Hey, coily community! The season is changing, and it’s time to switch up our dos. Per our last conversation, I’m still in dire need of my haircut, so I opted to revive my thirsty strands with less heat and more moisture. When I visit the salon, my well-needed layered trim will be transformed into a full-on bob look. Before my future big chop, I wanted to introduce my naturalistas to a new hair care routine—a voluminous perm rod set.
This time, I used newer products, hoping my thirsty hair would be replenished. Yes, I remember conversing with the community about inserting minimalistic practices within my hair routine—limiting the overindulgence of natural hair trends. However, I opted to study these products and realized their mission in their entrepreneurial contributions compensated for any viral moment. Plus, each product practiced sustainability and clean ingredients while healing natural hair.
Mid-spring is here, meaning summer is around the corner. I settled on revamping my dull and slightly damaged hair with a juicy perm rod set. Read further to see my results using some women-owned products.
The Process
As always, the key to a long-lasting style is adding minimal product to each strand for great results. Even though the humidity might make my hair swell after a few days, stretching the hair before your next style might minimize your reverted curls. I styled my hair on an old pressed, blowout turned semi-sweated out afro.
Since my laziness consumed me, I negated wash day before my perm rod set however, a few weeks ago I prepped my hair with Olaplex No.3 treatment then I cleansed my hair with the Doux Press Rewind Curl Retention Shampoo and the corresponding Fast Forward Heat Prep Conditioner.
Surprisingly, the shampoo was the most moisturizing I confused it with the conditioner. While washing my hair I finger detangled my curls and the slip was amazing. My hair felt like it was cleansed in jewels. Fast forward to a few weeks later, my hair felt soft and manageable—it just looked the opposite.
To protect my hair from further heat damage, I spritzed it with the Doux O.P.P. One-Pass Press Heat Protection Spray then, followed by the Doux Drops Bonding Polish. Each product smelled like heaven and didn’t leave a heavy residue. After brushing the protectants into my coils, I parted my hair into three sections and used my Revlon One-Step Volumizer Enhanced Hair Dryer on low heat to stretch my hair.
While my hair cooled, I parted my hair into two sections, then used some clips to pin four sections in the lower half of my head before I started my rod set. On a medium-sized piece, I rubbed a quarter-sized of the Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream in the palm of my hand then massaged the product on my dehydrated curls. I followed with a pea-sized amount of the Rizos Curls Light Hold Gel to maximize my style and lock in the moisture.
Each Rizo’s product was fragrant with lemongrass, cocoa butter, and thyme. However, the essential oils didn’t overwhelm my hair or natural scent.
After brushing the products,I used three variations of perm rods and a few flexi rods to give my hair more volume and dimension. I pressed my hair against the rods to the end, wrapped it around the hair tool, and then twisted it in the middle while securing the rod with the clasp. Lastly, I interchanged each rod clockwise and counterclockwise for duality and free-flowing curls. I wrapped my satin scarf on my head to eliminate frizz and set the style for two days.
The Take Down
After some uncomfortable sleep, it was time to reveal my tight curls. I used the Eco Style Koily Shine Hyper Gloss Serum to unravel the style. I separated the curls at a time then shook my new do.
The Upkeep
Instead of the pineapple method, I bobby pinned each curl beginning from the nape of my neck while working my way to my crown. Though the pineapple method is great for wash-and-go’s or protective styles, I refused to rock smashed curls. This method ensures a long-lasting style while giving you some volume. Also, this method is perfect for keeping your curls during your workouts.
Check out this guide for more sustainable hair tips to achieve your fitness goals.
