New to the whole dread-thing :-)
Introduce Yourself
I wish I could like the comment above!
I too have heard of folklore/ancient stories of powers in hair. There was atribe who was captured by white men. The captors cut off the long grown hair of theese magnificent warriors. they sent them out (as slaves) to do thier hunting for them... they were no longer great warriors/huntsmen. they had lost thier power.
A good friend told me that story. hes had his (beautiful) dreads for over two years now. Tjhey started very short and now they are just awesome, and long, and wonderful. He told me that story when i was growing my hair out to donate (i donated 20 inches) i really wanted to dread then, but i had already decided to donate and wanted to fullfill that wish first. Anyways i thoguht it was a very powerful and provoking tale. when i did cut my hair, i noticed a change in myself that was different, i still felt good, and happy about my decision, but wanted to quickly grow out my hair and dread it... lol. it has only been about 9 months since my cut/donation, and my hair isnt very long yet, but i am starting my dread journey. All natural.
The people on this site who have been dreading many years have nothing but love and great advice to share... on that note..
...I would at least consider taking out the extensions, you never know it might become more than just an "awesome hairstyle" for you, and wouldnt the adventure be something to rememeber anyways!? Happy dreading! You have def come to the right site for the right kind of support and love for dreads!
Have a fantastic day!