Twist rollers, also known as flexi rods, are used on natural hair to create defined curls or waves without heat. The general process involves applying product to damp hair, wrapping sections of hair around the rollers, and securing them before letting the hair dry completely.
Here’s a breakdown of how to use twist rollers on natural hair:
- Start with Damp, Clean Hair: Begin with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Leave-in conditioner helps with moisture and curl definition. Detangle your hair thoroughly.
- Apply Product: Apply a styling product like mousse, setting lotion, or curl cream to each section of your hair. This helps to hold the curl shape.
- Sectioning: Divide your hair into small to medium-sized sections, depending on how tight you want your curls. Smaller sections create tighter curls, while larger sections create looser waves.
- Rolling:
- Take a section of hair and smooth it out.
- Start at the end of the section and wrap the hair around the twist roller, rolling upwards towards the roots. Ensure the hair is wrapped smoothly and evenly around the roller.
- Once you reach the root, bend the ends of the flexi rod to secure it in place.
- Repeat: Repeat the process for all sections of your hair.
- Drying: Allow your hair to dry completely. This can be done by air-drying (which can take several hours or overnight) or by sitting under a hooded dryer. Ensure the hair is completely dry before removing the rollers.
- Removal: Carefully unwrap each section of hair, starting from the bottom. Gently separate the curls to your desired fullness and style.
- Finishing Touches: Add a light oil or serum to your hands and gently smooth it over your curls to reduce frizz and add shine. Avoid using too much product, as this can weigh down your hair.
Tips for Best Results:
- Avoid Overlapping: Make sure each section of hair wraps around the roller without overlapping to prevent tangles.
- Smoothing: Smoothing the hair as you roll it around the flexi rod is essential to reduce frizz.
- Completely Dry: Ensure your hair is 100% dry before removing the rollers. Damp hair will revert and lose its curl definition.
- Satin Scarf: Sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet to protect your curls and reduce frizz overnight.
- Experiment: Experiment with different size rollers and products to find what works best for your hair type and desired curl pattern.