Easy Hair Curler Rods Techniques For Beginners

Hair curler rods are a great way to create bouncy curls without the damaging effects of heat. They are pliable, foam tubes with a wire inside that holds them in place while you sleep or wait for your hair to dry. To use hair curler rods, start by washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner to remove excess oils. Next, apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturising cream to control frizz and make it easier to put in the rods. Divide your hair into sections and wrap each section around a rod, going away from your face. For tighter curls, use smaller rods and wrap your hair closely around the rod. For looser curls, use bigger rods and leave more space between your hair and the rod. Once your hair is completely dry, remove the rods by straightening and uncoiling them. Finally, gently separate the curls with your fingers for a more natural look.

Preparing your hair

Wash and Condition Your Hair

Start by washing your hair with a shampoo and conditioner to remove any excess oils and product buildup. Clean hair not only curls better but also holds the style for a longer duration. Leave your hair slightly damp as curler rods work best on wet or damp hair. If you are not planning to wash your hair, simply use a spray bottle to dampen it.

Moisturize and Detangle

Apply a leave-in conditioner or a moisturising cream to your damp hair. This step helps control frizziness and makes it easier to put on the curler rods. If your hair is naturally curly or tends to tangle, detangle each section as you work through your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush to gently remove any knots or tangles, starting from the ends and working your way up.

Apply Styling Products

Use a curl-enhancing product such as a mousse, gel, or setting lotion to help your hair hold the curls. For thick hair, apply the moisturiser section by section, rather than to your entire hair at once. If your hair is not naturally curly, you can also apply a setting lotion or gel to help define and hold the curls.

Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into 4 to 6 sections using hair clips or ties. This makes the process of putting in the curler rods easier and more manageable. You can further divide each section into smaller locks, depending on how tight you want your curls to be. Remember to work with one section at a time while keeping the rest of your hair out of the way.

Putting in the rods

Now that your hair is clean, moisturised, and sectioned, it's time to put in the rods!

First, select a small lock of hair from the back section. If you have thick hair or want tighter curls, take a smaller section of hair. Use a larger chunk of hair if your hair is thin or you want looser curls. Remove any tangles from this section. If your hair is naturally frizzy, apply a small amount of gel to the lock.

Next, wrap the end of the lock of hair tightly around the end of the flexi rod. This will ensure that the rod stays in place as your hair dries. Then, roll the flexi rod in a spiral up the lock of hair until you reach the root, making sure your hair stays smooth. Do not roll the rod straight up the hair or let the hair wrap over itself, as this will increase drying time and produce weaker curls.

Once you've reached the root, bend the flexi rod in the opposite direction of the spiral to secure it in place. Repeat this process for the rest of the section, and then move on to the next section until all of your hair is in the flexi rods.

Now, let your hair dry completely. You can sleep with the flexi rods in overnight, or use a hooded dryer to speed up the process. Longer or thicker hair will take longer to dry. If you plan to keep the rods in overnight, cover your hair with a satin wrap, bonnet, or other soft cloth to prevent frizz.

Removing the rods

Once your hair is dry, it's time to remove the rods and reveal your curls! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Straighten the rod: Start by straightening one of the curl rods. It's important to remove the rods one at a time, so don't try to remove multiple rods simultaneously.
• Uncoil the rod: Use the same twisting motion as when you put the rods in, but in the opposite direction. Gently unravel the hair from the rod completely before moving on to the next one. Be careful not to pull the rods straight out of your hair, as this will ruin the curl.
• Repeat for all rods: Continue the process of straightening and uncoiling each rod until all the rods have been removed.
• Separate the curls: Once all the rods are out, gently run your fingers through your hair to separate the curls and give them a more natural appearance. Avoid straightening your hair completely during this step.
• Apply hairspray (optional): If you want your curls to last longer and reduce frizz, especially in humid weather, finish with a light mist of hairspray.

Tips for removing the rods:

• It's important to ensure that your hair is completely dry before removing the rods. This will help ensure that your curls hold their shape.
• When uncoiling the rod, use a counter-clockwise motion to help maintain the shape of the curl.
• Be gentle and careful when removing the rods to avoid pulling or tugging on your hair, which can cause breakage.
• After removing the rods, you can use a small amount of oil on your fingertips to help separate the curls and reduce frizz.

Choosing the right rod size

Choosing the right curling rod size depends on several factors, including your hair length, hair texture, and the type of curls you want.

If you have short hair, smaller rods are best for achieving tight curls. Shorter hair will also require fewer rods. For short hair, a 0.5-inch rod will create tight curls, while a 1-inch rod or larger will give you loose curls.

For medium-length hair, you can use smaller rods for tight curls or larger rods for loose waves.

Long hair can use any type of curling rod. The longer the hair, the more times it can be wrapped, creating a greater variety of styles and curls.

In general, thicker and longer hair will require a larger rod, while medium to fine hair textures require smaller, slender rods for the curls to last. The wider the rod, the looser the curl. If you want tighter curls, go with a thinner rod, and if you want looser curls, opt for jumbo rods.

Additionally, the amount of hair you wrap around each rod will affect the curl. Using less hair on each rod will result in tighter curls, while adding more hair will create looser curls.

How to sleep with hair curler rods

Sleeping with hair curler rods can save you time in the morning, but it can be uncomfortable if you don't prepare properly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you sleep with hair curler rods:

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair

Firstly, ensure your hair is damp but not soaking wet. If your hair is too wet, it won't set completely.

Step 2: Put on the Curlers

Set your hair in the curler rods as you normally would.

Step 3: Cover with a Shower Cap

Place a plastic shower cap over the curler rods. This will help to seal in the moisture from your damp hair.

Step 4: Wrap a Cloth or Bandana

For added comfort, wrap a bandana or a cloth of similar size around the shower cap. Start by wrapping it around the back of your head, and then tie the corners together near your forehead.

Step 5: Secure with Clips or Pins

Use hair curl clips or bobby pins to secure the bandana or cloth around your hairline. This will ensure that your setup stays in place while you sleep.

Step 6: Adjust and Reposition as Needed

Lie down on your bed and rest your head on your pillow. If you feel any discomfort, adjust the clips, pins, or the knot on the cloth until you find a comfortable position.

While sleeping with hair curler rods may not provide the best night's sleep, with a bit of preparation, it is possible to curl your hair while you sleep, saving you time and effort in the morning.

Frequently asked questions