Course & Learning

What is the Dreadschool course about?
Dreadschool hosts and teaches the SistaSystem crochet method - a safe, gentle, and professional technique for creating, maintaining, and repairing dreadlocks. You’ll learn everything from sectioning and locking to extensions, decorating, and business foundations.

Do I need previous experience to enrol?
No experience is required. Our courses are designed to support complete beginners as well as existing locticians who wish to refine their skills or gain certification.

How long does the course take to complete?
The course is self-paced, so you can complete it in your own time. On average, students finish within 8–12 weeks- You will have 3 months access to the material. After this time your enrolment is automatically cancelled and refunds are not offered. To arrange an extension of upto 4 weeks, please email thedreadschool@gmail.com

Is the course online or in-person?
The Pro Lokktician and Trainee courses are delivered 100% online using pre-recorded video and lesson tutorials, so you can learn from anywhere in the world. We also host optional live classes and workshops throughout the year.

Is there ongoing support once I finish the course?
Absolutely. Once you graduate, you remain part of the Dreadschool DreadCollective community where we share tips, guidance, and ongoing support.

What makes the SistaSystem method different from other dreadlock techniques?
The SistaSystem method is natural, safe, professional and allows your lokks to expand creating texture. It avoids twisting, interlocking, stiffness, chemicals, and damaging practices, focusing instead on gentle weaving and crochet techniques that respect the hair and scalp.

Will I be taught how to work with all hair types and textures?
Yes - the SistaSystem technique is suitable for all hair textures and this is explained in the Course content.

Is theory included, or just practical locking skills?
Both. You’ll learn theory (history, safety, scalp health, professional conduct) alongside hands-on locking skills.

Tools & Materials

Do I need to buy my own tools before starting?
No - your enrolment includes a Pro Lokktician Tool Kit RRP $100 shipped directly to you. Shipping fees apply for students outside Australia.
If you don’t need a Tool Kit, use code REMOVETOOLKIT at checkout for a $100 discount off course fees.

What’s inside the Dreadschool toolkit?
Each toolkit contains professional crochet hooks (different sizes for different stages of dreadlocks), sectioning comb, scissors, clips, thimbles, a lokk rig, mannequin head & clamp and synthetic jumbo braid hair - everything you need to begin dreadcraft and commence your Course assessments.
Your “Pro Lokkticians Tool Kit” RRP $100 is included in the cost of the course and will be shipped to you once enrolment has been approved.
Students outside of Australia will be required to pay for shipping.
You can view the contents of the Tool Kit HERE

Can I purchase additional tools or replacements from Dreadschool?
Yes - additional hooks, tools, and other supplies are available through our Dreadschool store.

Do I have to use the mannequin head to practice on?
Yes, we recommend a mannequin head for practice, and this is included in your toolkit. You will also need to practice on a human head as part of your assessments - the mannequin is ALOT different to human hair so you will need to show competency with both.

Certification & Recognition

What is a Pro Lokktician Certification?
It is a professional recognition of your skills, knowledge, and community involvement in Dreadschool & dreadcraft. Certified Pro Lokkticians are listed on our official Dreadschool Directory.

How do I become a Certified Pro Lokktician?
By completing the Pro course, submitting your work for review, and demonstrating professional-level competency. Experienced locticians may apply for fast-tracked certification. Those enrolled in the free course may be eligible to recieve a Trainee Certificate upon completion of assessments.

Is certification internationally recognised?
The dreadlock industry in Australia is currently unregulated, and no government bodies oversee or accredit dreadlock training. For this reason, ALL dreadlock training Certificate/s are not formally government-accredited. However, the Pro Lokktician Course and the SistaSystem Dreadlock Training Academy have been the leading dreadlock training platforms in Australia for almost 2 decades. Certification is awarded through professional assessment by experienced mentors who are highly skilled in the SistaSystem method. Like many professional dreadlock training courses available worldwide, our certification is industry-recognised rather than government-accredited. Within the dreadlock community, especially in Australia, professional training is highly valued and helps distinguish certified locticians from self-taught artists. Dreadschool is proud to be the first structured training and certification platform for locticians across the globe, with graduates and students based worldwide. Our focus is on setting and promoting a professional standard in the dreadlock industry, and our reputation continues to outshine our competitors.

What is the difference between a Trainee Certificate and a Pro Lokktician Certificate?
The Trainee Certificate acknowledges your enrolment and progress towards becoming a professional loctician, whilst the Pro Lokktician Certificate confirms full participation and competency in the assessments, professional recognition and inclusion in our Directory.

Do I need to complete assessments to be certified?
Yes - your practical work and knowledge are reviewed to ensure competency.

Can experienced dreadlock artists apply for fast-tracked certification?
Yes - if you already run an established dreadlock business, you may be eligible for fast-tracked Pro certification. Please message to discuss.

What happens if I breach the community code of conduct?
Your membership and certification will be revoked immediately, and any certificates you hold will become null and void.

Community & Support

What is the “Dreadlock Artist Collective” aka DreadCollective?
It’s our global network of locticians & dread artists - a supportive community where students, graduates and members share support, tips, encouragement, and inspiration.

Why is community so important at Dreadschool?
We believe dreadcraft thrives through kindness, support, and collaboration - not competition. Our community values are at the heart of everything we do.

How do I join the Loctician Directory & Map?
Once you are certified, you’ll be added to our official Lokkticians Directory where clients can find you and our community can promote you.
Anyone who upholds our community values is welcome to be included in our Dread Collective and advertised as a “recommended dreadlock artist” and on the Locticians Map, even if you do not have Certification or hold qualifications from other dreadlock training providers.

Can I network and collaborate with other students?
Yes - collaboration is encouraged! Our community platform is designed for sharing knowledge and connecting with others.

What happens if there are issues of bullying or gossip in the community?
Zero tolerance. Anyone engaging in negativity will be removed from our community and stripped of their certification.

Payments & Enrolment

How much does the course cost?
The Pro Lokktician Course is priced at $399 (subject to change). The Trainee Taster Course is free. Full details are available on our COURSES page.

Do you offer payment plans?
Yes - AfterPay is available in our online store and for all digital products including Courses.

I didn’t finish the course in time and it has now expired/enrolment automatically cancelled. Can I get a refund?
No - payments for Course enrolments are non-refundable. You have access to the Course content for 3 months from the date of enrolment - it is YOUR responsibility to be aware of your enrolment date and expiry - We suggest you add a note in your calendar or diary 3 months from the date you enrolled in the course.

How do I get a course extension?
Please email thedreadschool@gmail.com BEFORE your enrolment expires. I can only manually extend the active enrolment for 4 extra weeks - after this time or if your course automatically cancels due to expiry, you will need to reenrol and pay the enrolment fees again.

Can I upgrade from the free Trainee course to the full Pro course later?
Yes - you can begin with the free Trainee course and upgrade anytime. If you have submitted Trainee assessments in the Student Group, you will not need to re-do these assessments.

Extra Offerings

Do you run live classes or workshops in addition to the online course?
Yes - Our growing group of Trainers may host live Zoom/Facetime classes, rituals, and workshops throughout the year. Please send an email to be put on the list.

Are there opportunities to become a Dreadschool Trainer?
Yes - advanced graduates may apply to represent Dreadschool and the SistaSystem method as Trainers.

Do you provide resources for setting up my own dreadlock business?
Yes - the full course includes guidance on business setup, marketing, and maintaining professional standards.

Do you cover topics like haircare, cultural appropriation, or community building?
Yes - Dreadschool blends practical skills with scalp & hair health, dreadlock history, and collective wisdom to help you weave magic into your craft.

Do you have mentorship programs?
Yes - we can link you up with a SistaSystem Pro Loctician in your area if you would like to collaborate and complete your assessment tasks.
Alternatively, ALL members of our community will likely put their hands up to help you online through messaging and/or video calls.

Why is the course so cheap compared to other dreadlock courses on the market?
As part of a contractual agreement between Valhalla Dreadschool and the SistaSystem founders, The Weirdsistas, their final wish when retiring from the dreadlock industry was to continue promoting kindness by making dreadlock education accessible for all. This is why we offer the 6-unit Taster Course completely free.

The Pro Lokktician Course is currently available at a discounted price of $399 (RRP $599). This version includes the original pre-recorded tutorials filmed by the Weirdsistas. At present, live classes, workshops, and weekly facetime catchups are on pause, which has reduced the enrolment fees. Once these interactive elements return, course fees will increase accordingly.

We are also deeply mindful of the rising cost of living in Australia and want to give people an affordable opportunity to start their own business. The course is priced as low as possible - just enough to cover supplies, toolkits, website upkeep, transaction and business fees.
I sincerely appreciate when students and community members choose to support the Dreadschool Shop, as these purchases help keep enrolment fees at the reduced rate and continue making dreadlock education accessible. This is a community initiative.