What are Curlformers?
Using
is a safe way to get uniform, frizz-free curls without the use of heat. They shape your natural hair into curls and can be used for all hair types—including 4a, 4b, and 4c.They are also helpful for transitioning hair and on relaxed hair because the technology is heat-free. You can use them to lengthen your hair too.
You probably know that heat hinders hair growth, so having heat-free Curlformers in your arsenal might be just the thing you need to steer clear of damage.
Curlformers is a favorite product especially among naturals. Use this curling system to not only create smooth, uniformed curls but also as a way to stretch natural hair without causing damage.
See this video to see the process and the results:
You can use them on weaves and wig hairstyles too.
How to use?
Using Curlformers is straightforward, and all styling kits come with instructions for you to follow.
While the basic technique for installation is the same, there may be subtle differences between each person’s installation process, and it all boils down to what works best for your hair type. It may take a while to master the technique and to find the best products to use to create beautiful curls.
You can use a setting mousse such as
to give your curls long lasting hold.What Size Do I Need?
Curlformers are available in classic and deluxe styles. You may be wondering about the difference between Classic vs. Deluxe and what size to buy.
The Deluxe version comes with a black satin bag, the Curlformers are darker in color, and the price is $1 more. Both Classic and Deluxe Curlformers come in four lengths:
- Short—for hair up to 8 inches.
- Long—for hair up to 14 inches.
- Extra-long—for hair up to 22 inches.
- Super-long—for hair up to 29 inches.
There are two colors in each set. One color curls clockwise and the other curls counter-clockwise.
Because Curlformers are not cheap, it makes sense to buy a kit for longer hair lengths so that you can continue to use them as it grows.
Stretching Natural Hair
Using Curlformers is an excellent way to elongate the strands and minimize shrinkage. Stretching the hair will give you more noticeable length.
Once the curls are dry and set, you can wear it in a curly style, put your hair in an up-do or another protective style, or gently comb the curls out to get a straight look similar to that achieved by a blowout. From there, you can style hair in an updo or whatever style you desire.
You could even just rock your blowout look. Note that even though you can use Curlformers to stretch natural hair, the results will not be comparable to methods of stretching using heat.
It’s the same for using them to straighten natural hair; you can use them, but the results are not the same as a chemical relaxer.
How to Handle Dry Hair?
Curls done on dry hair won’t last as long as those done on wet/damp hair. It’s because the aim is to get the hair to assume the configuration of the curler.
Wet hair and damp hair will dry in the curl shape and hold curl better than dry hair that has already taken on a form of its own. Curlformers can be used to create curls on hair that is wet, damp or dry, but damp is best.
Hair that has dried has already taken on a configuration. However, using them on wet hair makes drying time a slow process.
The best solution is to dampen hair with water, mousse or gel. This will help you mold it and keep the curl longer.
Damp hair is preferable since it dries quicker than wet hair. Wet or damp hair usually creates better curls since it is better able to conform to the contours as it dries.
Curls on wet or damp hair tend to last longer, but of course, you’ll have to factor in drying time. Also, if you’re planning to use Curlformers at night, know that they are notorious for being difficult to sleep on.
So, if you’re hoping for a good night’s rest with a head full of these heat-free curlers, then you’ll likely end up disappointed and tired the next morning. One idea is to sit under a hooded dryer for part of the time to speed up the process.
The manufacturer offers an interesting alternative that uses low heat, called the
. It is a bonnet-style hooded dryer that attaches to a blow dryer and can be used on a low setting to minimize damage.Curlformers Wide vs. Extra Wide
After you decide on the right hair length, you need to choose a curl size. This part is tricky because not all curl sizes are available for all lengths.
There are three to choose from: Corkscrew, Spiral, and Barrel. Corkscrew is the narrowest, Spiral is the wide, and Barrel is the extra-wide.
When choosing between styling kits, buy the best one for your density. For example, Barrel curls are more suitable for medium hair or for thick hair as these hair types have a lot of volume.
For thin hair types, Spiral or Corkscrew would work best. Here is a guide on which ones are available for each length:
- Corkscrew—Available in three lengths: ,
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- Spiral—Available in all four lengths: ,
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- Barrel—Available in two lengths: and .
This look was achieved using the Corkscrew Curlformers.
This look was created with Spiral Curlformers.
This look was created using Barrel Curlformers.
Recommendations for Short Natural Hair
Whether your hair is short or not, the same method of application applies when installing your product. Short Curlformers are available in Corkscrew and Spiral, but not in Barrel size.
If you have short hair, there is no reason to think you can only use short Curlformers. In fact, buying a kit for longer hair means that you won’t need to invest in another kit when it gets longer.
Short Curlformers are for hair lengths up to 8 inches.
Recommendations for Long Hair
Curlformers works great for long hair, because they have many longer lengths to choose from:
- Long for hair up to 14 inches.
- Extra-long for hair up to 22 inches.
- Super-long for hair up to 29 inches.
Where to Buy?
Before you can use Curlformers to get gorgeous curls you have to be sure that you are working with the best product that suits your expectations. This begins with buying the right product to have the results you deserve.
How much do they cost?
They aren’t cheap but could be well worth the investment considering what you’d save on products to combat damage from heat usage.
Check pricing on Long Corkscrew Curlformers.
How many do you need to buy for your natural hair?
It depends on your hair’s texture and length and the finished style you desire, but one kit purchase should be sufficient to achieve a full head of curls. If you have type 4a, 4b, or 4c, you may need more to achieve a smoother look, compared to types 3a, 3b, and 3c hair.
The company makes a la carte Curlformers available, without the hook or carrying case. They’re called Top-Up Packs and come in packets of 8.
They might be perfect if you like to make curls with smaller sections and need a few more Curlformers. Purchase a Top-Up Pack if you think you’ll need extra coverage.
You can buy them in some salons and beauty supply stores, or
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What are they made out of?
Only the company knows, because the information is proprietary and patented.
Knock-offs like Magic Leverags are not made of the same material as the original products and many women complain of hair loss. So, be sure to
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Using them is an excellent way to stretch and curl natural hair without the use of heat. Have you tried them?
Which Curlformers have you used, and what were your result?
Hey Curl Friend, I’m Patrina Haupt the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. I hope you find my healthy hair care tips helpful in your hair journey. Healthy hair care practices are definitely, what helped me to achieve waist length hair.
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