What are Spiralocks?

Spiralocks are bendable wire dread ties, handmade in Fiji. A soft wool felt or fabric cover wraps around a flexible wire core, so you can bend them around any size dreads to hold them up securely, without pulling or damage.

The Spiralocks journey began back in 2011 around the kitchen table, when Peta and Helen, both new to dreadlocks, were struggling to find anything suitable to tie up their dreads with.

After a little trial and error, Spiralocks were born. Originally created just for personal use, they soon realised they needed to share Spiralocks with the world.

With a few simple materials, Spiralocks have become a "game changer" for many dread heads.

So what is a Spiralock?

Peta and Helen describe the Spiralock as "made using an inner bendable wire core which can easily be wrapped around any size dreads comfortably and securely. They cause no damage to your dreads and hold firm all day without causing tension headaches from pulling."

There is both a Wool Felt and Vegan range available in 4 handy sizes:

• Small 40cm great for short thin dreads
• Medium 50cm great for medium dreads, just past the shoulders
• Large 60cm great for long thick heavy dreads and up styles
• Extra Large 80cm great for really long dreads and big dread buns

The range has grown to include Mini Spiralocks, Spiralock Scrunchies and the much-loved Dread Pets.

Ethical and Handmade

After many years, Spiralocks are now made in the remote village of Gunu on the outer islands in Fiji, helping women and their families out of poverty. The Spiralocks team includes Kaile, Vani, Mari, Fanne and Alcy.

"Choosing to expand production in an ethical and supportive way was one of the biggest challenges of my life, but has been worth every obstacle and hardship now as I see the difference Spiralocks has made to the ladies we support in the remote and impoverished village of Gunu on the outer islands in Fiji."

Peta, Spiralocks

Kaile's Story

Photo by Spiralocks

My name is Senikaile Cola. I'm 36 years old. Im from Waya Island. I have a Gunu husband and have lived in Gunu now for about 13 years. I live with my husband, my two sons and my mother in law.

When I came to Gunu in 2006 I started to pick seaweed to support my family. Every week I pick seaweed to get $80.00 a bag. In that $80.00 I spent it on flour, rice, sugar and other small things for my family needs.

In 2017 Peta came to Gunu to teach SpiraLocks, so I decided to make SpiraLocks. I now get much more money to support my family. I even make extension on our house for a kitchen with SpiraLock money. I do no more picking seaweed!!

Vani's Story

Photo by Spiralocks

I am Vani Rauga. I am 41 years old and I live with my extended family. I have 5 children and two grandsons. Before I was diving for seaweed every week. I used to swim to pick up sea weed for 7 or 8 hours a day in the sea to collect them to make one bag to sell to the mainland. I take 3 days to collect 1 bag to sell.

I struggle to find our families needs to buy flour, rice, sugar etc. But now I got good work that I now not get no more seaweed again. No more 7 or 8 hours in the sea again.

When I make SpiraLocks it's a big help in my family and I can buy whatever I want. Not like before. I buy a new gas oven. I buy a good phone. I am very very lucky to have this work. Thank you!

Mari's Story

Mari is 39 years old and lives with her husband and five children. Before making Spiralocks, she worked in a garment factory, but her wages were not enough to support her family. With Spiralocks work, Mari now earns enough to pay the rent and bills and send her kids to school every day.

Fanne, part of the Spiralocks team in Gunu. Photo by Spiralocks

Loving your Spiralocks

"The SPIRALOCKS are unique and colourful, love all the earthy tones, such an interesting way to fasten or style my dreads.. and was stoked at just how well they hold a whole head of dreadlocks up in a pony! XOxo" - Tara

"I'm absolutely in love with my rainbow spiralock! It's the easiest way to put up my dreads securely and with very little pressure on the dreads! The rainbow colours make me so happy and the quality is outstanding! 10/10" - AJ

"I love love love my spiralocks, i have 2 now, the best invention ever" - Chyvonne

"Spiralocks - This guy is awesome why did I wait so long to get one!!" - Samarah

"Great makes it so easy to tie your dreads up with the felt spiralocks and love the colours" - Robbie

Shop Spiralocks

Mountain Dreads is proud to be a Spiralocks stockist.