perm rods on natural hair 4c
Here at 4chairstyles.com, I love experimenting with new hairstyles. I mean clearly. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have a whole website about it.
And one short hairstyle for 4c hair that I have been dying to do is a perm rod hairstyle. Youtube is filled with video tutorials of black women that swear by it. So I figured why not try it and see if it looks cute on me too?
In this post, I share how to use perm rods on natural 4c hair.
What are perm rods?
Perm rods, also known as perm rollers or perming rods, are horizontal hair rollers that were originally used to create curls and waves in the hair during the process of chemical hair straightening, also known as a perm.
Thankfully we’ve come a long way from those days. While we still use them for the same reason, we now leave out the chemical straightening part.
Perm rods come in different sizes and shapes and can be made of a variety of materials, such as plastic or metal. They are used to roll sections of hair around them and are then secured in place with clips or pins. The result of using perm rods is usually beautiful curls or waves.
How do you use perm rods on 4C natural hair?
If it’s your first time using perm rods on your 4c hair, then follow these steps:
Clean and detangle hair
As always, before getting started, the most important part is to clean your hair. Wash your 4c hair or give it a quick co-wash. Just make sure you remove any product buildup and that your hair is clean and free of tangles.
That will ensure the success of your perm rod set and that your curls come out defined and smooth.
Moisturize your hair
The next step is to moisturize your 4c hair with a leave-in conditioner of your choice. Hydrating your natural hair before styling it can help with healthy hair growth and protect it from breaking.
Section your hair
Now that your hair is prepped, divide it into four sections, and separate each one using butterfly hair clamps or hair ties. This will make it easier to work on your hair, especially if you have short natural hair.
Roll your hair onto the perm rods
Okay, now on to the main part. It’s up to you to decide where you want to start. I like starting on the sides as it is easier for me.
First, you want to grab a hair section no larger than the width of the perm rods you’re using. Then you want to apply a styling product to your hair to help hold the curls.
A curl-defining cream, a foam mousse, or gel can help to enhance your curls and give them definition. Simply apply a dab of cream to your damp hair.
Next, hold the perm rod below the piece of hair and roll the hair unto it. Once all the hair is rolled, secure the rod in place by closing it. Repeat this process for each section of hair.
Allow your hair to dry
Once you have finished rolling your entire hair, you’ll want it to dry completely. There are two drying options. You can either sit under a hooded dryer for up to 30 minutes or allow your hair to air dry. This can take several hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Remove the perm rods
Once your hair is completely dry, remove your perm rods carefully by taking out the ends. Once you removed all the perm rods, gently use your fingers or a rattail comb to fluff them up and give the hairstyle more volume.
Lastly, lock the style with a light-hold hair spray. You can also add a little bit of oil for extra moisture and shine.
Using perm rods on 4c natural hair takes some practice, especially if you have short natural hair. But once you know how to do it, you’ll be able to achieve beautiful, defined curls.
How long do perm rods last on 4C hair?
Unfortunately, perm rods are not the type of protective hairstyle that last weeks. However, if you take good care of those tight curls while they are fresh, a great perm rod set on 4c hair can last anywhere from 3 days to a week.
Here are a few easy steps to take for longer hold:
- Drying time: The longer your natural hair gets to dry before removing the perm rods, the longer your curls will last.
- Hair porosity: Your hair porosity can affect how long your curls last. If your hair is low porosity, it may take longer to dry, and your curls may last longer as a result. If your hair is high porosity, it may dry more quickly, and your curls may not last as long.
- Daily maintenance: Make sure to moisturize your natural 4c hair regularly and sleep with a satin bonnet or silk scarf to help your curls last.
- Use a strong-hold styling product: A styling gel or styling spray.
- Avoid sweat: Activities like working out, running, and even dancing can shorten the life of the curls because of the sweat.
Remember that your curls may loosen up or loosen their shape as days pass. But after a few tries you’ll eventually find the best method and rod sizes for your 4c hair which will lead to a better curl pattern and more longevity.
Are perm rods good for natural hair?
Yes, perm rods are good for natural hair, because they are a low-manipulation hairstyle. They are generally considered to be a gentle styling method because they don’t require the use of heat or chemicals to define your curls.
They also are a great way to stretch your natural hair without heat, which is beneficial for reducing breakage and damage. This is a great option if you are trying to avoid heat damage or breakage.
However, it’s important to note that, as with any styling method, using perm rods on natural hair requires some care and maintenance. So you want to ensure a high moisture level prior to styling and plenty of time to dry.
Best perm rods for short 4c hair
When you are looking for the best perm rods for short 4c hair, it’s important to find rods that are small enough to fit your hair, but also durable and easy to use.
And the best perm rods for natural 4c hair are the orange perm rods.
They are medium-sized rods that give you tight bouncy curls and are easy to use. They narrow in the center, which makes the curl tighter, and are made of a durable plastic that is easy to clean. And of course, they feature a little rubber band that holds the hair in place around the roller.
Best products for perm rod set on natural hair
Other than choosing the perfect perm rod set, you have to utilize the right styling products, if you want to achieve the best results for your voluminous curls.
Here are some of the products I use on my natural hair:
- Deep conditioner: Before starting the perm rod set, it is wise to do a deep conditioning treatment to help strengthen and moisturize your natural hair. That will help protect your hair and strengthen it for the rod-setting process.
- Moisturizing leave-in conditioner: A leave-in conditioner will help keep your hair hydrated and prevent it from drying out while it’s on the perm rods. It will also help the hair maintain the curls and prevent them from frizzing after the rod set is done.
- Oil: Applying a light oil of your choice, such as coconut or castor oil, before rolling the hair onto the perm rods will help protect your natural hair. Moreover, it will add shine to your curls when you take the rods out.
- Gel or mousse: Adding a small amount of a lightweight gel or hair mousse on your hair before rolling it onto the roller set can help to define the curls and add hold to the style after you take the rods out.
That’s it about perm rods on natural 4c hair. The style has a lot of fans in the natural hair community for good reason and I know with a little practice and the right rod sets it will grow to become one of your favorite styles as well.