Different Looks Between Dreadlocks

[XilianX2010]

For awhile I noticed something about cold-foam dreadlocks, and have been wanting to ask:

I noticed Bambooie's (Joe) dreads were highly flexible, like all cold-foam dreads, but his seemed to have a very shiny, smooth surface. And probably had best movement.

I ordered dreads from a seller on ebay that were cold foam dreads, just like Joe's. They are flexible, but seem to have a very wrinkly texture. Some the of the out-layer has pealed off on some, and the foam shows underneath. This doesn't bother me much, they still work great. 

But how do some dreads have a smooth, shiny surface like joe's, then some are wrinkly? Is it the process of making them, or is it something you can do to them after there made? 


-Abby

 

[Klwl]

I'd say it's a curing thing. Sort of like when a cake bakes and rises.

I'm likely way off but that what it looks like to me after a hot dog comes off the BBQ and sits around too long afterwards.

Sorry this new nutrition plan I'm on is killing me...starving.

and TBH I like a little texture looks more authentic.

 

[Hippie]

I have Booies. They have a very even texture and a very smooth finish. They have also got two seams.The quality is outstanding and very constant.

That said, I also have some of Dreadmans dreads (Caseys Dad) these ones are wrinkly. They also only have one seam. I havent had any from him that have had any skin missing so I dont know if yours are from him.  I have to say that I prefer the density of Joes but much prefer the wrinkly ones as the do look much more natural.

I think that the wrinkly ones have the texture due to the larger pockets of air under the skin. ??

 

[Klwl]

^^^^ that's what I was trying to get across... so hungry!

 

[A Hunters Moon]

All true but don't forget some are also sculpted with a texture. 

 

[wonko]

In my experience working with different foams, there's allot of variables that come into play.  Different foams will give different finishes (glossy, matte,. etc.), along with how the foam is tinted.  Also, making dreads in a silicone (usually one seam line) yields a different 'feel' to the foam, as opposed to a 2 part stone mold.  The pockets of air inside the dread  (which usually cause the skin of the foam to be wrinkly) can be cause by temperature and/or relative humidity.  Another thing that can greatly affect the dread is weather or not back pressure was used while the foam was curing.  Back pressure generally causes the dread to be a little 'fuller' (less air pockets/bubbles) but can create a stiffer dread.  All of these variables are the reason I never went into full production... it's a pain in the ass.  I have figured out a reasonably good mix of flex and density and have about 90% success rate, but the dreads are about twice the weight of the ones I've compared them to.  They're also a bit more expensive than most, and there's allot of waste due to mixing 2:1 instead of 1:1.  I'm sure others have different experiences, and hopefully they'll share here as well.

Brian

 

[XilianX2010]

Thank you all for explaining it to me

The reason the dreads have some missing skin is that when I put them back in the box when repainting my mask, and i had put them in the basement. It was summer so it was very humid. When I went to pull them out they stuck to one another. Some of thier skins were peeled off.

Also I did buy from a dreadman on ebay. He was able to make me 40 in a matter of 1-2 days.

I also perfer smoother dreads like bambooies. I know the first predator had wrinkly dreads, but I guess it's personal taste. I've always wanted to try to make dreads, but it sounds like a diffucult process. Does anyone make smooth dreads, out curiosity?

 

[seahunterr]

Yes I am making Bambooie dreads and P1, P2. and AVP resin dread rings. I will have some in stock after new years. Dreads are a science, and Joe put alot of work into getting them perfect. I had an order recently from a well known studio that could not replicate his dreads.

 

[XilianX2010]

Wow that's impressive. Nice to see too you picked up his business, so other people can purchase his dreads again.

Also, out of curosity, Termokk sells dreads with his masks, much like joe's, but doesn't sell them separtly. Does Termokk make his own dreads? If he does they look really good.

 

[wonko]

I have a set of Corey's (Termokk) dreads and am very happy with them.  Yes, he does make his own.

Brian

 

[MEANGENE83]

I just wanted to echo what Wonko said. I have had the same experiences making my own dreds. I would describe them verbatim to what he already posted.

In my experience working with different foams, there's allot of variables that come into play.  Different foams will give different finishes (glossy, matte,. etc.), along with how the foam is tinted.  Also, making dreads in a silicone (usually one seam line) yields a different 'feel' to the foam, as opposed to a 2 part stone mold.  The pockets of air inside the dread  (which usually cause the skin of the foam to be wrinkly) can be cause by temperature and/or relative humidity.  Another thing that can greatly affect the dread is weather or not back pressure was used while the foam was curing.  Back pressure generally causes the dread to be a little 'fuller' (less air pockets/bubbles) but can create a stiffer dread.  All of these variables are the reason I never went into full production... it's a pain in the ass.  I have figured out a reasonably good mix of flex and density and have about 90% success rate, but the dreads are about twice the weight of the ones I've compared them to.  They're also a bit more expensive than most, and there's allot of waste due to mixing 2:1 instead of 1:1.  I'm sure others have different experiences, and hopefully they'll share here as well.

Brian

 

[MEANGENE83]

Correct me if I am wrong. But didn't someone state that Bambooie used to work in the foam industry for years? Hence his nice dreds?

 

[wonko]

Correct me if I am wrong. But didn't someone state that Bambooie used to work in the foam industry for years? Hence his nice dreds?

I heard that too and could never verify it.  It stands to reason though.

Brian

 

[XilianX2010]

Also i noticed the price difference between the dreads. It was like $125 for 20 of Booie's dreads, but I got 40 of them from dreadman for that price. That was the cheapest I ever saw, so I jumped onto it, because I couldn't find them any cheaper. Though I think he used some misleading pictures for his dreads on eBay. He showed them on a Scott Marshall mask, but they lookked a lot like Joe's. When they arrived, I was slightly dissapointed they were wrinkly. Though for what I have I'm happy, and hope to save up for some of seahunterr's dreads. I always wanted to own booie's dreads.

 

[Eaglewood]

I have experimented with many different foams as well. There are some youtube videos you can wathc on my channed. Eaglewoodtc-- I do a lot of comparisons and show how to make them as well.
Seahunter has taken over Bambooies dread business and makes some great stuff. I do the sectioned ones as well.
Just experiment and play. Thats how you learn.
Good luck.

 

[Montayva13]

Well... im not sure if my methods are just wayyyyyyy off the bat with dreads, or just simply a different method. I started out with backer rod foam, heated the ends to taper them, and now I am contemplating what coating to use over them >..

 

[A Hunters Moon]

Backer rods an alternative that's been used a good deal here on the lair.  Cutting, sanding, and heating is typical of that method.  Most  use plastidip to coat them. 

 

[Montayva13]

Plastidip was actually the first thing I had considered, as its whats easiest for me to get my hands on. I guess I will try a few different methods. Although I have latex coming out of my ears, but wasnt sure if that would be a heavier alternative to plastidip... guess it will be a matter of trial and error until i find something that im happy with.

 

[wonko]

Latex would for sure make them heavier.  Also, latex doesn't stick to the backer rod very well.  I made a few and used plastidip and was surprised at how well it stuck to the foam.

Brian

 

[Eaglewood]

Plastidip spray is your friend!