About Us

The Dread Shop began back in 2001 with a deep dive into the world of dreads. With only a few products available in Australia, we launched dreadlocks.com.au and started importing what we could find. But we knew it could be done better, so after years of testing and tinkering, Dread Empire was born. Our organic, affordable range helps create tight, clean, healthy dreads and now includes unique essentials like our XL Shower & Swim Caps and both braid-in and permanent dreadlock extensions.

Our Philosophy

There’s no right or wrong way to wear dreads, every head of hair is unique. If you're after neat, tight locks in a hurry, we’ve got products to help you get there. More into the messy, free-spirited look? That’s perfect too! A good residue-free shampoo might be all you need.

Only Organic

Dread Empire is made with organic ingredients only. You won’t find any nasties like Sodium Lauryl Sulfates or silicones here. Instead, we’ve handpicked a premium blend of essential oils & organic ingredients, each chosen for the unique benefits.

Build Up/Residues

No gunk, no nasties, just clean dreads. Our formulas are made to wash out easily and leave no heavy residues behind. They’re designed with dreadlocks in mind, so you can care for your hair with confidence, knowing you're using products that keep your dreads tight, healthy, and fresh.

Our Team

Founder / Support

Lucy

Customer Service, Product Development & Artistic Director. Lucy has sported dreadlocks in one form or another for the past 20 years. Currently, the bottom half of her head is dreaded whilst the top half istesting out our latest range of braid in dreads.

Order Fulfillment

Kate

Dread Maker and Order Fulfillment. Kate got locked up 2 years ago and had our crocheted synthetic dread extensions attached for extra instant length. The extensions were the perfect match and blended seamlessly with her own dreads.

Tech Support

Nick

Meet our Tech-Wiz, Nick. Every online business needs one :) Nick's dreadlock journey began 18 years ago, but a stint in the public service world meant saying goodbye to them (for now). One day, he dreams of bringing those locks back to life. Until then, he’s weaving magic into our digital world.

Dreadlock Maker

Dan

Dread maker extraordinaire! Dan’s thick luscious locks were dreaded 3 years ago as captured in our How To Make Dreadlocks video. Dan’s locs quickly matured nicely and now his maintenance routine generally involves just a quick crochet here and there.