Spotlight On: Dreadshop
When it comes to the global dreadlock community, few names shine brighter than Dreadshop. Started by Renate in 2001 and officially registered in 2004, next year marks an incredible milestone: 25 years in the dreadlock world.
What began as a passion for creating beautiful hairstyles with synthetic hair has grown into a worldwide movement. Dreadshop is known for blending artistry with the highest standards of quality. Every product is tested in-house, and the shop carries not only their own iconic Locks of Love extensions but also professional-grade care from Dollylocks.
So what makes Dreadshop stand out? They have built a reputation for excellence in both extensions and natural dreadlocks, with a global network of stylists trained through the Dreadshop Academy. Renate and her team are committed to keeping dreadlocks accessible, professional, and celebrated worldwide.
Behind the scenes, the dedicated team is continually testing, training, consulting, and welcoming clients into a relaxed salon experience. Their favorite thing about the dreadlock community is the people. As Renate says: “They’re the best! Their way of thinking and just being themselves and wearing their dreadlocks proudly inspires us every day.”
And the favorites at Dreadshop? Locks of Love Dreadlock Extensions and the chemical free Henlon Hair continue to be bestsellers across the globe.
Dreadshop is about more than just products. It is about people, passion, and proudly wearing dreadlocks everywhere. 
Spotlight On: Renate, Founder of Dreadshop
Renate’s journey with dreadlocks began with a deep personal passion for creativity and self-expression. Over the years she has worn Dreadlock Extensions, lived three years with Natural Dreads, and today she is proudly back in her first year of Natural Dreads again.
As an entrepreneur, Renate stays motivated through constant innovation. She personally tests every product, listens to customer feedback, and strives for the highest quality. “Even though being an entrepreneur is hard sometimes, I absolutely love it,” she shares. “And without my girls, I would not be able to do this all.”
Two moments stand out as her proudest achievements. The first is creating her own Locks of Love Dreadlock Extensions. She even traveled to China to oversee the working conditions, test hair quality, and perfect her vision of what dreadlock extensions should be. The second is seeing clients travel from all over Europe to sit in her salon chair. Every week someone crosses borders to experience Dreadshop’s work, something that fills her with gratitude and pride.
Balancing business and creativity is possible, she says, by building a team that shares her passion. With her husband and daughters by her side, she has the freedom to grow, innovate, and nurture both her salon and global community.
Her mantra is simple but powerful: Be your best self. Renate believes in embracing every human being as they are and encourages others to love themselves, embrace their talents, and surround themselves with people who inspire them.
Renate’s story is proof that when passion meets dedication, it can grow into something that empowers not only her own journey but an entire community.
