5 Reasons Why Curlformers Are AWESOME! | The #WashDayExperience

The biggest reason that I caved and picked up Curlformers was because I wanted an easy way to stretch my hair so that I could work my hair into some of my favorite updos. I live for a simple, chic updo!

I also understand that this isn't everyone's motivation, especially when you see the price tag ($60USD+) for a curlformer kit. However, if for some reason I lost my kit today---I'd replace it in a heart beat. Here are 5 reasons why I don't even want to function without my curlformers:

SIMPLE INSTALLATION

Yes, there is a learning curve to using curlformers, but once you get into your own rhythm, they are stupid easy to work with. Honestly, I think that they are easier than magnetic rollers, perm rods, or even bantu knots because you're guaranteed a perfectly uniform curl every time. No fumbling with end papers, no worrying about even sections, and no wondering if you're twisting your hair in the right direction. I mean---the fact that they are color coded (one color for clockwise and another for counter-clockwise) makes installation easy peasy.

HEAT FREE

After spending years addicted to using heat to straighten my hair---I'm trying to stay as far away from direct heat as much as possible. I love that I don't have to use heat in order for my curlformers to set. Whether I install + air dry (4-5 hrs) or install + hooded dryer (30+45 mins), I can get the look of hot curlers, curling wands or flat iron curls without fear of burning my hair.

RELATED: 8 Tips for Sleek & Smooth Curlformer sets

SMOOTH & SLEEK CURLS

The best thing about Curlformers is that you can achieve a glossy curl from root to tip. The curls are glossy and moisturized. My hair feels smooth and bouncy.

GENTLE

My natural curl pattern is so tightly coiled that rarely do I get to see the full length of my hair without some sort of manipulation. Luckily for me, the gentle tension from the curlformer rod stretches my hair (without yanking it out at the root).

LESS TANGLES

And because my hair is in a stretched state, I've noticed that I have much less breakage from tangles. My hair stays moisturized longer from root to tip. I see less tangles/breakage from installing curlformers than I do for any other style that set recently (including a flat twist out and banding) 

Curlformers are perfect for relaxed girls who are trying to stay away from the heat and even for those of us who are transitioning because it blends all the textures in your hair SEAMLESSLY!

Do the results not speak for themselves? What are your tips for getting smooth and sleek curls?

Besitos!
KLP

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My Curlformer Secrets

I'm totally in love with Curlformers! I've used them practically weekly for the last 3 months. They're perfect for stretching my hair, which allows me to keep my hair moisturized root to tip. Plus curlformers make it super easy for me to work my hair into some of my favorite updos.

There is definitely a learning curve for using your curlformers, but once you get into your own rhythm, they are really easy to work with. Here are a few tips that I've picked along the way:

CHOOSE YOUR CURLFORMER

Curlformers range in size and curl type. So far, I've only used the (Pink and orange) Extra Long and Wide styling kit. I choose this kit because it was cheaper than buying the rollers + hook separately. The extra long kit also will allow me to keep using the rollers as my hair grows out. Currently my hair fills about half of the roller. I'm considering picking up the Extra Long and Narrow (blue and green) kit one day---you know when I hit the lottery or something like that.

WET HAIR

I almost never do anything in soaking wet hair---except install my curlformers. The results are sleeker, smoother and shiner than when I set on nearly dry hair.

CURLFORMER COCKTAIL

This is the only time that I'm strict about order of operations-- Moisturizer +Oil/Butter + Holding product--is the key to gorgeous curls that last. Use what your hair likes but just be sure that the products that you use together like each other. Some moisturizers don't like some oils and some holding products loose their minds when compounded with some moisturizers. Which will cause flakes. Date a few cocktails until you find one that you like. My current fave for long lasting curls is  Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner, my Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I won't lie tho, I usually skip the holding product unless I plan on wearing my curls out and about. My goal with curlformers is simply to stretch my hair without direct heat.

SECTIONING

In the beginning, the hardest part to figure out is how to section your hair so that the curlformer will slide onto your hair without snagging all while dry in a decent amount of time. I like to first divide my hair into 4 sections (2 in the front and 2 in the back) and apply all of my leave ins. Then further divide those larger sections into 10 pieces. This way I'll have enough curlformers for each section.

DETANGLING

The better detangled your hair before installation, the sleeker that your curls will be. I prefer to finger detangle my smaller sections, then get the curlformer and hook prepared for installation. I tried using a denman brush once---but in the end, I felt that it was too much manipulation on my curls. Finger detangling definitely gets the job done.

DOUBLE THE CURL

I love my curlformers but I have no intentions on buying more if I don't have to. So in order to get more bang for my buck, I two-strand twist my sections before installing the curlformers. This sneaky little technique create two curls instead of just one without having to divide the curl after they set. It also gives your hook somewhere to latch onto so that it doesn't snag your hair. 

DRYING TIME

The first 2 times that I installed curlformers, I slept in them and it was the WORSE idea EVER. It was awkward, absolutely uncomfortable, and I didn't sleep at all. Because I loved the results, I knew that I'd need a better way to dry, so I invested in this dryer from Sallys. It was a bit on the expensive side but absolutely worth it! Now my drying time is 45 minutes, the dryer is quiet, and I'll NEVER have to sleep in curlformers again. The best part is that my curls are actually glossier when I use my hooded dryer than when I let them air dry. Removing your curlformers before they're dry will completely ruin the curl so allot enough drying time.

FLUFFING

When I do wear my curlformers out, I usually don't divide the curl any further. I do fluff my roots using my fingers to get rid of those parts. Then I use a pick, only at my roots for a little volume.

There you have it---my secrets to super smooth curlformer curls. Do you use curlformers? What are your tips and tricks for a fabulous set?

Besitos!
KLP

[Review] Redken Heat Smooth Glide {Kedya}

Price: $19.99 at Amazon (Few dollars cheaper at hair/grocery store) 

Ingredients: Macadamia Oil - helps nourish, Candelilla Wax - helps smooth and Cationic Refiners - frizz control. 

Promises: Protective smoother is a leave-in serum that provides heat-safe control to tame frizz on even the most unruly hair. Gives an ultra-smooth, glossy finish. Redken's exclusive interbond Conditioning System delivers a unique Ionic Smoothing Complex of macadamia oil, candelila wax and cationic refiners to help replenish oils, provide intense smoothing and a long-lasting, frizz-free finish.

Why It Works: Heat protective serum smooths and tames frizz on even the most rebellious hair, leaves hair smooth and shiny with a lightweight, frizz-free finish. Can be used with or without heat, however when used with heat, smoothing and shine are intensified. 

My thoughts: I have always only used this product when placing heat on my hair. My first experience was not super great, I think primarily due to me using certain leave-ins (Aphogee Green Tea & Keratin Spray) that made my hair feel thick/heavy/oily after straightening. So, next time, I only used Nexxus Hydralight Leave-in Mist and I fell in love. Now, when planning to heat my hair, I use it by itself and a minimum of leave-in products. 

My hair seems protected with limited to no damage from the heat. I really notice by the life within my ends. The shines and sleekness lasts much longer then previous times. There doesn't seem to be a smell in my opinion and it does not weigh my hair down. It still has volume without an "over" shine from the product. I can place my head back and leave no product behind! haha.. 


Have you used Redken? What are your thoughts!? 

xoxo
Keyda