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guide to using perm rods on natural hair

Your Guide to Using Perm-Rods On Natural Hair

If you’ve been a part of the natural hair community, then you know that there are plenty of ways to achieve bouncy and defined curls. While all of the tried-and-true techniques you know and love can create a gorgeous set of spirals, perm rods have proven to be a top contender.
It’s easy to think that hair care products are all you need to achieve perfect ringlets and spirals, but sometimes your strands need the extra support. This is where perm rods can give you a curl-styling lesson. Perm rods for natural hair make a big difference in the look of your curls and can even improve the overall health of your locks.

When partnered with the right technique and hair-styling products, perm rods for natural hair can help you create a cute set of curls with long-lasting staying power. If you’re new to the trend or are looking for ways to revamp your routine, it’s time to get acquainted with our guide on how to use perm rods the right way.

What Are Perm Rods?

Perm rods are horizontal hair-curling tools that are often referred to as spiral perm rods. These popular rollers were originally created to set hair during chemical perm treatments. They’ve now taken on a life of their own and have become a natural hair staple. They are well-suited for short and medium hair since they have a compact design. These hair curlers are made out of plastic and come in various perm rod sizes and colors.

Similar to flexi-rods, you use these curl rollers by wrapping your strands around them. Since traditional perm rods already come with a clasp attached to them to keep your strands in place, you don’t have to worry about them unraveling. You can think of them as an all-in-one curling tool for fun and simple styling.

Can I Use Perm Rods On Natural Hair?

Perm rods are designed with all hair textures in mind. They’re an excellent match for natural textures since they can create tight straw curls without the use of heat—which is a perk that your strands will love. Spiral perm rods are also easier to set in your hair than flexi-rods, making them an ideal choice for first-timers and those with kinky textures.

Find Your Personalized Routine!
Know your curls better than ever before! Our quick and easy 5-step quiz, which uses powerful data to determine your hair type, will help you understand your strands. Set aside a couple of minutes to answer some simple questions, and we’ll take care of the rest. At the end, we’ll identify your curl type and main hair concerns, and provide expert tips, product recommendations, and a personalized routine. The journey to gorgeous hair starts now. Click Here to find your personalized routine.

How Long Does a Perm Rod Set Last On Natural Hair?

There’s plenty of beauty in perm rods, and one thing that we appreciate is that the curls they create typically last for a long time. While most curly hair techniques are only good for a day or two, rod curls on natural hair can last up to five days with proper care. So, the struggle of keeping your curls intact is non-existent.

Of course, the only way to keep your bouncy curls in place is to avoid manipulating your hair post-styling. Touching your locks too much can dry them out and cause your once bouncy curls to fall. It’s also a must to protect your strands before you sleep. Simply pulling your curls into a pineapple hairstyle and wrapping them in a silk scarf or bonnet will do the trick. Otherwise, keep your hands away so your curls can stick around for the long haul.

How To Use Perm Rods

The key to creating rod curls on natural hair is patience. While the idea of just placing perm rods in your hair to create springy curls in an instant is satisfying, you have to get a little more handsy to do the job. As we mentioned, you’ll need to use the right hair care products to serve up some serious definition. When using perm rods on natural hair, you’ll need to keep moisturizing products on hand and remember to evenly distribute them throughout your strands to get the best results. Here’s exactly how to use perm rods.

Wash your strands.

Start things off on the right note by cleansing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. This will give your curls a solid foundation for the perfect perm rod set. Wash your locks with the Monoi Repairing Sulfate-Free Shampoo, which has coprah coconut oil and monoi oil that will gently cleanse hair, leaving it strong and healthy. Pair it with the Monoi Repairing Conditioner to help restore health to damaged hair while preventing future breaks and snaps. Make sure to let it sit on your strands for three to five minutes so it can work its magic.

Add an extra layer of moisture with a hair mask.

When you plan on rocking curly hairstyles, it’s important to kick your moisture level up a notch. One way you can give your mane a burst of hydration is by using a hair mask. After conditioning, apply the Monoi Repairing Hair Mask throughout your hair from the roots to tips. In addition to monoi oil, it’s formulated with hydrolyzed silk and nourishes hair to help reverse and prevent damage. Give it five to seven minutes to do its thing, then rinse.

Apply a leave-in conditioner.

Once your hair has been washed and conditioned, use a leave-in conditioner for extra TLC to prep your locks for perm rods. The Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave In Cream With Castor Oil intensely moisturizes and helps to reinforce weak strands with every use. It’s formulated with castor oil and black seed oil to make hair stronger between washes and aid in maintaining length.

Part your hair and add moisture.

Part your hair in one-inch sections and apply the Hair Milk Nourishing & Conditioning Style Pudding. Add a little extra product to the tips of your hair to prevent your locks from unraveling. Start by smoothing the ends of your hair around a perm rod. Carefully roll it up toward your scalp and clip it in place with the clasp. Repeat until all of your hair is set.

Let your hair dry.

When learning how to use perm rods, you can’t make it to the finish line without allowing your hair to dry completely. That’s the only way that your perm rods for natural hair will blossom into springy and bouncy curls with extra personality. You can cover your hair with a silk scarf and let them sit overnight or use a hooded dryer to speed things up.

Check your perm rods.

Test out whether or not your hair is fully dry by unraveling a perm rod at the back of your head. If you find that you need more drying time, re-roll your hair and let your strands dry a bit longer.

Unravel the perm rods.

Once your hair is completely dry, it’s time to unravel each perm rod slowly to survey your handiwork. Apply a few drops of the Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil into your hands and rub them together. This will prevent your hair from getting frizzy while taking down the perm rods. Carefully un-clip the hair curlers on your strands. Then, separate your locks to achieve a fluffy and voluminous texture that any stylist would approve of.

What Can I Use Instead of Perm Rods?

Perm rods are not your only choice for achieving tight, straw-like curls. You can also use flexi-rods to execute the same style. Flexi-rods come in a variety of sizes. So, choose smaller hair rods to create springy curls. Opting for larger hair rods will give your mane loose curls similar to a roller set or pin curls.

In addition to learning how to use perm rods, you should learn how to hydrate your hair correctly. Boost your mane’s moisture with our article, What Is The LOC Method Hair Care Routine?

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