The three-rod method divides your hair into three sections, one on top and one on each side, and wraps each around its own short bendy rod. You wind the hair along the rod, then bend the rod into a loop and fasten its ends together with the hook closure, so it holds itself shut. Three rods are quick to put in, easy to sleep on, and give loose, bouncy curls on medium to long hair.
What are hook-closure rods?
They are short, flexible foam rods, usually about 25 centimeters long, with a fastening at the ends. Unlike a single long rod that sits over the head like a headband, each short rod works independently. Once the hair is wrapped, the rod is bent round and the two ends are joined, which locks the hair in without clips or scrunchies. Fastenings differ between products, so check how yours closes.
Three short rods vs one long rod
| Point | Three hook-closure rods | One long rod headband |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | Three, each on its own rod | Two sides on one rod |
| How it stays closed | Rod ends fasten together | Clip and scrunchies |
| Curl direction | You choose for each rod | Mirrored left and right |
| Root volume | Good, especially from the top rod | Moderate |
| Very long or thick hair | May need more than three rods | Needs an extra-long rod |
What do you need?
- Three hook-closure rods
- A comb and two or three sectioning clips
- A spray bottle of water
- Mousse or a light styling cream, optional
- A satin bonnet for sleeping
Step 1: Prepare the hair
- Detangle.
- Get your hair to about 80 to 90 percent dry, or mist dry hair lightly.
- Smooth a little mousse through the lengths if your hair drops curls easily.
Step 2: Make three sections
- Top section: draw a parting from each temple back to the crown, so you have a horseshoe-shaped panel on top of the head. Clip it.
- Left section: all the hair below that on the left, from the front hairline to the center of the nape.
- Right section: the same on the right.
Step 3: Wrap each section
- Comb the section smooth and hold it out from the head.
- Hold the rod horizontally near the roots, a centimeter or two away from the scalp.
- Wind the hair around the rod, working from one end of the rod toward the other, keeping the hair flat like a ribbon and each turn beside the last.
- Tuck the tips of the hair under the final turn.
- Bend the rod around into a loop and join the ends with the hook closure.
- Check that it feels secure but not tight at the root.
Do the top section first, directing the hair up and back. Then wrap each side, directing the hair away from the face. If your set came with instructions, follow them for how the rod is meant to be held and closed.
Step 4: Set
- Leave the rods in until your hair is completely dry. Overnight is the simplest.
- Position the loops on top and at the sides of the head, not at the back, for sleeping.
- Cover with a satin bonnet.
Step 5: Take them out
- Unhook each rod and straighten it.
- Slide it out sideways, or unwind gently.
- Let the curls hang and cool for a minute.
- Separate each curl with your fingers. Shake the roots for volume.
- Finish with a light hairspray.
A three-rod set
The Uexim heatless bendy curling rods with hook closure are bendy foam rods with a hook closure that set curls overnight without heat, described as comfortable to sleep in. Each rod is 25 cm long, there are three in a set, and they come in black, red, khaki, brown, white and pink.
How do you adjust the result?
- Looser waves: overlap the turns less and wrap with a relaxed hand.
- Tighter curls: split each section in two and use more rods.
- More lift at the crown: hold the top section straight up as you wrap it.
- Curls from mid-length only: start the wrap lower down, leaving the roots smooth.
Common problems and fixes
- Hair does not fit on the rod. The section is too big for a 25 cm rod. Divide it and use another rod.
- The rod springs open. The closure was not fully engaged, or there is too much hair on it.
- A kink near the root. The rod was pressed against the scalp or wrapped too tightly at the start.
- Straight ends. The tips were not tucked under the last turn.
- Curls dropped quickly. The hair was still damp when the rods came out.
Frequently asked questions
Are three rods enough for thick hair?
Often not. Thick or very long hair usually needs four to six rods so each section can dry through.
How long does hair need to be?
Around shoulder length or longer, so it can make at least two full turns around the rod.
Can I use them on dry hair?
Mist it lightly first. Fully dry hair takes only a slight bend.
How long does it take to put in?
About five minutes once you have done it a couple of times.
The bottom line
Three sections, three rods: wind flat, tuck the tips, bend and hook. Leave until fully dry, then separate with your fingers.
0 comments