Pull-through curlers, like Curlformers, offer a fantastic heatless method to achieve bouncy, defined curls. The fundamental technique involves using a special hook to guide sections of your hair through the spiral-shaped curlers, allowing them to coil naturally inside.
What Are Pull-Through Curlers?
Pull-through curlers are a type of heatless hair styling tool designed to create spiral curls. They typically consist of flexible, mesh-like tubes (the curlers) and a long, slender hook. The hook is used to pull a section of hair into the curler, which then holds the hair in a coiled shape until it dries, resulting in a defined, lasting curl without any heat damage.
Why Choose Pull-Through Curlers?
Choosing pull-through curlers offers several advantages for your hair styling routine:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Heatless | Prevents heat damage, maintaining hair health and shine. |
| Defined Curls | Creates consistent, bouncy spiral curls. |
| Comfortable | Soft and flexible, making them comfortable to sleep in. |
| Long-Lasting | Curls often hold for days, especially with proper preparation. |
| Versatile | Suitable for various hair types and lengths (different curler sizes). |
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the following essentials:
- Pull-Through Curlers: A set of curlers and the accompanying hook.
- Hair Spray Bottle: For dampening hair if it dries out.
- Wide-Tooth Comb or Detangling Brush: To ensure hair is free of tangles.
- Hair Clips: For sectioning your hair.
- Styling Product (Optional): A light mousse or curl cream for added hold and definition.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Pull-Through Curlers
Follow these steps to effectively use pull-through curlers and achieve beautiful, heatless curls:
1. Preparation
- Start with Damp Hair: Pull-through curlers work best on damp, not soaking wet or completely dry, hair. If your hair is too wet, it will take a very long time to dry; if it's too dry, the curls won't hold.
- Detangle Thoroughly: Ensure your hair is completely detangled using a wide-tooth comb or brush. Any knots will prevent the hair from sliding smoothly through the curler.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections. Start from the bottom layers and work your way up. Secure unworked sections with hair clips.
2. The Pull-Through Process
This is the core of using these curlers, requiring a specific technique:
- Assemble the Hook: Connect the pieces of your pull-through hook if it's a multi-part design.
- Thread the Curler: Take one curler and slide it onto the hook, ensuring the opening of the curler is facing upwards, ready to receive hair.
- Select a Hair Section: Take a small, 1-inch wide section of hair. The section should not be too thick, as this will make it difficult to pull through. Thinner sections yield more defined curls.
- Hook the Hair: Hold the hook with the curler attached, close to the root of the hair section you've chosen. Use the hook to gather the hair section securely.
- Pull Hair Through: This is the crucial step. As demonstrated, once your hair is securely gripped by the hook, you will "fold the handle off of the [curler] form" (or simply pull the curler down the length of the hook). This action causes the hook to pull your hair through the curler, coiling it neatly inside.
- Release the Hook: Once the hair is fully inside the curler, gently pull the hook out. The curler will spring back to its spiral shape, holding your hair in place.
- Repeat: Continue this process throughout your hair, working section by section until all your hair is in curlers.
3. Drying and Removal
- Allow Hair to Dry Completely: This is paramount for curl longevity. You can air-dry (which may take several hours or overnight) or use a hooded dryer on a low-heat setting to speed up the process. Ensure hair is completely dry before removal.
- Remove Curlers Gently: Once your hair is dry, gently uncoil each curler from the bottom up. Do not tug or pull. The curler should easily slide off, leaving a perfectly formed curl.
- Style Your Curls: For a softer look, gently separate the curls with your fingers. Do not brush them out, as this can cause frizz. You can lightly mist with hairspray to set the style.
Tips for Perfect Curls
- Hair Texture Matters: Finer hair may benefit from a light mousse or setting spray before application for better hold.
- Section Size: Experiment with different section sizes. Smaller sections create tighter, more defined curls, while larger sections yield looser waves.
- Direction: For a uniform look, pull all sections through the curlers in the same direction (e.g., away from your face).
- Overnight Wear: Many find wearing them overnight ideal, as the hair has ample time to dry, and the curlers are comfortable enough for sleep.
