Curlformers

[yodie]

Nonie, you are funny. Thanks for sharing. I can just imagine my hair being crunchy and a hot mess. Think I'll wait awhile.

 

[Nonie]

Nonie, you are funny. Thanks for sharing. I can just imagine my hair being crunchy and a hot mess. Think I'll wait awhile.

That's the weird thing, it didn't feel crunchy...except maybe the ends.

Actually I might try out a small section tonight. What do you think I should apply? All I have within reach is coconut oil, S Curl (which I think is a no-no), conditioners...Shea butter (please don't ask me to use this!!!)

I will undo a braid or two and put the section in a Curlformer and post the results tomorrow.

So what should I use? oke:

Tell me so I can curse you tomorrow if it doesn't work or my hair is damaged.

No on a serious note, I won't do anything crazy but what do you think? I'm leaning toward conditioner...a moisturizing one....

I'll be your guinea pig, but only this once. But if you don't tell me in the next few minutes, I'll chicken out and change my mind. So???

 

[yodie]

Nonie, those pics looked like some of my hair experiments. I felt yor pain. Okay, not sure any of the products you mentioned will work. I hate shea butter and scurl won't do it. What about a good leave in like Knot Today? I know you have something natural over there. I watched a YT video where this girl used a shea moisture leave in and Jane Carter (some kind of foam or wrap) on top. She had a nice outcome on thick, natural hair.

 

[bimtheduck]

My hair has grown quite a bit since I purchased mine so I just pull the curlformer down the length of my hair until the ends are inside the curlformer. I don't want tight shirley temple curls more of a soft wave with lots of body so this works great for me bc my hair is curled while my roots stay a little closer to my scalp.

Also I took the advice of a lady here on the board and got more than 1 hook, it speeds up the process A LOT. When I make MBL I'll purchase the xtra lng/xtra wide and more of the xtra lng/wide.

 

[Nonie]

Nonie, those pics looked like some of my hair experiments. I felt yor pain. Okay, not sure any of the products you mentioned will work. I hate shea butter and scurl won't do it. What about a good leave in like Knot Today? I know you have something natural over there. I watched a YT video where this girl used a shea moisture leave in and Jane Carter (some kind of foam or wrap) on top. She had a nice outcome on thick, natural hair.

Knot Who? Jane Who?

Chile, when I tell y'all I only use S Curl if ever on my hair, I'm not kidding. I don't own any other products whatsoever. The only reason I have coconut oil is because that's my skin moisturizer. And Shea Butter I bought to compare if I prefer it on my hands over Vaseline--but I use Vaseline more than I ever use Shea. See, I'm afraid of foam or mousse coz I've never had anything but hard hair.

OK, I think I know what I'll used (although I'm cringing at the thought of my VERY clean Curlformer having product in it that will be difficult to wash off from the net-like structure. They've been so clean since they are only ever used on freshly washed conditioner smelling hair. )

I think I will use Castor oil. I do have that...coz it was supposed to be part of my eyebrow growing regimen. I just remember folks saying that sealing in water with CO gave them uber soft hair. Or would you use one of the other things I have.

I was leaning toward conditioner coz Celinastarr uses it as her only leave in and while we have different hair, it seems to work for her, so how bad could it be? It'd be easy to wash out too. (Can you tell I hate hard work? )

 

[yodie]

I think a leave in would be better than CO, but maybe you should try one of each and compare the two. CO might leave your hair too soft and without curl definition, but don't take my word for anything. I'm still stuck at balancing protein and moisture. Sigh!!

Okay, u have me cracking up overe here w/the Jane and Shea who? I love anything that will make this hair act right.

 

[Nonie]

I think a leave in would be better than CO, but maybe you should try one of each and compare the two. CO might leave your hair too soft and without curl definition, but don't take my word for anything. I'm still stuck at balancing protein and moisture. Sigh!!

Okay, u have me cracking up overe here w/the Jane and Shea who? I love anything that will make this hair act right.

OK, you got it. I'm going to shampoo with Garnier Fructis for my "strength" then apply some moisturizing conditioner to my first section of damp hair. And CO to the other section of damp hair. And go to bed with CFs. I'll report back tomorrow.

Just to be on the safe side, you might consider witness protection coz I'm not sure what I am going to do when I find out *I* messed my hair up and need to blame someone. LOL

 

[yodie]

Go for it, Nonie. Let us know how it turns out.

 

[bimtheduck]

OK, I think I know what I'll used (although I'm cringing at the thought of my VERY clean Curlformer having product in it that will be difficult to wash off from the net-like structure. They've been so clean since they are only ever used on freshly washed conditioner smelling hair. )

I think I will use Castor oil. I do have that...coz it was supposed to be part of my eyebrow growing regimen. I just remember folks saying that sealing in water with CO gave them uber soft hair. Or would you use one of the other things I have.

I was leaning toward conditioner coz Celinastarr uses it as her only leave in and while we have different hair, it seems to work for her, so how bad could it be? It'd be easy to wash out too. (Can you tell I hate hard work? )

The website states that you can use them to set a permanent. So its not hard to remove and product that comes in contact. Mine stay pretty clean. But if you do get something in/on them, you could just sit them in some warm water or you could even wash them w a little shampoo when you wash your brushes, combs and scarves.

I got face mask on some once and I didn't notice until after it dried, the warm water worked great.

 

[Vonnieluvs08]

I have used them before and though I'm not a fan of the Shirley Temple look I liked how it turned out. I have natural hair and the 1st time I used them I had water, lotta body, and Jasmine's detangling. The outcome was nice shiny but a lil stiff then I preferred curls.

The second time I diluted out the mix with more water and detangling spray and added in a leave-in on clean hair first. I liked this a lot more and the curls were nice and touchable.

Next time I'll try leave in only. I have pics in my Fotki

 

[MaryJane3000]

I have em, but they yanked out a chunk of my hair and then i tried it again and it started tugging so i just let it be. They're not for me. i tried selling them but nobody seemed interested at the time.

 

[Nonie]

I undid two twists at the front of my head, DC'd on dry with GPB which helped me finger comb and then I combed through with a fine-toothed seamless comb. Then I shampooed with Garnier Fructis and conditioned with Aussie Deee...p, followed by a plain ACV rinse (meaning no EOs) then I applied Giovanni Smooth as Silk condish on the left wet section and put on CF and applied Castor oil on the right wet section and put a CF and went to bed with them on.

• Hair definitely felt better than when I used CFs on bare hair, but the CO side is too icky greasy for my liking.
• The conditioner side feels soft without leaving product on your fingers (cleaner!).
• Separating the tubes was easier, but the ends still look fuzzy/frizzy/crazy and didn't straighten like the rest of the hair.
• Hair still looked fuzzy after separation but it was definitely smoother (strands slid against each other with less friction as you pulled them apart--before on bare you FELT the static and I'm sure had it been in the dark, sparks would've been seen).
• Also the ends when I used CsF on bare hair felt like the were glued together literally. This time they separated easily and were not rough.

Conclusion: I do prefer to use CFs on wet hair with conditioner on to using them on bare hair. I'm thrilled about this because it means it'll be easy to wash off . I think I can get used to my hair not being very smooth the way it would be if my hair were straightened. I also do realize I get these results w/o heat, and if I don't focus on the ends, then I find I do actually like it. I also realize that as fine as my strands are, they will never have the weight to give the look of dangling spirals, so if the wind blows, it'll be Don King in da house. I guess can live with that too. Or maybe on a windy day, I'll wear a fine net and just make it be a curly afro. :scratchch

All in all, I enjoyed this experiment better, so hopefully with each new CF experiment, I'll tweak my technique and improve the experience.

 

[yodie]

I definitely see a difference, Nonie. Thanks for doing this experiment. I might be able to handle CF if I use other setting products and dry under a warm hooded dryer.

 

[ConstantlyDynamic]

I don't know if you've already seen these. I apologize if they're old news:

Thanks! I actually hadn't seen a few of those. i think i might try the curlformers. so expensive though

 

[Nonie]

I definitely see a difference, Nonie. Thanks for doing this experiment. I might be able to handle CF if I use other setting products and dry under a warm hooded dryer.

Thanks for sharing this "trip" with me Yodie.

Since my hair is somewhat stretched now, I wondered what it would be like if I was starting from this point on. So I smoothed on some more Smooth as Silk condish on the side I'd used it on...and then put a CF. I am already thinking this is dumb since I think hair sets better if styled when wet and left to dry. I mean, airdrying (???) dry hair...how's that going to do anything?

OK, I'm going to take it out coz I think it's just silly. 'Be back with pics.

 

[Nonie]

It was a blinking waste of time. Lost the coils but gained more frizz

Hmm...Am I slow or what? I am just realizing that photos aren't mirror images but actual reps of how I'd look if I actually stood in place of the photo looking back to where I am now. Until now, I was looking at the photos as if I were looking at my image in a mirror.

 

[yodie]

Nonie, that still isn't bad for airdrying. I can see myself doing a twist out from there and then just wearing my hair in a chignon, but I'm wondering if I need to invest in curlformers for that. Why couldn't I be one of those women that could wear relaxed hair. Lol!

 

[Nonie]

Nonie, that still isn't bad for airdrying. I can see myself doing a twist out from there and then just wearing my hair in a chignon, but I'm wondering if I need to invest in curlformers for that. Why couldn't I be one of those women that could wear relaxed hair. Lol!

They definitely do stretch your hair and are what I do before I flatiron, instead of blowdrying. Curlformers and airdrying bare hair then I spray each section with protectant spray, pass iron once over it. Apply a serum to seal pass iron over it one more time.

 

[yodie]

I'm gonna pick up a box of curlformers.

 

[fleur]

hi girls- wow nonie thanks for the all the pics- they really help, and your experimenting!! OK so my experiences have been - use CFs on wet hair, put product in and then either airdry or dry with a hairdryer (my option)- my hair is fine, slightly frizzy and the CFs flatten it AND curl it so unless you REALLY need to, i wouldn't bother with ironing etc...especially as CFs are supposed to be a heat-free alternative for Curly hair!! I don't use mousse cos the curls come out crunchy but any other styling product i've used, my hair has been really soft. and I'm posting this yt again cos all the questions asked are answered in it- its just precious material for us CF-Girls!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VMzDUBiaiI&feature=fvsr

 

[VirtuousBeauty]

hi girls- wow nonie thanks for the all the pics- they really help, and your experimenting!! OK so my experiences have been - use CFs on wet hair, put product in and then either airdry or dry with a hairdryer (my option)- my hair is fine, slightly frizzy and the CFs flatten it AND curl it so unless you REALLY need to, i wouldn't bother with ironing etc...especially as CFs are supposed to be a heat-free alternative for Curly hair!! I don't use mousse cos the curls come out crunchy but any other styling product i've used, my hair has been really soft. and I'm posting this yt again cos all the questions asked are answered in it- its just precious material for us CF-Girls!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VMzDUBiaiI&feature=fvsr

I love how her hair came out. Very nice look for her

 

[Nonie]

hi girls- wow nonie thanks for the all the pics- they really help, and your experimenting!! OK so my experiences have been - use CFs on wet hair, put product in and then either airdry or dry with a hairdryer (my option)- my hair is fine, slightly frizzy and the CFs flatten it AND curl it so unless you REALLY need to, i wouldn't bother with ironing etc...especially as CFs are supposed to be a heat-free alternative for Curly hair!! I don't use mousse cos the curls come out crunchy but any other styling product i've used, my hair has been really soft. and I'm posting this yt again cos all the questions asked are answered in it- its just precious material for us CF-Girls!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VMzDUBiaiI&feature=fvsr

Thank you so much for sharing that. Now I need someone to hold my hand coz I'm all thumbs in the product world and walk me through the part that was foreign to me.

Can someone please type out really s l o w l y (<--so I can follow) what products she used (their full names)? As she combed them through, they seemed to smooth her hair out and stretch it which I think helped towards achieving her smooth results. Anyone? Pretty please?

 

[TaraDyan]

Thank you so much for sharing that. Now I need someone to hold my hand coz I'm all thumbs in the product world and walk me through the part that was foreign to me.

Can someone please type out really s l o w l y (<--so I can follow) what products she used (their full names)? As she combed them through, they seemed to smooth her hair out and stretch it which I think helped towards achieving her smooth results. Anyone? Pretty please?

Hey, Nonie! Here are the two product that she used:

Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist

Jane Carter Solution Wrap & Roll

You can go to www.target.com and purchase them both online OR you can click the "Find it at a Target store" button, type in your zip code, and see if they have them at a local Target near you.

But I do think you're right ... these products did seem to add to the smoothing and shine factor on her hair. I need to give both of them a try and dust of my Curlformers to boot. I haven't done them in a while.

 

[Nonie]

^^ Bless you, TaraDyan Thank you. Sounds like there'll be another experiment this weekend. I hope these come in small sizes coz I'ma have to hurt someone if I'm stuck with them and can't use them.

Er...Ahem...can products be returned used for a refund, no questions asked, at Target? <--That's my whisper font

 

[yodie]

Nonie, Target will allow you to return just about anything. My Target (in Los Angeles) didn't have Jane Carter. Keep your receipt.

I picked up Wrap and Roll from a BSS in New Jersey,yesterday. Wonder if the Shea Moisture product is really necessary. Guess it's not a leave in, so I don't mind investing, providing I buy it from Target. Lol!
Go for it, Nonie and please let us know how it turns out for you. My brother agreed to buy me some Curlformers. I love him. He's so good to me.

 

[Nonie]

Nonie, Target will allow you to return just about anything. My Target (in Los Angeles) didn't have Jane Carter. Keep your receipt.

I picked up Wrap and Roll from a BSS in New Jersey,yesterday. Wonder if the Shea Moisture product is really necessary. Guess it's not a leave in, so I don't mind investing, providing I buy it from Target. Lol!
Go for it, Nonie and please let us know how it turns out for you. My brother agreed to buy me some Curlformers. I love him. He's so good to me.

Really? Even the store? They don't complain if the seal is broken and some is used? I will only be trying on that small section so I really will not take advantage and use a lot. I hope that will be OK.

I promise to do the experiment this weekend and post results. Please PM me if I don't post anything on Saturday coz I have a head like a sieve and may forget.

I'm really excited.

Hey, tell me more about the Shea Moisture product. Why do you think it isn't necessary? I've never used any of these products so can you shed some light of how they make hair feel? I got a little shaky when I saw the word Shea...but it's not pure Shea butter which does not get on with my hair at all, but maybe this relative might be different.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing your take on both products. I will get both.

 

[yodie]

I'm going to try both products together. Might as well.
I didn't think the Shea Moisture product was necessary because they both seem to be for hold, BUT, I'm no hair expert, so take my words at your own risk. I don't mind using five products, as long as I can get a nice, smooth, somewhat stretched curl.

 

[TaraDyan]

^^^Thanks for answering Nonie's question, Yodie.

I just went to my local target and picked up some Jane Carter Wrap and Roll. I didn't feel it was necessary to get the Shea Moisture mist (I prefer to make my own spritz).

I'm going to dust off my Curlformers and set my hair tomorrow. I first used them on my hair back when I was transitioning, and then I used them again when I first went natural:

Curlformers on Transitioning Hair (no setting lotion used):

Curlformers on Natural Hair (again, no setting lotion used):

As you can see, the frizz set in by the end of the day on my natural hair.

Now that I have the Wrap and Roll to use as a setting lotion, perhaps it will come out better this time. I will use it and report back.

 

[yodie]

TaraDyan, your natural hair with and w/o Curlformers looks great. Thanks for sharing and can't wait to see your results with Wrap and Roll.

 

[Nonie]

TaraDyan that's so pretty. Please share what your spritz will be made of when you set your hair. I'm so excited that there are more guinea pigs in dis here experiment.