Hola Chicas!
Many of you have emailed me about the size of my perm rods. The problem is, I’m not sure, lol. About 10 years ago my grandmother gave me her mother’s collection of hair things…clips, barrettes, and perm rods. I recently happened upon the rollers and tried them in place of the magnetic ones. It yields two different looks!
Here’s a look at my roller collection–larger magnetic rollers on the left, skinny perm rods on the right.
Twist-n-Curl with larger magnetic rollers. 20-25 twists.
Twist-n-Curl with yellow and blue perm rods (with the rubber band clasp). 8-12 twists.
Twist-n-Curl with the yellow and pink perm rods (with the plastic clasp). 8-12 twists.
I love the look of both…but after much experimentation, I’ve learned the pros and cons of each.
Magnetic Rollers:
Pros
- Excellent for my ends– keeps them straighter and prevents tangling and single strand knots. Stretched out ends are much easier to apply Shea and other sealers and moisturizers to.
- Fast and easy to roll
- Cute and different
- Easier to dry style– I can pull into a high or low pony tail or bun quickly
Cons
- Two different hair textures (wavy versus loose curly) can be stark at times
- Loose curls fall flat easier
Perm Rods:
Pros
- Very natural looking
- Super cute, chin length style–shows less length than the magnetic rollers
- Stretched out to prevent excessive tangling (compared to a wash&go)
Cons
- The ends are not as stretched out as with the magnetic rollers. They are much more prone to dryness, tangling, and splitting. My fine hair is fragile and seems to like a looser curl on the end.
- Harder to pull into a ponytail or bun
- Harder to roll (for me anyway!)
I just used satin covered foam rollers…and girl they are the bomb. Their 2 bucks for a pack of 8 and totally awesome. They are easy to sleep in, and combine the effects of the magnetic rollers but imimitate the look of the perm rods. Awesome!
Nikki, you and your hair are GORGEOUS! Keep doing what you're doing girl, cause its obviously working.
I've done both–the pics of me in the white, I rolled the hair upward right on top of itself. The pics in the orange I rolled side-ways and up.
hth!
Which direction do you roll the small perm rods? Sideways? Upwards?
Thanks ladies 🙂 I just finished yet another TnC with the rods. I'm liking the chin length bob I get 🙂
Selma, I have fine hair and although it does take my hair a while to dry, its my understanding that it takes some folks even longer! I do my hair at night and sleep under a ceiling fan. If I'm in a hurry, I'll use my diffuser or hooded dryer to finish the job. As far as preserving the style, sleep on a satin pillow case and try pulling it up with a loose scrunchy, pinning it away from your face, or wearing a satin bonnet.
I like both! Your hair is gorgeous either way.
Dear Nikki,
Excuse my English because I am from Brazil and not write good English.
I'm still in the transitional phase, since January 2009. I love your site, has been very useful to me, your hair is beautiful. How to TNC dry more quickly?
Why my TNC only lasts 1 day and its is for 7 days?
I just made the switch from magnetics to perm rods and I love the look they give me! I haven't tried the really small perm rods like the ones you use. I need to go pick up a pack : )
wait so are you 100% natural? and your hair is cayuuute! lol i shall try this before the chopping of my relaxed ends….
Hey!
This is soooooo cute!
I am new to your page. I am so glad that I stumbled across your blog! You have some great advice and I am currently transitioning. I've been transitioning since November 2008 and your website along with naturallycurly.com have been the most helpful to me thus far! Thank you!
maybe that's my problem, I need to try the big rollers. One of these days my hair will cooperate.
I absolutely adore the big roller curls! I think I might try that next, as I've been sticking strictly to two strand twists but I gotta try new things.
I like the look of the perm rods, but either way stick to the method that keeps your hair at its best. I have yet to try this style, I must look at your tutorial and take notes.
Thanks for the detailed info. I was wondering the same thing. I used the green magnetic rollers that you have when I tried to do your TNC and it worked out pretty well. ~KF519
Thanks for the info. I will definitely try to roll my hair on the magnetic rollers. I thought since my hair is natural except for my ends, the magnetic rollers would not work. I would like to find an alternative to the elastic band rods because when I use them, (which is often) my hair knots on the ends if i don't moisturize daily and my arms get mad tired from trying to rod. I will try it out this weekend and let you know what happens.
Okay, I do see the difference. All looks very cute, might I add. I'll have to try this twist 'n curl you do and see my results…