I got these dreads for my Halloween outfit. I have never had dreads before or used synthetic hair. Before using them I washed them in apple cider vinger, cold water, and a very small amount of shampoo in the water. Cleaning them before the first use helped make them feel more soft. After I cleaned them I used a steamer to help straighten them and tighten them up, which I feel that this also helped make them feel more soft. I only installed dreads on the underside if my hair and did not use all of the dreads. I have had no problem with wearing them. They dont stick to my natural hair and I have had no issue with washing my hair (I just avoid using conditioner on them and only shampoo my scalp around the dreads). I feel like the synthetic dreads actually dry very quick. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and I have had a lot of fun wearing them. I will probably buy more in the future, but I think I will get double sided dreads next time and maybe blend the two sets.