Hair of The Day: Rod Set

The first time I held cold wave (perm) rods in my hands I fell in love! It was love at first sight…or at least touch! Before I ever became natural I would do rod sets on my hair. They always gave me voluminous curls. I also incorporated this style into my transitioning stage. And here’s a little secret not so secret secret (if you watch me on YouTube you already know this) I sometimes add the blue rods to the ends of my three strand twist for an extra curly effect and volume.  I had been planning to do a rod set for the past few weeks but with my workout schedule being three to four days a week now (yes, I’m working on my fitness) I didn’t want to sweat my style out. However, last night I finally had the chance to do the set.



Some of my rod collection



I started with freshly washed hair that had been detangled and sectioned. I added leave-in conditioner to each section. I am not loyal to any particular brands but I just so happened to have Giovanni Direct Leave-in Conditioner for those wondering. My hair was not soaking wet. I let it airdry for a few minutes and lightly blotted with a towel.  Next I used the setting lotion I had (again, I use what I have with no brand loyalty) which was Design Essentials Natural Twist & Set Setting Lotion and Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion. I mixed the two because I was almost out of the DE Naturals. I must say I do love how it gives great slip to my hair thus making detangling almost non-existent. I selected my rods of choice which were the purple ones and began setting my hair. I also added end papers to my hair for even drying and also because my hair is layered. The end wraps help secure layered ends.



Design Essentials Natural Twist & Set Setting Lotion



Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion



End Wraps

 

Side View



Top View

 

When I set my hair, I start from the back and go side to side then up to the next row.  This allows me to place curls exactly where I want them. If I was doing someone else's hair, I would add more rods for fullness. Its easier to do the top of others head and have the rods standing up. I sat under the dryer maybe fifteen minutes last night while watching the Presidential Debate. Since my hair wasn't drenched with water or product (a little goes a long way with setting lotion) my hair was still damp. I finished drying my hair this morning after maybe an hour. With a little Beautiful Textures Shine & Silken Growth Oil on my hands, I began slowly removing the rods from my hair. I seperated them as many times as I wanted to acheive fullness. I call this my "Dorothy Dandridge" look because it reminds me of her cropped look that she is known for wearing! I never really like my hair on the first day so I will pineapple it tonight to stretch it! 

After removing some rods

 

Beautiful Textures Shine & Silken Growth Oil

 

sitting pretty at work



This picture got a lot of love on InstaGram today

  

I didn’t record a video because I have a few posted on YouTube already! Feel free to check out this previously recorded video:

Have you worn a rod set? Until next time, Be Blessed and Be a Blessing…

Much Love

NK