My First Experience with a Dreadlock Machine (And the Results Surprised Me)

When I first heard about a dreadlock machine, I honestly thought it sounded futuristic—like something you’d only see in a professional hair studio, not in everyday use. I was used to hearing about crochet hooks or palm rolling for dreadlocks, but the idea of a machine that could instantly form and tighten locs caught my attention.

A dreadlock machine is exactly what it sounds like: a small handheld device, often electric, that uses tiny crochet hooks to pull loose hairs into the loc and tighten them quickly. Instead of spending hours manually rolling or crocheting each section, the machine speeds up the process and delivers consistent results.

For me, this was significant because I don’t always have the patience (or time) to sit through long maintenance sessions. And for parents or caretakers managing their children’s locs, the efficiency can be a huge relief—less time in the chair, fewer complaints from kids, and cleaner results in less time.

When I finally tried it at a salon, I realized why more and more people are talking about it. In this article, I’ll share what it felt like, how it worked, and what results I actually got from my first dreadlock machine experience.

What Is a Dreadlock Machine?

Before my salon visit, I had only seen a dreadlock machine online in short videos. In person, it looked like a small electric handheld device—something between a trimmer and a craft tool. Instead of blades, though, it had tiny crochet needles that rotated at high speed.

The stylist explained to me that the machine’s purpose is to do what manual crocheting does, but faster and with less strain on the hands. Normally, crocheting locs by hand can take hours and requires a lot of skill. With the machine, the needles move quickly in and out of the hair, pulling loose strands into the loc and locking them tightly in place.

There are different types of these machines:

• Instant dreadlock machines – designed to form or tighten locs quickly.
• Electric dreadlock machines – powered with adjustable speeds, allowing stylists to control how tight or loose the locs get.
• Models like the Newtry dreadlock machine – which I saw my stylist use, have multiple needle heads and can work on several strands at once.

What struck me right away was how efficient it seemed. Instead of working on one tiny section for several minutes, the stylist was able to move through my hair at a steady pace, and the locs formed almost instantly. It still required technique and control, but it was much faster than anything I’d experienced before with manual crocheting.

My Salon Experience – First Time Trying a Dreadlock Machine

Walking into the salon, I was both curious and a little nervous. I had heard mixed reviews about the dreadlock machine—some people praised it for its speed, while others warned it could be harsh on the hair if not used carefully. My stylist reassured me right away: “The machine is just a tool. It works well if you know how to control it.” That gave me some confidence.

She used a Newtry dreadlock machine, one of the more popular electric models. It had a small motor with two crochet needles at the tip that moved rapidly in and out. She explained that it wouldn’t do the whole job by itself—she still needed to section my hair and guide the machine carefully. The device just made the process faster and more consistent.

When she started on the first section, I was surprised at how it felt. The machine made a soft buzzing sound, and as it touched my hair, I could feel a light tugging—not painful, just unusual. Within seconds, I noticed the loose strands being pulled in, and the section tightened into a neat, compact loc. Normally, that would have taken her several minutes with a crochet hook.

Throughout the session, she alternated between the machine and her hands. For the roots, she worked more gently because the scalp is sensitive and the machine can be too strong that close. For the mid-lengths and ends, though, the device worked like magic.

By the time she finished, I looked in the mirror and couldn’t believe how uniform and tidy my locs were. What usually takes hours had been done in a fraction of the time. My scalp wasn’t sore, and my hair felt locked but not overly stiff.

💡 What I Learned: The dreadlock machine isn’t a replacement for skill—it’s an aid. In the right hands, it delivers quick, clean results. But if used carelessly, it could cause breakage or pull too hard. For me, in a professional salon setting, it was a positive first experience.

How Does a Dreadlock Machine Work? (Explained Simply)

When I sat in that salon chair, I couldn’t help but wonder what was happening inside this little buzzing device. My stylist broke it down for me in simple terms, and after watching closely, it finally clicked.

A dreadlock machine works almost like a super-fast crochet hook:

• At the tip, there are tiny metal needles (usually two or three) that move in and out rapidly.
• As the stylist slides the machine into a section of hair, those needles grab the loose strands and pull them toward the center of the loc.
• This repetitive action instantly knots the hairs together, making the loc tighter and more compact.

Think of it like palm-rolling or manual crocheting, but done at high speed with consistent pressure.

There are a few different styles of machines I learned about:

• Instant dreadlock machines – designed for quickly creating new locs.
• Electric dreadlock machines – like the Newtry model my stylist used, which have adjustable speed settings. This helps control how fast and how tight the locs form.
• Some stylists even mention dreadlock machines from Africa, which are handmade or customized versions that work on thicker locs.

From my experience, the machine worked best on the middle and ends of my locs. For the roots, my stylist preferred using her hands and a manual crochet hook, since the scalp area is delicate and needs more care.

💡 Quick Insight: The machine doesn’t magically “do dreadlocks for you.” It’s more like a helper that speeds up the process, but it still requires the stylist’s skill and attention to avoid damage.

Types & Examples of Dreadlock Machines

When my stylist showed me the device, I realized there isn’t just one type of dreadlock machine—there are several models with different features. Here’s what I learned, both from my salon visit and later research:

1. Electric Handheld Machines

These are the most common and are often called instant dreadlock machines or electric dreadlock machines. They’re compact, portable, and powered by a small motor.

• Many models have multiple needle sizes—you can choose finer or thicker crochet needles depending on the hair type and stage of the locs.
• Some include adjustable speed settings, which I saw firsthand with my stylist. She slowed it down for delicate sections and sped it up for mid-lengths.
• Better-quality models also include heat dissipation features to prevent the device from overheating during long sessions.

On YouTube and Amazon, there are plenty of demonstrations showing these machines instantly pulling in loose hairs, which is exactly what I experienced in the salon.

2. The Newtry Dreadlock Machine

This was the exact model used on me. It’s well known for its dual crochet action, meaning it has two tiny hooks working at once.

• The dual-needle design makes it more efficient, locking hair faster than single-hook models.
• My stylist told me it’s one of the “best dreadlock machines” for professionals because it balances speed and control.
• On YouTube, I saw the same model in action—it created tight, uniform locs in seconds, just like what I felt in the chair.

3. African-Made vs. Off-the-Shelf Machines

In some loc communities online, I came across people comparing African-made dreadlock machines with commercial ones like Newtry.

• The African-made versions are often more handcrafted or customized, designed for thicker, coarser hair types.
• The off-the-shelf machines (like those sold on Amazon) are generally more affordable and widely available but may not be as durable.

I haven’t personally tried the African-made models, but from what I saw in social media videos, they’re powerful and can handle very mature, dense locs that might challenge lighter machines.

💡 My Experience Tip: If you’re a beginner or just curious, the standard electric handheld models (like Newtry) are a safe starting point. If you’re a professional or working with very thick hair, exploring African-made machines could be worth it.

Benefits & Considerations: My Honest Take

After sitting through my first session with a dreadlock machine, I walked away impressed—but also aware that it’s not a perfect solution for everyone. Here’s what stood out to me, both good and not-so-good:

Benefits (What I Liked Most)

1. Speed & Efficiency
   What normally takes hours with a crochet hook was cut down to less than half the time. For a busy person—or parents doing their kids’ hair—this is a big win.
2. Consistent Results
   Because the machine’s motion is steady, the locs came out looking more uniform than when I’ve had them done by hand.
3. Less Strain on Hands
   I’ve crocheted my locs before, and it can be tough on the fingers and wrists. With the machine, the stylist said she could work longer without getting sore.
4. Great for Loose Hairs
   The machine was excellent at pulling in all those little frizzy strands and giving my locs a cleaner look almost instantly.

Considerations (What You Should Know Before Trying)

1. Not Ideal for Roots
   The stylist explained (and I felt it too) that the machine isn’t gentle enough near the scalp. Roots still need manual care.
2. Risk of Breakage
   If the machine is used too fast or without care, it can tug too hard and cause breakage. This is why I’d never try it at home without practice.
3. Noise & Vibration
   The buzzing isn’t loud, but I definitely felt the vibration. It didn’t hurt, but some people might find it uncomfortable at first.
4. Cost of the Device
   Professional models like the Newtry dreadlock machine aren’t cheap. That’s why most people I know experience it in salons rather than buying one themselves.

💡 My Experience Tip: The dreadlock machine is amazing in professional hands but could be risky if you’re not trained. If you’re curious, try it at a salon first before thinking about buying one.

Safety & Maintenance Tips

After trying the dreadlock machine for the first time, one thing my stylist emphasized was that the tool itself is only as good as how it’s used. I quickly realized this wasn’t a gadget you could just pick up and figure out in a few minutes—it needs care, control, and proper maintenance.

Here are the main safety and upkeep points I took away:

1. Start Slow, Don’t Rush

The machine I used (the Newtry model) had adjustable speed settings. My stylist began on a lower speed to test how my hair reacted before increasing it. If you go too fast right away, the machine can pull too hard and risk snapping strands.

2. Avoid the Roots

This was one of the biggest lessons. The machine is powerful, but it’s not designed for delicate scalp work. Roots are best handled with manual crocheting or palm rolling. Using the machine too close to the scalp can cause pain or irritation.

3. Take Breaks to Prevent Overheating

Even though some machines have heat dissipation features, they can still warm up if used for long sessions. My stylist turned it off every so often to give it a rest—something worth remembering if you plan on using one yourself.

4. Keep It Clean

The tiny crochet needles can collect shed hairs and oils. After my session, the stylist wiped the tips clean with alcohol. She explained that keeping it sanitary not only makes it last longer but also protects the hair from buildup or bacteria.

5. Use It for the Right Hair Stage

The dreadlock machine works best on mature or semi-mature locs—not fresh starter ones. For very new locs, it can be too aggressive and might loosen or damage the sections.

💡 My Experience Tip: If you’re ever considering using a dreadlock machine yourself, treat it like a precision tool, not a shortcut. It can save time, but only if used with patience and care.

Reviews & Real Experiences

After my own session with the dreadlock machine, I wanted to see how others felt about it—so I looked at online reviews and compared them with my personal results. What I found was a mix of excitement, caution, and practical advice.

YouTube Demonstrations

On YouTube, I watched several stylists showcase the instant dreadlock machine. In one demo, the locs tightened in seconds, and the results looked almost identical to what I experienced in the salon—clean, compact, and uniform. Many creators praised the machine for cutting hours off their usual work.

Amazon Reviews

Scrolling through Amazon reviews of the Newtry dreadlock machine, I noticed a pattern:

• Positives: people loved the speed, especially stylists who handle multiple clients a day. Some even called it the “best dreadlock machine” for professional use.
• Negatives: a few mentioned that if you’re not careful, the machine can snag hair or feel too rough. Others pointed out that it’s an investment, not just a casual purchase.

Reddit Discussions

On Reddit, I saw users sharing honest feedback. One person wrote that the machine was great for mid-length maintenance but still required manual crocheting at the roots. Another admitted they tried it themselves and ended up with breakage because they moved too fast. This lined up exactly with what my stylist told me: the tool helps, but it doesn’t replace technique.

TikTok Experiences

On TikTok, the vibe was more about convenience. People called it the “instant dreadlock machine”, showing before-and-after clips with impressive transformations. It was interesting to see how quickly it caught attention in the loc community—especially among those who don’t have hours to spend on maintenance.

💡 My Experience Tip: From my own results and what I’ve seen online, I’d say the dreadlock machine is amazing in professional hands but tricky for beginners. If you’re curious, try it in a salon first before buying one yourself.

Parenting Perspective: Is It Right for Your Child?

As someone who’s seen both adults and kids in my community wear locs, I understand why parents might wonder if a dreadlock machine is a safe option for their children. After my own experience, here’s what I think parents should know:

1. Kids Have More Sensitive Scalps

The machine works fast, but it isn’t gentle near the roots. On children, whose scalps are more delicate, it could feel uncomfortable or even painful if not used carefully. For kids, it’s usually better to rely on softer techniques like palm rolling or gentle crocheting.

2. Great for Mature Locs, Not Starters

If your child is just starting their loc journey, the dreadlock machine isn’t the best choice. Starter locs need time and patience to form naturally. The machine is better suited for older kids or teens with semi-mature or mature locs that need tightening.

3. Saves Time (But Needs Supervision)

One benefit I could see for parents is time. Kids don’t always sit still for long maintenance sessions, and the machine definitely speeds things up. But it should always be handled by someone with experience—never left in a child’s hands like a toy.

4. Hygiene & Comfort Matter

Children often play, sweat, and move around more than adults. If a machine is used, make sure the needles are cleaned and sanitized before touching their hair. Comfort should always come before speed.

💡 My Experience Tip: If you’re considering the machine for your child, try it first on a small section in a professional salon. That way, you’ll know if it feels right before committing to a full session.

Frequently Asked Questions (NLP-Optimized)

After my salon experience with the dreadlock machine, I realized many people have the same questions I did before trying it. Here are some of the most common ones, answered simply and honestly:

1. How does a dreadlock machine work?

It uses tiny crochet needles that move in and out rapidly, pulling loose hairs into the loc and tightening it instantly. Think of it as a faster, mechanical version of manual crocheting.

2. Is the Newtry dreadlock machine worth it?

From what I saw in the salon, yes—it’s efficient and reliable, especially for professional use. It made my locs neat in a fraction of the time. But it’s an investment, and beginners might find it tricky without training.

3. What’s the best dreadlock machine for beginners?

Most people recommend starting with a basic electric handheld machine (like the Newtry model). It’s widely available and has adjustable speeds. Still, I’d suggest trying it at a salon first before buying one for home use.

4. Can a dreadlock machine cause hair damage?

Yes, if used carelessly. Moving too fast or working too close to the roots can cause breakage or scalp irritation. In skilled hands, though, it’s safe and effective.

5. Is there an electric dreadlock machine for kids?

Technically, yes—any machine can be used on children’s locs. But I wouldn’t recommend it for young kids. Their scalps are sensitive, and gentler methods are better. If it’s ever used, it should be done by a professional stylist, not at home.

💡 My Experience Tip: A dreadlock machine is best seen as a helper, not a shortcut. It saves time and makes locs look neat, but only when combined with careful hands and proper maintenance.

Conclusion

Trying a dreadlock machine for the first time completely changed the way I look at loc maintenance. What used to feel like a long, tiring process suddenly became quicker and more manageable. For parents especially, it can be a huge relief—less time struggling with restless kids and more time enjoying neat, healthy locs.

That said, the machine isn’t magic on its own. Choosing a reliable model—like the Newtry dreadlock machine—and using it safely makes all the difference. Roots still need gentle care, and traditional methods like palm rolling or manual crocheting are just as important for healthy growth. My advice? Experiment thoughtfully, take your time, and blend the machine with consistent care. With the right balance, it can make your dreadlock journey smoother, stronger, and far more enjoyable.

Disclaimer

This article is based on my personal salon experience and additional research about dreadlock machines. I am not a licensed loctician or hair professional. The information shared here is for educational purposes only and may not apply to every hair type or situation. Results can vary depending on hair texture, technique, and the model of the machine used. If you are considering using a dreadlock machine—especially for children—please consult with a professional stylist to ensure safety and proper care.