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View Full Version : Do braided in synthetic dreads damage the hair?



PorcelainHorror
July 3rd, 2012, 11:55 PM
Hello! I was wondering if having synthetic dreads braided in would cause any damage?

For those of you who do not know what they are:

"Dread extensions can be braided (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braid), sewn, or wrapped into natural hair. With proper maintenance extensions can last up to 4 months, sometimes longer depending on how fast the hair grows and creates looseness at the scalp (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalp). Dread extensions come in single and double ended. Single ended means the synthetic hair is created with the loop on the top so that natural hair can slide through and then be braided or wrapped onto the dread, then tied off with a rubber band (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_band) or thread. Double ended is twice the length of a single and folded in half to create the look of "two dreads in one." Only one half of the dread is braided or wrapped into the hair while the other half hangs loose, giving a more realistic appearance because there is no braid at the top on half of the set"

I was really wanting to get some and wear them maybe for a week or two but my hair is fragile and am concerned about possible breakage.
I have fine shoulder length hair, if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

DreadfulWoman
July 4th, 2012, 12:03 AM
I wouldn't think they would be damaging. I wouldn't leave them for 4 months though! I would think the rules for cornrows would probably apply: If your scalp becomes incredibly itchy or tender, take them out immediately, and don't leave them in for more than 2 weeks regardless.

Good luck! And let us know how they turn out if you do decide to get them.

PorcelainHorror
July 4th, 2012, 12:27 AM
Thank you so much! If I do get them, I will definitely post pictures :]

Bagginslover
July 4th, 2012, 03:16 AM
A friend of mine wears felted woolen dreads. They are incredibly soft, and I would imagine would cause minimal damage. Her hair is soet of wrapped around the top of each one to secure it, and they will last a few months apparently.

pink.sara
July 4th, 2012, 07:11 AM
I could never leave mine in for longer than 2-3 weeks without major tangling around the dread which was very difficult to comb out without damage.
I had braided extensions for a time which was better as they contained the hair whereas with a DED the hair wraps around the outside.

I would not recommend 4 months :(

And Pics if you do please! :)

Tisiloves
July 4th, 2012, 07:26 AM
I agree with your plan for a week or two, you can always take them out, deep condition and re-install later.

Odonata
July 4th, 2012, 07:53 AM
No they don't.
Like with all things it depends on you but if you are gentle with your hair it should be fine.
Like pink.sara i wear mine for 3 weeks, not longer as this allows my initial braid to be slightly looser and so not as pulling on the scalp, and prevents the beginning of the matting process on your actual hair.
I also well oil my ends prior to braiding them in.
The most shocking thing is the fall out 3 week worth stays in your hair it looks like your are loosing hair but you aren't it is normal and not in excess of what you'd loose in those 3 weeks anyway.
Some people get bumps initially. I haven't had any problems with this tho so cannot advise.
If you like them they are a fantastic way to ignore you hair for like a month and you can really see your growth that is rewarding.

This is my hair after taking out my dreads and deep moisturising, no damage. The worse bit is the sectioning sticks around for a couple of days but gentle tlc and massage helps. I work on a 3, 6, 3 kind of basis where I wear them for 3 weeks and out for 6 then recolour and in for 3.
I am fidigity with my hair and like the drama so it is enough to keep me from cutting.
I colour my hair with directions over natural hair except my fringe which I bleach part of and razor. But I rather like the naturals look too and contemplate going my natural colour at times- shocking !
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/148700_10150876051178223_1151594414_n.jpg
After dreads before wash
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/252645_10151049445313223_1210766817_n.jpg
And after wash all dry and happy
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/575702_10151048487973223_1252771586_n.jpg

Post photos when you have them in .
And if you feel at any point like your hair is struggling with the weight take them out.

MoonLover
July 4th, 2012, 08:06 AM
Wow Odonata, you're hair is amazing in ALL three pictures:thud:

Odonata
July 4th, 2012, 08:18 AM
[QUOTE=MoonLover;2194473]Wow Odonata, you're hair is amazing in ALL three pictures:thud:[/QUOT

lol thanks, I love synthetic dreads I think they can carry lots of different fashions
I went with BUST or BSL with my dreadlocks which was odd at first but I very much enjoyed the change without cutting my hair
I really enjoy my hair; it’s like a pet, so it’s nice when other people do too -
Hopefully the images can encourage those interested in synth dreads to go for it -
I am currently making a set of solid wrappies in the base colour blend and maybe lavender accents or turquoise and that'll be going into my fringe.
They’ll be closer to my natural length although I am thinking an a line install that cuts right up in the back