How To Use Curl Rods: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Use Heatless Curling Rods on Any Hair Type PDF download Download Article An easy guide to using flexi rods for effortless overnight curls Co-authored by Sarah Kosakowski and Bailey Bujnosek, BA

Last Updated: May 5, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Preparing Your Hair
    • |
  • Putting in Flexi Curl Rods
    • |
  • Removing the Curl Rods
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Sarah Kosakowski and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Bujnosek, BA. Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 219,503 times.

If you’re looking for an easy way to create smooth, beautiful curls that last for days—and don’t want to stress over the damaging heat of a curling iron—then flexible curl rods are a great choice! Flexible curl rods have a rubber hold that lets you easily create curls without kinks or breaks. Read on for a simple tutorial on using heatless curling rods, aka flexi rods. We even spoke with professional hair stylist Sarah Kosakowski for expert advice on getting the best no-heat curls!

Curling Your Hair with Flexi Rods: Quick Steps

  1. Wash your hair and wait until it’s about 90 percent dry.
  2. Spray leave-in conditioner, then divide your hair into four equal sections.
  3. Take a small lock of hair and coil it around the end of a flexi rod.
  4. Roll the flexi rod in a spiral around the hair, stopping at the root.
  5. Bend the flexi rod in half at the root to secure it.
  6. Repeat with additional strands until all your hair is in rods.
  7. Let your hair dry completely before removing the flexi rods.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Hair

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  1. Step 1 Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner to remove excess oils. 1 Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner to remove excess oils. Your curls will look healthier and last longer if your hair is clean before you curl it.[1] Don’t dry it completely, warns Kosakowski, or the curls may not form properly.[2] Leave your hair a little damp—about 90 percent dry.
    • Flexi rods work best on wet or damp hair to create a stronger, lasting curl.
    • If you aren’t going to wash your hair before using flexi rods, use a spray bottle of water to dampen it slightly.
  2. Step 2 Moisturize your hair with leave-in conditioner. 2 Moisturize your hair with leave-in conditioner. Apply leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream to hydrate your hair, which will help your heatless curls look more defined and control frizziness. After hydrating, apply a mousse for extra grip—especially if your hair is naturally straight.[3]
    • For thick hair, apply moisture as you section your hair, not before.
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  3. Step 3 Use hair clips to divide your hair into 4-6 sections so it’s easier to curl. 3 Use hair clips to divide your hair into 4-6 sections so it’s easier to curl. Divide your hair evenly into at least four sections using a hairbrush or wide-toothed comb. Coil each section toward the scalp with your finger and hold it in place with a hair clip. Remember, this is just to keep the rest of your hair out of the way while you’re working with one section.[4]
    • If you have natural hair, detangle each section and apply a moisturizing product as you go.
    • Larger clips work well with longer or thicker hair.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Putting in Flexi Curl Rods

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  1. Step 1 Start with smaller rods for small, tight curls and bigger rods for larger curls. 1 Start with smaller rods for small, tight curls and bigger rods for larger curls. The wider the rod, the looser the curl will be! The smallest flexi rod is typically 3⁄8 inch (0.95 cm) and larger rods can go all the way up to 7⁄8 inch (2.2 cm).
    • For shorter hair, smaller rods are best. If you feel the rods you have are too long, instead of cutting them, fold them extra times after wrapping your hair around them.
    • To maintain short, very tight coils, use cold-wave perm rods. They will allow you to clip in hair for a firmer hold.
  2. Step 2 Separate a small lock from a back section and remove any tangles. 2 Separate a small lock from a back section and remove any tangles. If you have thick hair or want tighter coils, separate smaller locks of hair for each flexi rod. Use larger chunks of hair if you have thin hair or want looser coils, says Kosakowski.[5] Typically, a square inch of hair should work.[6]
    • Apply a small amount of gel to each lock if you have naturally frizzy hair.
  3. Step 3 Wrap the end of the lock around the flexi rod to secure it. 3 Wrap the end of the lock around the flexi rod to secure it. Wind the end of the hair tightly around the end of the rod at least once around to secure it. The end of the hair must be tightly looped so that the flexi rod doesn’t come out as your hair dries and becomes more slippery.
    • Make sure to begin at the end of the flexi rod so that you can use the rest of the length to spiral your hair.
  4. Step 4 Roll the flexi rod in a spiral up the lock of hair until you reach the root. 4 Roll the flexi rod in a spiral up the lock of hair until you reach the root. Turn the rod vertically and twist to spiral your hair around it in the direction you want the curl to go. Make sure your hair stays smooth and secure as you twist. Do not roll the rod straight up the hair horizontally or let the hair wrap over itself, as this will increase drying time and produce weaker curls.
    • Longer hair will require longer flexi rods.
  5. Step 5 Bend the flexi rod at the root of your hair to secure the coil in place. 5 Bend the flexi rod at the root of your hair to secure the coil in place. Bend the top of the flexi rod in half to secure it in place. Bend in the opposite direction of the spiral of hair for a more secure hold. Depending on your hair’s length and thickness, you may be able to bend up the bottom of the flexi rod as well.
  6. Step 6 Repeat this process throughout your hair. 6 Repeat this process throughout your hair. Continue twisting small pieces of hair from the section around flexi rods. When one section is complete, move on to the next one. Keep going until all sections are complete and all your hair is securely in flexi rods.[7]
    • If you plan to keep your flexi rods in overnight, wrap your hair in a satin wrap, bonnet, or other soft cloth to prevent frizz.
  7. Step 7 Let your hair dry completely in the flexi rods. 7 Let your hair dry completely in the flexi rods. Sleep with your flexi rods overnight to ensure your hair dries completely, recommends Kosakowski.[8] Wear a bonnet to prevent frizz. If you’re not going to bed, sit under a hooded dryer for 30-45 minutes to speed up the process. Longer or thicker hair will take more time to dry.
    • If you begin the process with dry hair and dampen it, the drying time will be shorter.
    Lorraine Massey Lorraine Massey, Hair Stylist

    Curl rods allow you to set and define your natural texture. The smaller the rod, the tighter the curl. Experiment with rod width and placement to customize your look.

    8. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Removing the Curl Rods

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  1. Step 1 Select a curling rod and straighten it. 1 Select a curling rod and straighten it. Unfold one of the curl rods to begin the removal process. Don’t try to remove multiple rods at once—go one at a time.
  2. Step 2 Uncoil the rod in the opposite direction that you twisted it in. 2 Uncoil the rod in the opposite direction that you twisted it in. Use the same twisting movement as you did when putting the rods in, but twist away from the scalp. Gently unravel the hair from the rod completely before moving to another rod.
    • Do not pull the rods straight out of your hair—you could tangle or lose your curl.
  3. Step 3 Use your fingers to gently separate the curls for a more natural appearance. 3 Use your fingers to gently separate the curls for a more natural appearance. Once you have removed all the rods, run your fingers gently through your hair to break up the tight coils. Separate the curls gently and let them naturally come apart.[9]
    • Only separate as much as you need to. If you brush your hair out too much, you’ll lose the curl shape you created with the heatless curling rods.
  4. Step 4 Apply hairspray for a lasting curl. 4 Apply hairspray for a lasting curl. Lightly spray your hair with hairspray once you’ve achieved your desired look. This will help your curls last longer and reduce frizz, especially on humid days!
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question Do you use curling rods on wet or dry hair? Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments. Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer Damp hair is actually best when it comes to curling rods. Feel free to dampen your hair if it's completely dry, or wait a little while after washing before putting the curling rods in. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
  • Question How can I smooth my hair after curling? Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments. Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer Apply your favorite serum or oil to your hair! That's a great way to smooth out your curls. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 11
  • Question How long do you keep curling rods in? Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments. Sarah Kosakowski Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer It is important that your hair is completely dry after the process. To ensure that, you should try using the curl rods before sleeping, keeping them overnight. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 11
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Video

Tips

  • Heatless curls are generally less damaging than heat-curling methods. Constantly using heat tools to curl your hair can damage the cuticle and remove your hair’s natural oils.[10] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • You might not get the same curl pattern as you would with heat tools, but heatless curling methods are proven to create curls that can last longer than heat-made curls.[11] Experiment with rod placement, the number of rods, and the size of the rods to achieve different effects. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Don’t wrap your hair too tightly around the flexi rods. If there’s tension pulling at your scalp all night, it can lead to breakage and damage. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

  • Flexible curl rods
  • Hairbrush or wide-toothed comb
  • Leave-in conditioner
  • 4-6 hair clips
  • Mousse (optional)
  • Spray bottle of water (optional)
  • Bonnet (optional)
  • Hooded dryer (optional)

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/hair/all-natural/how-to-use-flexi-rods
  2. ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/hair/all-natural/how-to-use-flexi-rods
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/2yg5X26NybM?t=460
  5. ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/u8QshQhMJfs?t=6
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/u8QshQhMJfs?t=20
  8. ↑ Sarah Kosakowski. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV7qjZZy7OE&t=17s
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://www.shape.com/are-heatless-curls-better-for-hair-7560894
  2. ↑ https://www.shape.com/are-heatless-curls-better-for-hair-7560894

About This Article

Sarah Kosakowski Co-authored by: Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist This article was co-authored by Sarah Kosakowski and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Bujnosek, BA. Sarah Kosakowski is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Alba Salon and Spa based in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a decade of experience, she specializes in bridal and formal hair, blondes, fine hair, and men’s cuts. Sarah received her training at The Aveda Frederic’s Institute and is proud to be a Kevin Murphy Session stylist amongst other accomplishments. This article has been viewed 219,503 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 10 Updated: May 5, 2025 Views: 219,503 Categories: Curling Hair In other languages Dutch French Japanese
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Sarah Kosakowski Co-authored by: Sarah Kosakowski Professional Hair Stylist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10 Updated: May 5, 2025 Views: 219,503

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