Straw Sets

Large Straw Set

I attempted to do a second straw set (first since being fully natural) about 2 weeks ago. In my previous attempt I was working with transitioning hair that was damp and just resulted in…let’s call it a mess!

I set my hair on dry hair that was co-washed, detangled, moisturized and sealed. I put my hair into less than 20 braids the night before and took them down in the morning because I figured it would be easier when it came to installing the straws if I had pre-made sections. 1 braid has 3 parts so I used 3 straws for each braid and had a total of 40 straws (and boy was it difficult to sleep, more on that later.)

In the past I used “regular” drinking straws but found some super huge straws (I think they are called Milkshake straws) and decided to try those.

The only product I used was my Rosewater Spray Flaxseed Gel.

I have a video demonstration on my YouTube channel (below)

Products/Tools Used:

Rosewater Spray Flaxseed Gel
Large Straws (I used 40)
Bobby pins
Hair clips (to keep my hair separate)
Mixed Sealing oil (the next day to separate my curls)

Installing the Straws

My process was really simple, after applying the gel:

: I twist my roots a little (only my roots)

: I wrap my ends around the straw and slowly wind up a little

: I then use the straw to twirl around my hair like moving in a spiral

: When I get to the roots I roll the straw towards my scalp

: I hold the straw against my scalp

: And bobby pin my hair to the straw

This is a closeup of my curls after I took down the straws

unseparated straw curls I did have one curl at the front that was a little “interesting” looking. I ended up “fixing” it by putting back a straw while I separated the rest of my curls (below).

“Interesting” curl

Trying to fix the interesting curl while separating the rest

To separate all I did was use a little of my mixed sealing oil (to help avoid extra frizz) and then gently pulled the curls apart where they wanted to be separated. Once separated I twirled the curls around my finger to get them to clump together and that was it (see below).

: Gently separating the curls

: Twirsling the curl around my finger once separated

: Twirsling the curl around my finger once separated

After I separated and fluffed my roots

A little “extra” 😉

I do have to say I LOVED the style but there are a few things I would change. E.g. I would cut the straws in half because sleeping with 40 large straws in my hair…was NOT comfortable! I think I might actually be able to get away with not having to leave the straws in overnight if I start early because I prefer to work with dry hair so they should be dry before going to sleep.