The whole method, start to finish
1. Get your hair almost dry
This is the step people skip, and it is the step that decides everything. Soaking wet hair will not dry overnight, and hair that does not dry does not hold a wave. Towel-dry, then leave it twenty minutes, or use a hair towel wrap while you get on with your evening.
2. Brush it through
Knots become kinks. Two minutes with a brush now saves you the morning.
3. Clip the ribbon in place
Centre parting, ribbon over the top of your head, clip at the crown. The two halves should hang evenly down either side.
4. Wrap away from your face
Take a section and wrap it around the ribbon, working from your face towards the back. Away from your face, not towards it. This is what gives the curl the direction that looks intentional rather than accidental.
5. Secure the ends
Use the scrunchies that came in the box. Firm enough to hold, loose enough that you are not tugging.
6. Sleep
Six to eight hours, or simply overnight. If you want the curls to survive the pillow completely, put the bonnet on over the top.
7. Unwrap and shake it out
Fingers, not a brush. A brush turns waves into volume. Sometimes that is what you want, but decide it on purpose.
If the first attempt disappoints you
Nine times out of ten it is one of two things. Your hair was too wet, or the wrap was too loose. Try again the next night with drier hair and a firmer wrap before you decide it does not work for you.
Looking after it
Hand wash in cool water, dry flat, away from direct heat. It is a hair accessory, not a tea towel.