Dread Extensions?

Great that was really helpful everyone. I don't think his hair is long
enough to do it now, it's only about 1 1/2 inches at most. But there's a
good option if he wants to grow it out. Thanks for all the help guys!

The links above are good ones and the most common method is as
shown, by making/buying some loose double-ended dreadlocks and
braiding them in. His hair has to be long enough to braid them in,
about 2 1/2 to 3 inches long minimum. (You can get them in on hair a
bit shorter but it usually involved using more than one elastic band to
finish them off and they can be a bit prone to slippage.)

They are a relatively cheap extensions option and you have the
choice of learning to make them yourself (, I do this for a living and
recommend it- it's a great skill to have and fun too!), buying them
from a reputable dreadmaker or using manufactured dreads.
If you use handmade you may have to pay a little more for them
initially than you would for manufactured dreads, but they will be
reusable many times and are generally more sturdy. You will also
have the option of choosing exactly what they are like, colour,
thickness, natural looking or smooth and sleek.

Manufactured dreads, such as the popular Elysee Star dreads are
nice but are not backcombed so have a sleeker, smoother look. They
also tend to come only in a long length and hence most guys
probably wouldn't want them. They can be shortened but only if you
have access to a braid sealer or similar tool.

I'd recommend having them custom made - there are lots of good
sellers in the USA.

no shrinkies or microlinks.

You dont have to have dreads to install dread extensions, the most commen ways to do it is either pinchbraid some hair in, then dread the fake hair while leaving the natural hair alone, under the dread - or you could buy pre made double ended dreads and braid them in.  There are more ways to do it of course, but thats the most commen IMO.

here's a good board to go to - http://p080.ezboard.com/bhair18356