Thank you so much for all your tips.  I was not aware that they sealed with steam heat.  That is definitely a good thing to know. 

 

I know that some people use the hair police method for doing wool dreads and I was told that can be even more potential for tangling into the natural hair. 

 

I am going to keep investigating and we may not go this route after all but I very much appreciate all your help.  Thank you.

 

Correct.

 

Karen Shelton wrote: Then you braid synthetic hair into the natural hair but you also incorporate thread or string into the process.

 

All pinchbraiding techniques, including synthetic dreads, incorporate string into the process.

 

Karen Shelton wrote: The thread or string is supposed to be knotted around the braid to secure the synthetic hair.  Then the synthetic hair is the ONLY hair that is teased and dreaded while the natural hair is not incorporated into the faux dreads.

 

The string is knotted around the braid, which incorporates both the natural and the extension hair. And YES, only the synthetic hair is teased and dreaded.

 

I have several questions...

 

Karen Shelton wrote: Is it better to use thread or string?  Any recommendations on what type of thread or string?  Should you use regular weave thread that you would use on regular pinchbraids? .

 

 

Pinchbraiding string is upholstery string. It is actually a very fine cord and yes the kind matters. I get mine from Hairpolice, but you can get upholstery string from a number of sources.

 

 

Karen Shelton wrote: I am assuming you want to use the color of thread that would match the braids or would it be better to use a color that would show up a little better when you want to snip the thread for takedown?

 

 

It's a tossup. It's great if the thread matches, but yes, takedown is a bit more tedious. I always choose string that doesn't show, i.e., best matches the natural hair.

 

 

Karen Shelton wrote: If it is done right, supposedly when you are ready to remove the synthetic dreads, you can snip the thread where it is wrapped around the braids and the synth dreads will slide right off without damaging the natural hair.

 

Yes. This is exactly how it works.

 

 

Karen Shelton wrote: I am wondering why synth hair is used and not HH hair to be dreaded?

 

Kateadreena addressed this and yes, she's right, it's because synth hair makes really easy 'dreads' through heat steaming. You backcomb the hair (monofiber), apply steam, and it creates a really cool-looking dread. It's great, because the biggest 'problem' with synthetic hair is that you can 'fry' it so easily; but with dreads you use this to your advantage and the synthetic hair is light, beautiful, long-lasting, and easy wearing.

 

 

Karen Shelton wrote: Also, can you pre-dread the hair before attaching to the pinch braids or would that be impossible to do?  I am just thinking that there would be a lot of tension on the braids while you tease and dread each section.

 

There's not much tension at all on the braid while you tease it. Let me come over and demo this process to you. It's really simple. ;-)

 

Karen Shelton wrote: Supposedly when you use the thread, the same dreaded locks can be reattached after you tighten the pinch braids.

 

Yes. this is true, just as it's true for human hair with pinchbraids. You can reuse the previously attached hair. Many people use their hair up to a year.  Hope this helps!

 

 

You are awesome...as always.

 

Yes...we need to have you do a demo for Billy and I.  We should definitely get together.  I have been researching this all day.  As I mentioned to you, I actually interviewed the original founder of HairPolice some years back before her untimely death.  She was a great lady and offered to do HairPolice to my hair.  It was our little "joke".

 

Thanks again.  This is so helpful. 

 

...is it done yet...???   :)  :)  :)  LOL  ***just kidding***

 

Hi,

 

Today Billy is in a fusion extension class and I have been up working since 5:00 am.  Right now I am in my office with the door locked to try and get caught up.  So things are a little crazy now.  However, when Billy gets back I will work out a schedule with him and we will give you a call and see what we can do.

 

And of course we will post lots and lots of photos. 

 

LOL.  I also love dreads.  My only problem with the "real" dreads is that the only way to remove them is to cut them out.  Yes, KnottyBoy has a product that will remove "new" dreads but not sure how well it works with "aged" dreads.

 

I like the idea of being able to snip a thread and have your dreads drop to the floor. 

 

Yes...we will get together and do a demo and will post photos.  I promise.  As soon as I get caught up this week we will schedule something with Fina Fina, Billy, Angie and Angie's friend who wants dreads. 

 

You can remove aged dreads without cutting them out. It's a lot of work and very time consuming.

Ms.Honey wrote: Karen Shelton wrote: B.B. wrote: OOOOO...I can't wait for the demo!!!  dreds are so fascinating.   ...is it done yet...???   :)  :)  :)  LOL  ***just kidding***   LOL.  I also love dreads.  My only problem with the "real" dreads is that the only way to remove them is to cut them out.  Yes, KnottyBoy has a product that will remove "new" dreads but not sure how well it works with "aged" dreads.      You can remove aged dreads without cutting them out. It's a lot of work and very time consuming.

  

Hi Ms Honey,

 

Wow.  I have talked to several people with long term dreads that couldn't get them untangled after days of trying.  Is there any secrets you can share?  That would be great info to have.