5 Tips for Using Flexi Rods on Blown Out Natural Hair

Here at Black Girl Curls, we define true “protective styles” as styles that you can execute well on your own and that allows you to easily cleanse your hair and scalp every 7 to 10 days. A good option for a protective style is a flexi rod set.

Flexi rod sets are foam curlers that are flexible enough to bend around your hair and secure its position. However, your technique is everything when it comes down to flexi rod sets. This blog post will provide five tips for using flexi rods on blown out, natural hair.

Tip #1: Use a Styling Foam with Medium Hold

Styling foams are the workhorse of styling products for professionals. Styling foams are used to set twist, ponies, coil, rod, braid, roller and bantu knot sets from wet to dry. Many are heat activated meaning they dry fairly fast under a hood dryer and release more shine on the smoothed surface of the set.

“A set is just the physical transformation of the hair from wet to dry. It refers to the application of a tool to the hair to create artificial texture or a technique to enhance the natural texture of the hair.”

Once dry, they retain style memory and formation through take down, sleeping and restyling into ponytails, buns, and puffs without the heavy feeling of product. Using a styling foam with medium hold for your flexi rod set will yield a soft, pliable hold with longevity.

Be sure to visit our Amazon Storefront for styling foams that we recommend.

Tip #2: Apply the Foam Conservatively from Root to Ends

Applying your styling foam conservatively (by conservatively we mean not using too much or too little of the foam and ensuring it’s spread onto your hair strand evenly) will help minimize reversion and reduce drying times.

“Any type of moisture in the air or your body/room temperature can cause your hair to revert back to its natural texture.”

Using a hood dryer will help reduce frizz and speed up your drying time.

A hood dryer is an example of indirect heat—meaning the heat is not dangerous to your hair or scalp.

Tip #3: Make Sure Your Hair Isn’t Overlapping on the Flexi Rod

When doing your flexi rod set, we highly recommend that you ensure your hair is evenly wrapped onto the rod. Avoid overlapping the hair, as this will prevent longer drying times.

Tip #4: Make Sure Your Hair Is Fully Dry Before Removing Your Flexi Rods

For optimal results, we highly encourage you to make sure that your hair is thoroughly dry before removing your flexi rods. Please note your drying time can vary greatly depending on your density.

“Pro Tip: When your hair is still wet, this disturbs your set and can encourage unwanted frizz and additional shrinkage. If you do not have access to a hood dryer at home, please allow your rods to cure anywhere from 24 to 36 hours.”

We highly recommend utilizing a hood dryer at home that matches the available space that you have in your home and your budget. We have several options listed on our Amazon Storefront.

Tip #5: Gently Separate Your Curls & Fluff for Added Volume

Flexi rod set done by licensed stylist—Carlisa Rush, in Chicago, IL

After your flexi rods are fully dry, we recommend gently pulling your hair apart and fluff lightly to give your set more expansion and volume.

Tools like Pattern Beauty’s Wide Tooth Comb are perfect for gently teasing the hair and separating your curls.


Want more tips for how to successfully do a flexi rod set? We have brand new heat styling tutorials demonstrated by licensed stylist, Carlisa Rush available now in our digital course community—The SeeSomeCurls Visual Library.

Our 1.2K+ course community of tight curl + naturals are shaving more than 50% of time off their wash day, being showered left and right with hair compliments, and are receiving direct support of a very encouraging community of tight curlies + naturals who have been exactly where you are. If you’re a brand new subscriber, take advantage of our free 7-day trial offer.