If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours on YouTube, watching tutorial after tutorial on how to do the best flexi rod set. And if you’re really like me, then I know you’ve felt the sting of disappointment of your curls not coming out right. Even though it’s frustrating to not nail your flexi rod set, all hope is not lost.
With these hacks and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be ready to nail this season’s hottest natural hair style – the flexi rod set – each and every time.
Here’s how to do it.
You’ll Need:
- Spray bottle with water
- Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
- Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Control & Shine Mist
- Wide-tooth comb for detangling
- Clips for separating hair
- Denman brush or similar for smoothing
- Flexi rods (size and quantity depends on hair length and desired curl)
- Hooded dryer (optional)
Step 1
Starting with clean, dry hair is always best for optimum style results. If that’s not an option, dry “old hair” with little to no product buildup will work.
Gently mist your hair with water to dampen, but not soak. This is an important step to make the hair more pliable and prevent breakage. Then, apply a quarter-sized amount of the Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion to the hair. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb to distribute product evenly.
Step 2
Part hair in to 5 sections – two at the back, and one on each side, in addition to a 5th section coming forward over the face. Parting in 5 sections makes the hair more workable and creates guidelines for where the curls will fall at the end of the style. If you prefer a side or middle part, then split the 5th section over the face accordingly.
Step 3
Next, take your first section (starting from the back is highly recommended), and apply 2-3 pumps of Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse to the entire section. Work the mousse into the entire section by brushing through with a Denman or similar styling brush.
Step 4
In that same section, begin working in either ¾ or 1 inch sections, clipping away the hair that’s not currently being worked on. Smooth through the smaller section again with a Denman or similar styling brush, working out any tangles and ensuring the hair is completely smooth.
Place the end of your hair 2 inches from the bottom of the flexi rod and smooth it around the rod completely. Keeping the hair taut, roll the hair counter-clockwise onto the flexi rod, overlapping once over the ends to secure the rod. Then, roll the flexi rod all the way to the scalp.
Once you’ve reached the scalp, bend the rod opposite of the curl to secure.
Step 5
Repeat Step 4 for each flexi rod, and Step 3 for each larger section.
Step 6
Lastly, spritz your entire head with Almond & Avocado Curl Control & Shine Mist to minimize frizz, boost shine, and help keep your curls in place.
Step 7
For best results, sit under a hooded dryer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until completely dry. If your hair still feels damp, add more time. Because your style results depend on it, dry hair is necessary.
You can also air dry – but be prepared to leave the rods in for 2 – 3 hours, or sleep in them overnight.
Step 8
When you’re 100% sure your hair is dry, it’s time for takedown. Working rod, by rod, remove the hair carefully, holding the root of the curl between your fingertips. Then, unwind the flexi rod in a counter-clockwise motion around the curl until the two are completely separated. If the curl comes apart prematurely, simply finger coil it back in to place.
Step 9
Finally, once all the rods are out, gently separate each curl into 2 or 3 individual curls, being careful to finger curl in the direction of the hair. This will help you create volume while minimizing frizz.
And there you have it! The major keys to the perfect rod set, every time. As a result of taking your time, using the right products, placing your flexi rods the right way, and mastering the takedown, your curls will be the center of attention anywhere you go.
And since you put in so much work, making the style last more than 1 day is a must. To preserve your curls overnight, gather your curls on the top of your head and secure with a loose scrunchie, pineapple style. Finally, cover with a satin bonnet.
The next day, shake those curls down and fluff into place!
Work it, girl!
Shop this Style
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Curl Control & Shine Mist