I need a dreaded pair of falls for a big event coming up! I know how to dread because I did multiple techniques on half a packet of unneeded hair [wasn't the right color or length for any of my projects]. All I really need to know now is...

how many dreads per fall? [a good size dread maybe 1/2 in. - 1in. (1.27 cm - 2.54 cm) wide]

how much packets of hair would I need if I wanted to make a swirl dread or a fade dread [one color seems to 'fade' into another]?

The colors are probably going to be pink, red, and white.

Help would be greatly appreciated!