How to Make Curls Overnight Using Rags

Rag curling is an ideal method of getting spiral curls in hard-to-curl hair.

Rag curling is a method of creating curls, waves or adding body to your hair -- that doesn't damage your hair -- as heat styling tools can. Rag curls create a consistent curl from top to bottom for long hair, which is hard to do with rollers or curling irons, because the curl becomes wider as more hair is wrapped round it. This method also eliminates tangles in the mornings, and shortens your preparation time each day.

Things You'll Need

• 40 to 50 rag strips
• Comb
• Hair clips
• Hairspray

Instructions

1. Prepare your rags beforehand, by cutting or ripping strips of fabric from old bedding or T-shirts into 40 one-inch by six-inch strips. For hair that is past the shoulders or longer, cut the strips to twice the length of your hair.

2. Wash your hair as you normally would and allow it to dry almost completely. For hair that dries quickly, it's okay to have a bit of moisture in it, but if your hair is thick and tends to take a long time to dry, wait until your hair is almost completely dry. Hair that is already clean will need a mist of water; then you can proceed.

3. Add a bit of hairspray or a curl enhancing product to your hair, if it is hard to curl. This will help it hold the curl better.

4. Divide your hair into four sections and hold the sections apart with clips or barrettes.

5. Separate a one inch piece of hair from the first section and roll it around the strip of rag lengthwise. This may take a couple of attempts to get the hair to stay around the rag.

6. Leave enough space at both ends of the rag to tie them together.

7. Roll the hair-wrapped rag up to your scalp and tie the ends together to secure it in place.

8. Continue wrapping one inch sections, until you've rolled all of the hair in each of the four sections.

9. Leave your hair in the rags overnight -- and then untie the rags -- and let the hair out in the morning.

10. Finger comb or leave the curls as they are and style.

Tips & Warnings

• Rolling the hair tightly will give more defined curls. Loosely rolled hair will give body and wave.

• Small sections of hair will result in tighter, springier curls and lots of body. Large sections provide looser curls.

References

• Hair Boutique; Curling Your Hair: Pin Curls and Rag Curls Made Easy; December 15, 2010
• Virtual Hair Care: Hair Ringlets