But after making loads and loads I have finally drawn some conclusions on how to make them (this is my opinion but if you are having trouble you might benefit from this
) turn out better, look better, stay smoother and generally look more natural!I will upload some pics soon when I get chance after I go away so that you can see the difference.
I tend to use ALOT less hair than if I was doing twists. You seriously only need a smallish bunch of hair, especially if you are doing SE's. I think most peoples error when making naturals is using wayyy too much hair. So have a play, reduce your amounts and I'm sure you will have a better time if it. Another thing when making SE's/Harlequins, because the dreads arent essentialy sealed, they WILL come apart eventually at the top where the two sections are backcombed together so its best to use rubber bands around them to prevent this from happening if you wear them alot, you can get clear ones so it wouldn't look too bad
Secondly, try getting used to using straight KK, when the end are loose they look muuuch neater and I find the dreads alot lighter and softer and look nicer.
Backcombing. I know everyone tells you that the dreads NEED to stand up to the erection test, well I believe naturals don't. As long as you backcomb them enough not to come apart I think that is enough. Do you reallly want naturals that are stiff with no flexibility? The less hair you use and the lighter you back comb the more they have natural movement and are easier to manage. A full head of stiff naturals (especially long ones) are no fun when they are simply too stiff to do anything with and sticky outy.
A tip for when the ends look straggly when using jumbo braid. If you have straighteners with a heat setting set them to the lowest heat and straighten the ends in quick motions until they are smooth. You get the ease of making the dread with jumbo braid but the same nice finish to the ends as if you were using silky! If you want them to look as natural as possible, don't wiggle the ends or twist them
Lastly, sealing. The best way I have found is to pour boiling water down the lengths. If you want anything more hardcore than that, put them in the washing machine at 40 on a fast cycle. Make sure you pack them tightly and neatly into the bottom of a pillow case and tie it up really tight because they will come out and go all over the place if you don't ! If they go a bit wiggly, just pour boiling water down the lengths again and they will smooth out again!
I hope this will help troubleshoot some of the problems I have seen people having and hopefully make it a bit easier ^_^
x
I couldn't think what else to call it ! x
