Possibly a VERY Dumb Idea...

So I'm thinking about the fact that you can't use a curling iron on synth (or on most synth), although you can use velvet-covered rollers. And then I thought, what's to stop me from sewing a simple cotton-velvet or velveteen tube to serve as a "sleeve"/slipcover for the barrell? A rayon-velvet would probably melt, but maybe the cotton velvet would hold up? Any opinions? Has anyone tried this?

****This may be a really dumb idea, so don't anyone try this at home!

Oh, yeah. You can definitely curl synth with hot rollers and steam rollers. You can also put it in rollers and then blow it dry. It will pick up the shape; conversely, you can straighten curly or wavy synth hair quite easily, by either taking a hot shower or blowing it straight.

The reason you can't use a curling iron, though, is that it would be too hot--it would singe the hair and, hence, ruin it.

I was thinking the velvet would provide enough of a barrier between the metal barrier and the heat. For example, people use velvet-covered rollers with synth all the time (one assumes the rollers are plastic, but the velvet material provides an extra layer of protection)..... :)

There we go again Jenny....we need an icon for this physcic blonde thing

There you go Jenny. You can make velvet curling iron covers for all the people who will switch to synthetic! LOL

anyone else have any curling expierence?

A million-dollar idea? Perhaps...I can just see the late-night infomercial now....All these sad-looking girls with their fried synth hair...And then--the velvet sleeve to the rescue!!! I digress...but those infomercials always crack me up.

Anyway, I've ordered Dome and Plastikhaar; I may order some ProStyles too, but I've been dragging my feet on that (also, I think you may have to be licensed to get that hair). Anyway, those three brands--along with Trimco--are generally considered high-quality synth (in other words, suitable for loose extensions); they're also called monofibre or monofilament. They're a step up from the typical silky straight sold at Doc's or Afrocare, and many steps up from jumbo braid.

Generally, the only thing synth really responds to is heat, which is why they were applied for many years with the heat-sealed (or Dome) method, wherein the synthetic hair is actually melted in on itself around your real hair, which is box-braided.

Anyway, a lot of us are seriously thinking about switching to synth; a lot of people really prefer it. For examples of how good it can look, you've got to check out Boogiemama's synth gallery (if you haven't before): http://www.boogiemama.com/album/thumbnails.php?album=1

I believe she uses ProStyles, but most people seem to feel ProStyles, Dome, Trimco, and PlastikHaar are comparable.

:)

HEHEHE I stay up extra late just to watch that infomercial!
Seriuosly though and this may be a very gay idea...but what about using material like on oven mitts (the siver kind) It might sound ghetto...but hey You started this whole idea.

Perhaps...the silver quilted stuff? I imagine that could work, but the kind used for oven mitts is awfully thick...maybe there's a thinner version?

I'm sure there are probably a few times of material that would conduct heat without becoming damaged, but I'm no textiles expert. Will need to ask around a little more... :)

Hi Alyssa,

Apparently, there is a velvet-covered flatiron by Conair; the rationale being that it's not as damaging as the standard metal or ceramic versions. I was actually reading customer reviews of it the other day, but unfortunately, the reviews weren't good.... I imagine it just doesn't straighten with the same force that the traditional kinds do.

Incidentally, there is a company--I think its Rusk--that just debuted (or will soon debut) a glass-bladed flatiron (the idea is that the glass moves more smoothly over the strands, which, in turn, would lead to less damage). I haven't tried it out, though.

:)

Jenny....I just saw the glass plated straightening iron about 5 minutes ago on targetstores.com.....Moderators...we need a new icon here!