Dreadlock extensions are created using various types of hair and techniques! These are just a few of many. Please do not think of this as an all descriptive source.
Human Hair Dreadlock extensions: These are made by using human hair which comes in different grades. The top of the line being remi virgin hair. Remi hair can cost as much as $200 per package and even more depending upon length. The most important factor in choosing human hair is ensuring that it contains no synthetic material at all. Locs can be made from kinky hair, wavy, curly, and even straight to match your own texture. I suggest using a #613 if you intend on coloring your new human dreadlock extensions and you can get quite creative with human hair extensions & colors. They withstand coloring but don't do so well with lightening aka bleaching. These kind of extensions can be installed either permanently or temporarily and are usually attached to the end of existing locs or newly formed baby locs. Some permanent methods of installation include sewing, crocheting, binding, fusing, and interlocking. Temporary looks can be achieved by way of braiding, twisting, elastics, and tying. If worn longer than 2 months there is a chance that a temporary style will begin to become permanent and you may have to do some cutting to remove them.
Synthetic Loc Extensions: These are made using blends of human hair and synthetic hair or 100% synthetic hair. Kanekalon or Marley twist is the most popular hair for making synthetic locs. These are made in numerous ways including crochet, backcombing, twist and rip, or coiling, they are usually heat sealed with steam or boiling water. These types of locs can be worn long term but it is not suggested to do so.
Wool Loc Extensions: Locs made from wool are made from wool roving or raw wool most times although I have seen beautiful locs made from wool yarn and from felted wool warn. Dreadlock sculptors are able to create intricate designs in vibrant colors that can be installed permanently to the ends of existing locs or can be attached to clips, made with loops, or attached to scrunchies for a fun and temporary style.
Dread Falls: Although temporary, dread falls are an awesome way to rock a dreadlock style. They can be made from just about anything! Ribbon, yarn, crinoline, and embroidery floss to name a few things. Dread falls are usually attached to an elastic and wrapped around a bun or ponytail.
Yarn Locs or Faux Locs: Acrylic yarn is most advisable to use for creating hairstyles because it is a bit more resistant to adhering to hair than wool. Different thicknesses can be achieved by holding more or less strands of yarn while working.
Crochet Locs - This term is used to represent a few different techniques of creating loc extensions. Traditionally this method consisted of using a crochet hook to create tiny loops in a section of hair resulting in compact ropes of hair. However, the term has come to include other weaving techniques that consist of using a latch hook to secure looped extensions to cornrows or braids. Also, crochet locs can be described as securing a coiled extension to a sectioned off pice of hair by interlocking or crocheting it to the root of the extension and then wrapping the coil around the clients own hair to the desired length.
Loc extensions can be worn temporarily or long term if they're cared for properly they can be removed and reinstalled at a later time.