Torn between the two...Curlformers or Flexi rods ?

daracakess101

So ive been doing my research and basically i want some form of hair curlers, just to try something new. At first i was stuck on curlformers, saw the results other naturals got on youtube, and was determined to buy them...until i saw the price tag. Then i heard about flexi rods, they were soo much cheaper, and they somewhat yielded the same results, though people claimed they could never get their roots smooth with these. Also ive heard people say they have put in curlformers just for the curls to fall within hours, thats alittle scary considering the money, time, and energy invested into putting them in.
So now im stuck between the two, if curlformers get the job done (beautiful, smooth curls) im more than willing to pay $60+ for them after all, it is an investment. But if i can yield the same results (minus the smooth roots) with flexi rods that are HALF the price, i should just get those??

What is everyones experience with flexirods, or curlformers?? Which ones hold curls longer??

Thanks

AmberBrown

I've never used curlformers but I really like flexi rods. I wouldn't call them "cheap" (at least not if you have a lot of hair). I probably have between 30-40 (not enough) and they cost about 30 bucks. To do a uniform set with like...medium sized sections I'd need about 60. But applying that many would be tedious so maybe it's good I'm cheap

I've never noticed any difficulties with my roots....never paid attention to it I guess. They don't stand out or anything.

The one advantage I can see the curl formers having is ease of sleeping. Flexis are hard and uncomfortable while the curlformer material seems really malleable..soft.

kairo1821

I actually have both. Neither are easy to sleep in but I'm a light sleeper. I tend to use my curl formers when I have less time because my hair dries quicker and I don't use heat on my hair. I use my flexi rods when I want to have longer lasting curls because they stay closer to my head and don't bug me when they're hanging off like curl formers. Curl formers do make my roots flatter but as my hair rejects any flatness over 24 hours it's never made a difference to me. I could do with either or. I hope this helps.


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Amazinnatural

I only use flexi rods. When I use then my roots are smooth and they drying time isn't that long for me. My hair is usually like 60% dry when I put them in my hair and then I sit under a hooded dryer for like 30mins to an hr. I don't find them too difficult to sleep in, but that's just me. Also they are definitely a cheaper alternative to curl formers. Most times the prices vary from $1.49-$3.49 per bag. I hope this helps

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Precious Curls

I have yet to try flexi rods, but I do like Curlformers. The curls will last if you use a good technique. Doing it on wet or damp hair and using a product with good hold will make the curls last.

Here's my review if you want to check it out: Review: Curlformers

And here's Naptural85's method: Updated Curlformer Technique | No Heat Curls "Natural Hair" - YouTube

daracakess101

thanks for all the feedback guys.
also im just wondering, between the two, which one yields longer lasting curls?
have your sets lasted longer with curlformers, or flexirods? and how much longer?

Thanks

AmberBrown

My flexi sets typically go a week before I need to refresh.

montREALady

Thanks for this post, I almost bought Curlformers around Easter time, but the price tag keeps deterring me too. Saw a bootleg on Amazon that I was tempted to try. Curlformers actually worked out to be cheaper per curler though in the end when I did the math... http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003YTMG5Q?m=A35XGEL1EY4FOX

I can't remember what flexi-rods look like. Are they the bendable long rods? I should have those in my cupboard.

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Amazinnatural

Typically, buy flexi rod sets will last me for about a week 1/2 before I have to restyle.

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montREALady

Amazinnatural wrote: »

Typically, buy flexi rod sets will last me for about a week 1/2 before I have to restyle.

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That's pretty long. I have some flexi rods that I'll have to dig up. Otherwise I'll buy some new ones since they're pretty reasonable. I'll experiment this weekend. Watched some YT vids, looks easy enough.

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nana_banana

Thanks for this thread, I hope no one minds if I ask some questions of my own.

I'm also interested in trying some curlers, particularly flexi rods as I've seen some knock offs at the dollar store.

The question is: which would work better for hair that is not keen on "taking" to a hair style? My hair doesn't like being forced into a particular style that it doesn't want to naturally go into (i.e., twist outs don't really work but braid outs, due to being more tight, take well). I've always had problems with this, even in my non-natural days, my hair would often resist relaxers and take forever to get straight with heat.

MrsComboCurlz

I purchased CurlFormers from Sally's last year. Yes they are pricey but that wasn't my issue...it was just too complicated for my liking, just couldn't get it quite right. I saw a couple YT vids too, it looked so easy but couldn't understand what I was doing wrong. Needless to say "they went back, refund"...

I have Flexi's, simpler and they rock. Curls are bouncy. Can't compare outcomes because I didn't get far w/ CurlFormers. :confused4:

The New Black

I have both. I have crazy thick hair and the Curl Formers "needle" gets caught in it. It's pretty easy to yank my hair out if I make the sections too big. No bueno. But they're better for rolling my hair while it's damp, as the ends get smoother. I have to use Flexirods on dry, already flat-ironed hair.

nana_banana wrote: »

Thanks for this thread, I hope no one minds if I ask some questions of my own.

I'm also interested in trying some curlers, particularly flexi rods as I've seen some knock offs at the dollar store.

The question is: which would work better for hair that is not keen on "taking" to a hair style? My hair doesn't like being forced into a particular style that it doesn't want to naturally go into (i.e., twist outs don't really work but braid outs, due to being more tight, take well). I've always had problems with this, even in my non-natural days, my hair would often resist relaxers and take forever to get straight with heat.

I'd say the FlexiRods because you can wrap the hair tighter around the rod. Because the hair goes inside the Curl Formers, you can't really make the curl tighter or looser with them.

Precious Curls

Ooh, what a coincidence, Naptural85 made a post today comparing Flexi-rods to Curlformers.

www.naptural85.com/blog-content/2012/4/26/flexi-rods-vs-curlformers-heatless-hair-styling-options.html

She preferred the Curlformers because Flexi-rods are made to be used with heat (and she says although you can use them without heat, you have to use extra methods to give the same result as with heat), whereas Curlformers are meant to be used without heat.

MrsComboCurlz

Yes Naptural85 she's the bomb! Great vids...


Yes....I am a "Goal Digger"🎓

Amazinnatural

nana_banana wrote: »

Thanks for this thread, I hope no one minds if I ask some questions of my own.

I'm also interested in trying some curlers, particularly flexi rods as I've seen some knock offs at the dollar store.

The question is: which would work better for hair that is not keen on "taking" to a hair style? My hair doesn't like being forced into a particular style that it doesn't want to naturally go into (i.e., twist outs don't really work but braid outs, due to being more tight, take well). I've always had problems with this, even in my non-natural days, my hair would often resist relaxers and take forever to get straight with heat.

When I do rod sets, I do it on 75% dry hair, then I usually sit under the dryer. I have tried it not sitting under the dryer, but my hair takes too long to dry. Sometimes I sit under the dryer and then let the rest of it air dry. Also I use a non alcohol foam to set my hair. This helps the curls last longer and the foam I use leaves my hair very soft. Hopefully this helps

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The New Black

Amazinnatural wrote: »

nana_banana wrote: »

Thanks for this thread, I hope no one minds if I ask some questions of my own.

I'm also interested in trying some curlers, particularly flexi rods as I've seen some knock offs at the dollar store.

The question is: which would work better for hair that is not keen on "taking" to a hair style? My hair doesn't like being forced into a particular style that it doesn't want to naturally go into (i.e., twist outs don't really work but braid outs, due to being more tight, take well). I've always had problems with this, even in my non-natural days, my hair would often resist relaxers and take forever to get straight with heat.

When I do rod sets, I do it on 75% dry hair, then I usually sit under the dryer. I have tried it not sitting under the dryer, but my hair takes too long to dry. Sometimes I sit under the dryer and then let the rest of it air dry. Also I use a non alcohol foam to set my hair. This helps the curls last longer and the foam I use leaves my hair very soft. Hopefully this helps

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Which foam do you use to set your hair?

tbabyy

I think it depends on how well you can roll your hair. I am terrible at rolling with rollers, rods whatever!...so the curlformers are easier for me to do without screwing it up.

nana_banana

Thanks everyone. I never tried rollers, so I might just get the dollar store flexi rods and see if they work out for a few strands before investing in a large amount.

montREALady

montREALady wrote: »

Thanks for this post, I almost bought Curlformers around Easter time, but the price tag keeps deterring me too. Saw a bootleg on Amazon that I was tempted to try. Curlformers actually worked out to be cheaper per curler though in the end when I did the math... http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003YTMG5Q?m=A35XGEL1EY4FOX

I can't remember what flexi-rods look like. Are they the bendable long rods? I should have those in my cupboard.

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I tried flexi rods and did a blog review on them.

http://madeuphairstyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-flexi-rod-experience-results-take-1.html

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montREALady

The New Black wrote: »

Amazinnatural wrote: »

nana_banana wrote: »

Thanks for this thread, I hope no one minds if I ask some questions of my own.

I'm also interested in trying some curlers, particularly flexi rods as I've seen some knock offs at the dollar store.

The question is: which would work better for hair that is not keen on "taking" to a hair style? My hair doesn't like being forced into a particular style that it doesn't want to naturally go into (i.e., twist outs don't really work but braid outs, due to being more tight, take well). I've always had problems with this, even in my non-natural days, my hair would often resist relaxers and take forever to get straight with heat.

When I do rod sets, I do it on 75% dry hair, then I usually sit under the dryer. I have tried it not sitting under the dryer, but my hair takes too long to dry. Sometimes I sit under the dryer and then let the rest of it air dry. Also I use a non alcohol foam to set my hair. This helps the curls last longer and the foam I use leaves my hair very soft. Hopefully this helps

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Which foam do you use to set your hair?

I used Jane Carter's Wrap & Roll.

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Lanisha

Well, I've tried both, the flexis were too difficult for me to want to finish putting them in. (I usually only use flexis on flat ironed hair to sleep in) These are my results with curlformers. I used lottabody setting lotion diluted to 1oz lottabody to 2oz of water in a spray bottle. I spritzed each piece of hair before setting it on the curlformer. I used two packs of the extra long and wide (pink and orange) like naptural85 did. I didn't use all 80 though, just 73 lol.









I will definitely be using these again, and again. Yes, I did use a hooded dryer...but I PERSONALLY do not mind the heat.

damsel_fly

Lanisha wrote: »

Well, I've tried both, the flexis were too difficult for me to want to finish putting them in. (I usually only use flexis on flat ironed hair to sleep in) These are my results with curlformers. I used lottabody setting lotion diluted to 1oz lottabody to 2oz of water in a spray bottle. I spritzed each piece of hair before setting it on the curlformer. I used two packs of the extra long and wide (pink and orange) like naptural85 did. I didn't use all 80 though, just 73 lol. ...

Great results. Your hair looks gorgeous.

I'm planning to get Curlformers. I tried flexi rods, but they were too much trouble. I want the Curlformers mainly for stretching my hair while it dries.

The New Black

@ montREALady...Thanks!

Lanisha

damsel_fly wrote: »

Lanisha wrote: »

Well, I've tried both, the flexis were too difficult for me to want to finish putting them in. (I usually only use flexis on flat ironed hair to sleep in) These are my results with curlformers. I used lottabody setting lotion diluted to 1oz lottabody to 2oz of water in a spray bottle. I spritzed each piece of hair before setting it on the curlformer. I used two packs of the extra long and wide (pink and orange) like naptural85 did. I didn't use all 80 though, just 73 lol. ...

Great results. Your hair looks gorgeous.

I'm planning to get Curlformers. I tried flexi rods, but they were too much trouble. I want the Curlformers mainly for stretching my hair while it dries.

Thanks!

daracakess101

Thanks for all the responses guys, i actually ended up getting both lol

bklyn_belle

I want to try this! But curlformers are pricey!

curlyarca

I have both. The Curlformers are difficult for me to use primarily because I would not allow myself to buy more than about 40 (pricey!), so I ended up with huge sections.

Flexirods.....I can't bring myself to roll them as tight as the stylist did the one time they came out really well. She also used a ton of heat though. Tried them last night but my hair was almost soaking wet. Needless to say, it wasn't anywhere near dry this morning, so the twists on flexirods were pretty fruitless.

They both have their issues, but it's nice to have choices.

adthomas

I have flexi rods, curlformers and hard rollers. The cf took some getting used to to get them in. I have easier time with gel. I had to buy extra because i have a lot of hair. I have to put two short ones together to be long enough. Traditional rolling for flexirods and hard rollers is too taxing for me. I have sooo much hait. so i two strand twist then set my hair on rods or rollers and i love the results.

Alice_42

Amazinnatural wrote: »

I only use flexi rods. When I use then my roots are smooth and they drying time isn't that long for me. My hair is usually like 60% dry when I put them in my hair and then I sit under a hooded dryer for like 30mins to an hr. I don't find them too difficult to sleep in, but that's just me. Also they are definitely a cheaper alternative to curl formers. Most times the prices vary from $1.49-$3.49 per bag. I hope this helps

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Where are you getting flexi rods for $1.50!? A bag of 10 around me, costs at best $8-10!

scrills

I watched N85's video this morning. I'm going to pay the generic version from Amazon ($16 for 36, eligible for free shipping)