How to use flexi rods

Flexi rods are soft, bendable rods, often covered in satin, velvet or foam. You wrap one section of hair around each one and bend the ends together to hold it. They are the heatless version of a curling iron: one rod, one curl.

Kitsch's satin jumbo flexi rods are 10 inches long and 1.2 inches in diameter, and the 4-piece set costs $21. The Hair Edit's volumizing rods are 10.5 inches long and 1.25 inches, 4 in a pack, $17.99, with clasps that lock them in place.

Flexi rods are soft, bendable rods, often covered in satin, velvet or foam. You wrap one section of hair around each one and bend the ends together to hold it. They are the heatless version of a curling iron: one rod, one curl.

Kitsch's satin jumbo flexi rods are 10 inches long and 1.2 inches in diameter, and the 4-piece set costs $21. The Hair Edit's volumizing rods are 10.5 inches long and 1.25 inches, 4 in a pack, $17.99, with clasps that lock them in place. Kitsch also sells a 6-piece satin set at $21 and a velvet XL 4-piece set at $20.

Diameter is the main decision.

• Smaller diameter: tighter curls, more rods needed.
• Larger diameter: looser curls, waves, volume.

The sets on this site list 1.2 to 1.25 inches, which suits loose curls and waves. Kitsch describes its jumbo rods as creating flowing, loose curls or relaxed waves, and its velvet XL rods as having a larger diameter for longer lengths. For tight curls, look for a smaller diameter; neither brand lists one on the pages we read.

What you'll need: four to eight flexi rods, clips, a comb, a spray bottle, a bonnet.

1. Start with slightly damp hair, combed smooth.
2. Clip your hair into sections (top, two sides, back).
3. Take a one- to two-inch section. Smaller for curls, larger for waves.
4. Place the rod at the ends and tuck the ends around it so nothing pokes out.
5. Roll toward your scalp. Keep it snug.
6. Bend the ends of the rod together to lock it in place, as Kitsch describes.
7. Repeat until all sections are done. Work from the bottom up.
8. Cover with a satin bonnet and sleep, or leave for several hours.
9. Take down gently when dry. Unroll one at a time.
10. Separate with your fingers.

Kitsch's own how-to for its velvet rods says to tuck the ends, roll down toward your head, then bring the rod ends together and wrap a scrunchie where they meet. That is a good option if your rods do not stay closed.

Roll toward your scalp, so the rod ends up resting against your head. For curls that face away from your face, roll away from your face; for a more mixed look, alternate. If you want root volume, place the rod under the hair at the root, as The Hair Edit's instructions describe.

It depends on your hair.

Hair	Rods you may need
Short or fine	4 to 6
Medium	6 to 8
Long or thick	8 or more

These are rough guides, not brand claims. Neither brand publishes rod counts by hair type. Kitsch sells 4- and 6-piece sets, and The Hair Edit sells a 4-pack.

• Rods slide off. Hair was too slippery or wrap too loose. Add a little light product and wrap firmer.
• Curls uneven. Sections were different widths.
• Dents. Rods too tight against the scalp or hair too tightly pulled. Loosen.
• Curls dropped. See why heatless curls fall out.

Unclasp one rod at a time and unroll slowly, keeping the curl wrapped around your finger as you pull the rod out. Do not yank. Once all rods are out, shake your head, then separate with your fingers. Wait a minute before styling; the curls relax a little.