Dreadlock Class: What Happens in a Class, Which Type to Choose and How to Prepare

By Ann-Marie Christell, Seienstyle

Before you book a dreadlock class

When people first search for a dreadlock class, they often picture a room full of students watching a teacher at the front. Some classes are like that. But there are many kinds of dreadlock classes, and the one you choose will shape how quickly and how well you learn.

My name is Ann-Marie Christell, and I have been a professional loctician for over 26 years. I teach both basic and advanced classes, online and in person, and I have trained more than a hundred locticians in many countries. In this post, I want to help you understand what actually happens in a dreadlock class, and how to find the one that is right for you.

The different types of dreadlock classes

Group classes. A teacher demonstrates for several students at once, and everyone practises at the same time. Group classes can be social and inspiring. The trade-off is attention: the teacher can only watch your hands for a few minutes at a time.

One-on-one classes. It is just you and the teacher. Every correction is for you, and the pace follows your learning. This is the format I use for my in-person training, because small mistakes in how you hold the hook, section or stand can be corrected before they become habits.

Online classes. You learn from recorded lessons at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. The best online classes include feedback on your actual work, not just videos to watch.

Classes for doing your own hair. Some people do not want to become locticians at all. They want to learn to make or care for their own dreadlocks at home. These classes focus on your own hair, your own hands and your own routine.

Basic or advanced?

A basic class is for anyone starting out, whether you have worked with hair before or not. It focuses on the foundations: sectioning, creating new dreadlocks, maintaining them, caring for your hands and posture, and understanding how different hair textures behave.

An advanced class is for people who already make dreadlocks and want to go further. That might mean refining technique, learning extensions, repairing dreadlocks, mermaid dreadlocks, synthetic dreadlocks, or unlearning habits from an earlier method that is hurting your hands or the hair.

If you are not sure which you need, ask the teacher to look at your work first. A good teacher will tell you honestly where you are.

What a class day looks like with me

My in-person class is a two-day, one-on-one training. Before we meet, we have a video call. I want to understand your experience and your goals, and I make sure you have understood the foundations of the Seienstyle process and had time to practise. You also choose which services you most want to focus on.

Then we work side by side on live hair models. Early on, I demonstrate and explain the why behind each step, and you try it while I guide your hands, tension and posture. As the hours go by, you take the lead more and more, and I step back to watch and support.

We also pause along the way to talk about the parts of this work that are rarely taught in a class: how to be present with a client through a long appointment, how to protect your body, and how to build a practice you love.

Everything rests on the Seienstyle process, a holistic method that works on every hair texture, uses no products, is gentle on your hands and your client's scalp, and helps dreadlocks begin to mature within two to three months.

How to prepare for a dreadlock class

Practise a little beforehand. Even a few hours with a mannequin head and a crochet hook helps you arrive with questions, not just nerves.

Get the right tools. Good hooks and combs make a real difference to your hands. My free tool guide lists the exact tools I use every day.

Download the free tool guide here

Look after your body. A class day is long and focused. Sleep well the night before, eat properly and plan for breaks.

Know what you want. Think about the services you most want to learn and the kind of practice you hope to build. The clearer you are, the more you get from the class.

Questions to ask before you book

• How many students will there be, and how much one-on-one time will I get?
• Will I work on real hair, or only on mannequins?
• Does the method use wax, glue or other products?
• Does it work on every hair texture?
• How does it protect my hands and back?
• What support do I get after the class?
• Can I see work you made several years ago, not only new dreadlocks?

So, which dreadlock class is right for you?

The right class is one that matches where you are, teaches a complete and gentle method, gives you real feedback, and supports you after the class is over.

If you would like to learn with me, you can read more about both options here.

The Professional Loctician In-Person Training

The Professional Loctician Online Course

If you want to learn to care for your own dreadlocks rather than become a loctician, I also offer one-on-one video guidance.

One-on-one dreadlock maintenance coaching

And if you are not sure which class suits you, email me at [email protected]. Tell me a little about yourself and what you would like to learn, and I will help you find the right fit.

With love,

Ann-Marie