nobody wants to think about this when they are starting locs, but it is worth knowing: removing locs is expensive and time-consuming. Professional loc removal (called “loc takedown”) costs $300-800+ depending on loc length, density, and how long you have had them. The process involves carefully cutting each loc above the locked portion and then detangling the root. Some locticians charge by the hour ($50-100/hour), and a full takedown can take 8-15 hours spread across multiple sessions.

Many people cut their locs off entirely rather than paying for removal, but this means starting over with very short hair. If you are committed to the loc journey, knowing this exit cost upfront helps frame the decision.

Locs as a Long-Term Investment

Here is something I wish someone had told me when I started: locs get cheaper over time.

Year one is the most expensive because you are paying for installation, frequent retwists during the fragile starter phase, and building your product collection. By year two, your locs are stronger and need less frequent maintenance. By year three, many people are doing their own retwists entirely. The total cost drops significantly.

Compare that to the ongoing cost of bi-weekly barber visits ($780-1,300/year, every year, forever) and locs start looking like one of the more economical long-term grooming choices available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get dreadlocks done professionally?

Professional dreadlock installation ranges from $100 to $800+ depending on the method. Comb coils run $100-300, two-strand twists cost $100-250, interlocking is $150-400, crochet/instant locs are $200-600, and Sisterlocks are $400-800+. The price depends on your hair length, density, chosen loc size, and your city’s market rate.

How much do dreadlock retwists cost?

Professional retwists typically cost $50-150 per session. The price varies by city (New York averages $85-150, smaller cities average $50-80), number of locs, and whether the appointment includes a wash and style. Most people get retwisted every two to six weeks depending on their loc stage.

Are dreadlocks expensive to maintain?

Dreadlocks cost $600-2,000 per year for full professional maintenance, or $100-300 per year if you learn to retwist at home. Compared to bi-weekly barber visits ($780-1,300/year), locs are comparable or cheaper in the long run, especially after the first year when maintenance frequency decreases.

Can I start dreadlocks by myself for free?

Yes. Freeform locs cost nothing to start. Simply stop combing your hair and let it loc naturally. This works best on 4B and 4C hair types. You will still need shampoo ($5-12) and possibly a light oil ($5-15), but the total first-year cost can be under $150. The tradeoff is less control over loc size and placement, plus a longer messy phase.

How much do Sisterlocks cost compared to regular locs?

Sisterlocks cost roughly two to three times more than traditional locs. Installation runs $400-800+ (vs. $100-300 for comb coils), and retightening sessions cost $100-250 every four to six weeks (vs. $50-150 for standard retwists). The premium reflects the specialized certification required and the additional time involved in maintaining hundreds of thin locs.

What hidden costs come with dreadlocks?

Common hidden costs include emergency retwist visits ($30-60), deep cleansing treatments for product buildup ($50-100), thinning repair ($10-20 per loc), satin pillowcases or bonnets ($10-25, replaced annually), and a hooded dryer for thick locs ($30-80 one-time). These can add $100-300 to your annual budget.

Final Thoughts

Dreadlocks are one of the most rewarding grooming decisions you can make, but they are not free. Here is what to remember:

• Budget $100-800 for installation depending on your chosen method. Freeform is free.
• Maintenance is the real cost. Professional retwists at $50-150 per session, every two to eight weeks, add up to $600-2,000+ annually.
• Learning to DIY saves the most money. Self-retwisting drops your annual cost to under $300.
• Locs get cheaper over time. Year one is expensive. By year three, costs drop by half or more.
• Account for hidden costs: satin bedding, deep cleansing, and emergency visits add $100-300/year.

The cultural significance of locs goes beyond money. This is a commitment to your natural texture, to a tradition that spans the African diaspora, and to showing up as yourself in a world that has historically penalized Black hair. The CROWN Act exists because wearing locs in America still carries professional and social consequences in some spaces. When you factor in what locs represent, the financial investment is the smallest part of the equation.

Ready to start? Read our guide on how to get dreads for the complete step-by-step process. Already locked up and looking for the right products? Our best locking gel for dreads roundup has you covered. And if your scalp is feeling the pressure of new locs, check out our picks for the best dandruff shampoo for Black hair. If you are growing out your natural hair before starting locs, our guide on how to grow an afro covers the fundamentals of caring for 4C hair during the growth phase.

Last updated: February 2026