PERM ROD SET SUCCESS
I tried my first perm rod set and it turned out great. I've been wanting to try out perm rods for a while now because I am naturally someone who doesn't like to invest a ton of time with the daily upkeep of my hair. I needed to have it set and locked in with a moisturizing product. I can't blame my need for semi-low hair maintenance on being a new mother as I've never been one to desire a routine of nightly twisting or morning wash n go's. I adore the results those efforts produce, but realistically, the least amount of work I have to do with my hair, the better.

WHAT I USED
I bought about 6 or 7 packs of perm rods, each containing 8 or 10 rods I believe. I wanted to play it safe because running out of rods will mess up the results. Having too much hair wrapped around one rod to compensate will cause the definition to be inconsistent and kind of jacked up. Each pack of perm rods were one dollar at my local beauty supply store. I also picked up some Creme of Nature Argan Oil Style and Shine Foaming Mousse as my setting product, as well as a new hooded dryer. I foolishly ruined my old dryer by trying to prop it up and covering the air vent causing it to short out. I already had some Carol's Daughter Leave-In Conditioner, which is an important step in the process. In addition to a leave-in conditioner, I used a deep conditioning treatment...some protein packs, I think they were Creme of Nature as well. I'm not completely certain, I threw them away and forgot, but they did have a protein treating aspect. These were the ones that are sold individually, like $1.99 a piece. I need to invest in a full tub of deep conditioner, but I can't seem to make a commitment. I'm going to just list everything out underneath this...

PRODUCTS
Creme of Nature (or any protein treatment) Deep Conditioner
Aussie Moist Conditioner
Medium-sized Perm Rods
Carol's Daughter Leave-In Conditioner
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Style and Shine Foaming Mousse
Paddle Brush
Hooded Dryer
Headband
Mesh Net Hair Cap
Extra Large Bonnet

MY PROCESS
1. Co-washed hair with Aussie Moist, detangled
2. Applied deep conditioner, shower cap overnight ( I hadn't deep conditioned in a while but I'm not even sure if the overnight treatment made any difference).
3. Rinsed out deep conditioner, put in four sections.
4. Applied leave-in conditioner throughout entire hair moderately.
5. Made smaller sections, about 1.5 inches thick and generously applied mousse until saturated and then I brushed out the section until smooth.
6. Rolled hair onto perm rod. I used the method found in this Youtube video by JayHairBigga
7. Sat under dryer 1.5 hours.
8. Carefully unraveled with oily fingers, and gently separated.

GENERAL TIPS
1. Fluff minimally: Your hair will naturally expand over the days to come, especially if outside in regular wind. Your perm rod set will last longer if not overfluffed and separated initially. I did separate my hair moderately, so that I didn't feel like Shirley Temple.

2. Saturate and dry: Before rolling your hair up the perm rod, seriously saturate your hair with the mousse. Make sure your hair is at least damp before you put the mousse in. This is ideal for those using a hooded dryer, which I would recommend if you are like me and don't want to sleep in rods or gamble whether or not your hair is completely dry. A hooded dryer is a must.

3. Product hold factor: If spending a lot of time outside, you probably should find a mousse or setting lotion that is known for its hold factor. This Creme of Nature Argan Oil Mousse has a nice balance of shine, softness and hold, but I want to experiment with other mousses to see the difference.

HOW I SLEEP
My hair might need a little oil before bed, so I oil it up without disturbing my curls to much. I use a headband to pineapple my hair. I just put the headband on in its regular fashion, and then push the back up a bit to move all my curls to the top-front of my head. I then put a mesh cap over the curls only and then finish off with covering my entire head with an extra large bonnet.

PERM ROD GOALS
I want to have an initial investment of time doing my hair that will pay off with minimal upkeep while still maintaining moisture, curls, cute styling and overall good health. I want to wear my curls out for a week straight, enjoying its natural progression to a fuller state. After that week of just pineappling at night (pure heaven), I will have begun to see the moisture level of my hair gradually decrease and will eventually add moisture back in and seal. At this point, I will enter week 2 of this perm rod set. Week 2 will be re-moisturizing and either 2-strand twisting, flat twisting or putting bantu knots in before bed. This second week will also be a week of trying out different hairstyles/protective updo's.

I will not be doing this during week 1 because I don't want to mess up my curls, but I did do a cute frohawk in the first week. Pretty much any style that just pins up some areas is okay but I'm not risking messing up my curls until week 2. After week 2 is over, depending on how I feel or the state of my hair, I will either wash and re-set my hair, put in a longer term protective style such a crown braid or two big flat twists for another week, or wash and marley twist my hair. That's my plan! These are the all the steps to how I did my perm rod set. I am totally in love with this process and the results. I have never successfully had a natural hair routine that truly fit all of my needs, schedule and energy level but this right here is it! Finally.....

Perm Rod Set feat. Creme of Nature Argan Oil Mousse

Aziza m. brown