I posted this elsewhere but will update it here:
Though I have been roller setting my hair every since I was 15, I do still sometimes get frustrated. It takes practice. But these Curlformers are much easier to use.
Here are some tips:
1. Don't use too much hair for one Curlformer. It may cause too much tension and tangling. If you have trouble putting the hair through the hook, that's an indication that you're using too much hair.
2. Make sure the hair is pretty wet. Use a spray bottle with water or whatever you want to use. I generally took Southern Tease's advice and parted my hair into four sections. I drenched each section before I started to use the Curlformers.
3. Twist the hair from the root to about 1/2 inch down. Once you get the hair on the hook, make sure the top of the Curlformer is closer to the part where your hair is at the hook itself. This keeps the hair from tangling and pulling once you start pulling the hook through the Curlformer. It also keeps the hook itself from getting caught at the top edge of the Curlformer itself.
4. When pulling the hair through the Curlformer, pull DOWNWARD!! This forces the hook through the Curlformer without tugging and pulling, thus pulling the hair out.
5. Use the hand that you're not using to pull the hook through to hold the Curlformer at the opening and close to the scalp. It took me several frustrating times before I got the hang of it. While puling the hook DOWNWARD, use the other hand (the one closest to the scalp) to push the top edge of the Curlformer closest to your scalp. You don't want bulky roots. If you hold the top part of the Curlformer while pulling the hook through with the other hand, you get a nice, snug fit at the roots, thereby getting straighter roots.
6. When removing the Curlformers, follow the directions. Take both hands at the base of the Culformer, closest to the scalp. Use one hand to hold the Curlformer at the base and the other hand to straighten the Curlformer. Once the Curlformer is straightened out, then *GENTLY* pull the Curlformer downward and off the hair. The curl will be more uniformed and doesn't come apart. You'll get a very nice spiral and no frizz.
I lost absolutely no hair using the Curlformers. When combing through I may have lost 5 sheds at the most but no broken hairs whatsoever. So if you're looking for a better way to set the hair without using Magnetic Rollers, I highly suggest these Curlformers.
My only two gripes: (1) they're expensive; and (2) I have to come up with a way to maintain the style while sleeping.
I will go back and buy a few more packs of the long pink and oranges ones because they give more bounce and less tight curls. I don't want to look like Shirley Temple and the blue and green ones are too short for my hair. I recommend the largest size for ladies with very long hair; or ladies who want a much looser curl much like you get with Magnetic Rollers.