Second attempt at synth dreads!

Critical observations about your technique for installations, wear or use.
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whorror
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Second attempt at synth dreads!

Post by whorror » Sat Jan 15, 2011 11:51 pm

This is my second attempt at making synths, I really want to master them as I looove them!
At first I tried the boiling sealing method, which I did twice but they were still rather loose and looked rubbish! I used this method with the first set, and looking back, they were loose and rubbish too! viewtopic.php?f=29&t=13010 Aha, and I was so proud of them too!

So having no steamer I shoved them in the washing machine to see if that would help.. but it made almost no difference. So then failing that I was looking at tutorials and found the hair straightner method, which I tried and worked almost instantly! I was so impressed! (And a little miffed I'd spent hours trying to boil seal them when it took seconds this way c;) So here they are!

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Slightly lumpy from extensive boiling/tampering!
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First attempt at single ended as well :)

Tell me what you think!
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Librarynerd
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Re: Second attempt at synth dreads!

Post by Librarynerd » Sun Jan 16, 2011 1:02 am

Pretty candy colors! Looks like you are getting the hang of it quick. I'd try a bit more backcombing especially near the loop, if you get it nice and solid you don't even have to use a rubber band:) I've sealed a lot of dreads with the flatiron method and it makes beautiful smooth hard dreads. Now I use a high powered steamer followed by a quick pass with the flat iron to seal my dreads. I find this gives the solid durability of a steam sealled core of the dread with the smooth finish of the flat iron.

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Synful-Synthetics
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Re: Second attempt at synth dreads!

Post by Synful-Synthetics » Sun Jan 16, 2011 7:24 am

I agree you are doing really well so far. I also agree on the backcombing. it looks like there are some weak spots. but your tapering in really well done and they look fairly smooth. Good work :) keep posting

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mandikat
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Re: Second attempt at synth dreads!

Post by mandikat » Mon Jan 17, 2011 4:01 pm

They look like you definitely know what you're doing on the sealing, and the colors are great...

For the record, I use the boiling THEN straightening method, and I have gotten really strong, smooth dreads that way.

I know that backcombing can be a pain (although a good backcombing comb does help immensely!http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/product ... =553477284), but it will make your dreads at LEAST 100% stronger, smoother, and better to handle the wear and tear of being installed a month or two.

You can backcomb between sealings (in fact, you can end up with much better dreads overall).. Just untwist them and backcomb, backcomb, backcomb.. You have a lot more control over the thickness of the dread (for example, if you wanted a more even taper, or if you wanted a pattern of thick/thin) when you really, REALLY backcomb.. And I know it seems like a huge bother right now, but I think you'll be REALLY happy that you rebackcombed and resealed.. The dreads will last MUCH longer and won't be nearly as itchy on your scalp.

Great sealing, though, and I really like your color pallet for both your sets of dreads! You've got a good eye!


P.S. TOTALLY up to you (your loops look uniform and clean, which is great! Just maybe a little large?), but the best way I've found to get smaller loops is to use a clothes hanger. Throw the loop around the hook part and seal around it.. You end up with much less noticeable loops once they're installed. That being said, I bet if you're a good braider, you might not even ultimately notice if the loops are a little big.
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NirvanaMarie
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Re: Second attempt at synth dreads!

Post by NirvanaMarie » Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:25 pm

They look really good! If you like the flat iron method, you should try the iron method. I think it goes much faster!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsacIWSavwA

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whorror
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Re: Second attempt at synth dreads!

Post by whorror » Tue Jan 18, 2011 9:33 pm

Oh wow thankyou so much for your replies guys! I'm going to order more synth shortly and give it another go using all your advice, I'm excited! :) Thanks again. :D
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