Brushable Curls: I Tested Them Myself — Here’s Why They Actually Work

There’s something interesting I noticed.

People who say they don’t like fake dreads — the texture, the structure, the look — react completely differently when they see brushable curls installed.

They don’t see dreadlocks. They don’t see braids. They see volume.

And suddenly it’s: “Wait… I want this.”

I tested brushable curls myself. I installed them. I brushed them. I styled them. I wore them.

And now I can explain exactly why they work.

If you're specifically looking for a non-damaging alternative to keratin or glue extensions, I wrote a full breakdown here: Safe Alternative to Keratin Hair Extensions 😌

What Makes Brushable Curls Different from Fake Dreads?

Traditional fake dreads have structure. Texture is visible. Sections are defined.

Brushable curls are different.

They are soft, flexible, and most importantly — they create movement.

Instead of emphasizing the installation, they visually blur it.

This makes them a perfect alternative for people who:

• Don’t like the look of fake dreads
• Want something softer
• Want an extension-like effect
• Still want removable protective styling

The Extension Effect — Why It Looks Like Hair Extensions

The free-hanging curl section physically covers the installation point.

The tighter the curl pattern, the stronger the coverage.

Unlike S-curl textures that keep a defined wave pattern, brushable curls allow the hair to fall naturally over the base.

That’s why the result looks like:

• Full, thick hair
• Natural volume
• Seamless length
• No visible installation

This creates what I call the extension illusion.

Curl Pattern Matters More Than You Think

Loose wave → lighter visual blending

Medium curl → partial coverage

Tighter curl pattern → maximum coverage effect

The more defined the curl, the better it hides the base.

This isn’t just aesthetic preference. It’s physical layering.

The Styling Trick That Hides Everything

The half-up style changes everything.

When you take a small section from the front and pull it back — leaving the rest of the curls free — the installation disappears completely.

You don’t see fake dreads. You don’t see braids. You just see a thick, soft mane.

This works especially well because the upper curls fall forward and cover the connection points.

Are Brushable Curls Really Brushable?

Yes — but only with the right brush.

Use:

• Wide paddle brush
• Plastic bristles with rounded tips
• No metal
• No fine detangling combs

Always brush from the ends upward in sections.

Because the fiber is soft and flexible, it behaves more like extension hair than structured fake dreadlocks.

For Those Who Don’t Like Fake Dreads

Brushable curls are a bridge.

If you’ve never liked fake dreads because they felt too bold, too textured, too alternative — this is your entry point.

They feel softer. They move more naturally. They don’t scream “dreadlocks.”

They whisper volume.

How I Create Brushable Curls

I don’t just install them. I make them myself.

Here’s a short behind-the-scenes video showing part of the process:

Where to Find Brushable Curls

If you want to explore available styles, you can see all current designs here:

Explore Curly Dreads Collection

This collection includes:

• Brushable curls
• Soft curl sets
• Curly dread alternatives
• Lightweight volume styles

Final Thoughts

Brushable curls work because they are engineered to layer over the installation point.

They work because curl density controls coverage.

They work because they move.

And they work especially well for people who thought fake dreads were “not for them.”

Until they try this.

You can explore more of my creation process here: Behind the Scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are brushable curls better than fake dreads?

They are not “better” — they are different. Brushable curls are softer, create more movement, and visually hide the installation point. They are ideal for people who want a more natural extension-like effect.

Can you really brush brushable curls?

Yes. Use a wide paddle brush with plastic bristles and always brush from the ends upward in sections. Avoid metal brushes and fine combs.

Do brushable curls look like hair extensions?

Yes. Because the curl density covers the installation base, they create a natural extension illusion with seamless volume and length.

Are brushable curls a good alternative to fake dreadlocks?

Absolutely. They are perfect for people who don’t like the structured look of fake dreads but still want removable, voluminous styling.