Shiny/Alkaline Coating on Synth Hair

[Cayte Catastrophe]

Hello there, Lovelies!

I have been researching how to remove the shine from synth hair, since I like naturals to look as natural as possible. What I've found out is the coating that makes synth (and some human hair) shiny is an alkaline product/base that the strands are treated with. This is also, supposedly, what gives people allergic reactions, itchies, and other sorts of nasty problems

From what I can find, soaking the hair in a vinegar solution removes this film. Has anyone ever tried this? Either before or after making your dreads? I've seen some naturals on the board that don't have as much shine, is that possibly from hot water sealing?

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated!

xoxo,
Cayte

[Gracey]

Some brands and shades of synth are certainly shinier than others. Personally, I like my natural-style synth to look as authentic as possible too, so I stay well away from shiny brands and colours to make them. I do hot water seal but I have never found it to make much difference to the sheen in most cases.

[..::AtomicLox::..]

I believe Anna (at Anouk Dreadmaker: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anouk-Dre ... 9813594007) does a soak to remove the film on all of her naturals. She might be someone to ask?

I hot-water seal my naturals, and I do notice it takes the shine off of some brands. Many of the super shiny colors though, that have that really plastic-y appearance, are going to be a little shiny no matter what.

[Cayte Catastrophe]

Thanks for the responses, ladies!

I might have to experiment with this and maybe post a tutorial!