How to Straw Set Hair

Straw set hair is a method of styling hair that results in cascading curls with a longer length of hair and delicate face-framing curls for shorter styles. If done carefully and with attention to detail, the style should last at least 1 week and can be created easily on your own hair or someone else's. This multi-faceted style is acceptable for formal occasions as well as for everyday wear.

Things You'll Need

• 1 or 2 packages of drinking straws. (Number needed depends on the thickness, length of hair)
• Pointed tail comb
• 3 butterfly clips
• Setting lotion
• Hair spray
• Hair dryer
• Scarf (for maintenance)
• Hair oil of some sort. (Kemi or carrot oil preferred)
• Towel
• Scissors
• Bobby pins

Instructions

1. Towel dry hair and part into four sections, using the tail end of the comb. Use the butterfly clips to hold down the three parts not immediately being worked on. Open the package and remove a handful of straws and bobby pins, placing them nearby for easy access as you begin your hair. Also take this time to open the setting lotion.

2. Again, part your hair as desired, depending on how thick or separated you would like the curls. Parts should be 1 inch long by 1/2 inch high. If your hair is thicker, you may want to do 1 by 2 instead. This is a decision of preference and you may choose to do it differently the second time you straw set your hair. After several times, you will be able to determine which way works best for you and the look you want.

3. Take the piece of hair you are working with and liberally apply setting lotion until saturated. Pick a straw.

4. Pull a section of hair straight up and line the straw up with end of your hair. Roll hair around the straw by rolling clockwise and working back toward your scalp. The point here is to roll as tightly as possible and to smooth hair down as you go.

5. After rolling back to the scalp, hold the straw with one hand as you use the scissors to clip the excess off each end that is not being used on your hair. Use a bobby pin to hold the straw in place. Repeat Step 3 through Step 6 until your entire head is rolled.

6. At this point, you have two options. You may either use hair spray and allow to air dry or blow dry your hair for a quicker finish.

7. After your hair is dry, go through and slowly remove each straw. Moving too quickly may result in loss of conformity in your curls. Apply a small amount of oil, about the size of a dime, to the palm of your hand and work through your hair for additional shine. You may now style as desired or allow your curls to set as they are.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though you may choose to comb through your curls, if you wait a few days and allow them to fall on their own, it will lengthen the life of your hair style. Apply oil every other day to keep your hair shiny and bouncy. To maintain the quality of your style, be sure to cover your hair with a scarf every night.