Favorite Way To Seal Dreads

[Arrielle]

I'm assuming most people are going to say a steamer, and if so, please also mention which method BESIDES steaming is your favorite.

I don't have the money for a steamer RIGHT now and I want to wait and make sure the dreads I make are decent enough for me to want to invest in one.

So either Boiling, Tea Kettle Steaming, or The Towel and Flat Iron method?

I've gone through many pages on the forum here, and although I'm sure there is a similar thread I don't think I've seen one on which is everyone's individual favorite way. (If there is one please link me to it and I apologize in advance.)

[IKickShins]

I like boiling. It's quicker than using a flat iron or steaming with a kettle.

[Arrielle]

I like boiling. It's quicker than using a flat iron or steaming with a kettle.

How many times do you boil them before you feel they are sealed properly?

[IKickShins]

Once or twice, depending on how thick the dreads are and how heat resistant the fiber is.

[Lamie]

Brings up a question: how the hell do you boil long dreads and keep the whole thing twisted tightly? I've tried many times and feel like a bumbling idiot whilst in the process.

[IKickShins]

I seal as far down as I can, then I wrap it around the faucet (so that the unsealed part is now over the sink), then twist/seal the rest.

[MrsEss]

Steaming. Can't get away with boiling & find iron method too slow.

I use an actual steamer or a pan on the stove - sorta like the kettle method.

[Monique_marion_may]

I love the flat iron method, find it works perfectly for me.

[vailismyname]

I rock the flattening iron, however I will admit it's a very time consuming method.

[brandalynn]

It takes forever, but I like to wrap the dreads in fabric strips and boil them. Works great for super fat, long dreads.

[Lamie]

I seal as far down as I can, then I wrap it around the faucet (so that the unsealed part is now over the sink), then twist/seal the rest.

Are you saying you pour the boiling water over the dreads? I've tried dipping them in a boiling pot but having those ridiculous gloves on my hands makes it quite difficult to keep anything sealed. It's quite annoying...

[IKickShins]

Yes, I pour it over them. Like this:
http://ikickshins.net/hairguide/sed.php

[Lamie]

Oh, very nice! I didn't know you had tuts. Thank you! =)

[kitcupcake]

I crochet my dreads, but I still like to go over everything with the straightener & cloth a final time before wearing them, especially at the tips! It doesn't take that long since I'm just doing it lightly.

[CryptiquesBizarre]

I use a tea kettle and found the right setting for the stove top that pumps out enough heat. This has worked wonderfully for me and you can find a nice metal one in a thrift shop for a good price. Just be careful to listen and know when you need to refill.

Edit:

Also, I broke a plastic hanger on one end to have it straight and the other end about two inches before it curves so I have a hook to hold (the ends were filed so it didn't catch the hair). This allows me to twist, steam, repeat. To avoid burns, I have a leather gardening glove that helps keep my hands from burning but when sealing the ends it gets hot but you can get the end sealed and still be able to shake it off and do it again for extra measure.