https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/rag-rolling-hair-tutorial • Posted by LarkspurShoppe
I am a gal with a love for all things vintage, so it makes sense that I like to curl my hair the old-fashioned way. There is something about rag-rolled locks that just looks and feels effortless - not to mention the curls hold much better. The curling irons we use today just cannot compare to the perfect ringlets made from just an old rag. So, I wanted to share a little tutorial to achieve these lovely curls.
I am a gal with a love for all things vintage, so it makes sense that I like to curl my hair the old-fashioned way. There is something about rag-rolled locks that just looks and feels effortless - not to mention the curls hold much better. The curling irons we use today just cannot compare to the perfect ringlets made from just an old rag. So, I wanted to share a little tutorial to achieve these lovely curls.
Making the rags!!! You need to cut up that old – unloved – t-shirt into strips. I did mine about 1″ in width and 7″ in length. This can vary depending on how loose (or tight) you want your curls to be and how long your hair is. I have longer hair, so I cut mine to a longer length and I like smaller ringlets, so I did thin strips. I probably cut the t-shirt into about 25 rags in total. You never really know ahead of time how many you’ll need, but that’s okay! You can always go back and cut more.
Wash dem hairs! Personally, I like to have damp hair to roll with. To be honest, the outcome is about the same with dry or damp, but I find it far easier to actually roll my hair when it’s damp. So that is always something to consider.
Let the rolling begin! Make sure you are wearing a shirt you do not have to remove at any point, or that does not require removal via head…I think the reason for this is obvious. I like to part my hair from bottom to top, starting with bottom layer to do my rolls. Take your desired amount of hair to be rolled, whether that be a clump, chunk, piece, strands or bundle does not matter, this is your life! Wrap the end of your bundle around the rag, and roll it up. Once you are at the top, tie your rag into a single knot. Voila! First roll, a success. Now continue on with your entire head.
Eventually, you will look darling like this. I like to call her spider head.
After I’m all done I like to sleep with my rags in and take them out the following morning. Once I take them out, I tend to look like Annie (you know who I'm talking about), so personally, I like to brush out my curls to give a more voluptuous 1970′s look. But if you don’t suffer from Annie syndrome, you can leave them as perfect little ringlets if you so desire. I have found if I give the curls a bit of time to set after taking them out, the annie-ness dissipates.
Now go forth and take on your day, anything is possible with a head of curly locks!