Don't Let Naturals Have ALL the Fun! Curlformers Review and Tutorial for Transitioners



Back in late May or Early June, I connected with the folks over at at Hairflair (makers of Curlformers) about collaborating to bring together a tutorial and in-depth review of Curlformers specifically for ladies transitioning to natural hair. Why? Because EVERY review I saw for Curlformers was done with ladies who have gorgeous completely natural hair. No shade, because I'll be there soon enough. Truth be told, I could be there now, but I like my length where it is (and I want more...I'm greedy :::muahahahahaha:::)... but I digress. I wanted to do this review and tutorial because we transitioners don't have the luxury of having a uniform curl pattern or thickness from root to end. Heck, if I had half a curl in some places I'd be happy.

I'm always on the prowl for new ways to blend my textures, especially for my weekend styles. And I am happy to report that Curlformers work WONDERS for transitioning hair. When I took those springy thingies out, I couldn't tell where my natural hair ended and my heat damage began. Check out my video tutorial from start to finish, using Curlformers:




Here are all the steps and products used:

1. Prior to the video, I detangled my hair with Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner and cleansed with Miss Jessie's Creme De La Curl cleanser.

2. I deep conditioned in the shower with Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback Treatment, left on my hair for about 15 minutes.

3. As a leave-in, I added Paul Mitchell The Conditioner, and sealed lightly with a little bit of Jamaican Mango & Lime Lavender scented Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

4. I banded my hair in 8 sections, using 4 - 5 scrunchies on each section. After banding, I clipped about 3/4 of an inch from each section, because I didn't like how my ends looked. I sealed again with the JBCO. My hair air dried while I was at the dentist (under a scarf), for about 3 hours.


In the video, the products and tools I used to achieve this style were:
  • 40 piece Extra Long & Wide Curlformers Kit + 6 pack Extra Long & Wide Curlformers (I used 44 total)
  • Butterfly clips (for separating and holding hair)
  • Paul Mitchell The Conditioner
  • Lottabody Carrot and Keratin Setting Lotion (professional formula)
  • Sally Beauty Salon Care Spray Bottle
  • Water
  • EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel
  • Helen of Troy Ceramic Series Blow Dryer
  • Hairflair Deluxe Softhood Dryer

Curlformers Review
Overall, I LOVED using the Curlformers. For some reason, I found applying them to be fun and less of a chore than flexi rods. Maybe its the cute colors. I was able to lounge around in them without any discomfort, and even layed down for a spell in them. Once I got the hang of the install, it was smooth sailing from there. Here's my transitioner take on the pros and cons of Curlformers:

Pros
  • Easy to install; not as complicated as it seems
  • Great for stretching hair
  • Loved the clockwise and counter-clockwise pre-set Curlformers. Makes installation and deciding which way to curl the hair a LOT easier
  • Comfortable enough to lay around/sleep in
  • Curls can be formed without use of direct heat
  • Does a GREAT job at blending textures, a bonus for transitioners
  • Easy to remove
  • Curls last 3+ days
Cons
  • Expensive. Although I received the kit for free, it retails around $70 online and in Sally's. I did spend $15 on 6 Curlformers, which works out to be about $2.50 per Curlformer. That's a huge investment for a budget-conscious transitioner (like myself).
Bottom Line: Besides the price point, I really don't have much to say. The material is high quality (in my opinion), and the Curlformers do EXACTLY what they said they'd do. If you're willing to make that investment, then go for it. I'd do Curlformers over flexi rods any day. But then again, Bantu Knots are free...lol.

Deluxe Softhood Dryer Review
Can we say...Godsend? I love every single little thought and detail that was put into the Softhood Dryer. It comes in a cute little travel package made of the same material, has a drawstring for securing hair, and a chin strap. Folks laugh at the last one, but you'll never appreciate a chin strap on a bonnet dryer until you have the experience of not having one and needing something to hunker that thing down. I love this dryer, period. It's awesome at cutting down drying times and setting styles...of course I use it for other stuff besides Curlformers. And it's only about $16 online, which is really affordable. I'll never sit under a hooded dryer again!

For more information on Curlformers, check them out at:
www.curlformers.com
Twitter: @curlformers
Facebook: www.facebook.com/curlformers

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