Shower at least half an hour before you intend to go to sleep in order to give your hair time to air dry.
Your hair should be damp to the touch, but not dripping wet. See how it feels after a half an hour or so.
For thicker hair, divide each side up into three sections. For thinner hair, divide each side into two sections. Short hair may need to be in multiple sections in order to form a braid. The smaller your braids and tighter your crimp will be. If your braids are larger, your crimp will be less kinky and more waved. A setting lotion or curling cream can help define your look.
To get loose waves, keep your braid loose. Don’t pull hard as you braid and allow your braid some slack as you go. For a tighter crimp, pull your braid sections tight toward your scalp as you go.
If your hair is not dry by the time you wake up, consider using a blow dryer on a cool setting to finish the job.
Avoid using a brush or comb if possible, as it may cause your hair to frizz. Especially if you don’t want a voluminous look, comb your hair with just your fingers. If you need to use a hair tool to work out knots, try a wide-toothed comb.
Use a small amount of hairspray to help hold your style and make it last all day, and try a dry shampoo to keep your scalp looking fresh and stop oil from weighing down your crimp.
Towel dry your hair once you come out of the shower so that it is not dripping wet.
Divide your hair into more sections depending upon its thickness. Thinner hair will likely two or three pairs of curling rods. Thicker hair may use four or five.
Start with at least four pairs of rods for medium-textured, shoulder-length hair. Longer or thicker hair may need six or more. Typically longer hair may need a larger rod to hold its weight. Choose the rod size that seems right for your length. Secure the rod pairs by bending inward to hold them in place against your head. Try to secure them as high on your head as possible. Curling rods are available affordably at most drug stores and beauty supply stores.
If the curlers make you uncomfortable while you sleep, adjust them toward the top of your head and away from your pillow. Sleeping in a silk cap or scarf on can reduce frizz and keep your hair in place while your sleep.
Keep the crimps tighter by minimizing finger brushing. If you want softer, fuller curls, finger brush your hair more. Use a bit of mousse or hairspray to help hold your curls. Finish with a bit of anti-frizz serum or a shine spray.
Soak up any excess water from the shower or the spray bottle by using a clean, dry towel.
If the headband won’t stay in place, use a couple of bobby pins on either side of your head to secure it.
Use a rattail comb to help you split your hair up evenly.
Wrap one side completely before moving onto the next. Secure any loose parts with bobby pins.
Use a heat protective spray if you decide to blow dry your hair.
Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to brush out your hair and loosen the curl.
