Roller Setting is considered to be one of the healthiest styling methods for the hair. By using an indirect heat source (a hood dryer), the hair is able to retain more moisture and natural sheen. With this styling method, you will start to see stronger, healthier hair in no time!
This is not the ONLY way to roller set but I find it to be one of the easiest.
Tools:
1) Wide Tooth Comb
2) Rattail
3) Magnetic rollers
4) Duckbill Clip
5) Water Bottle
6) Leave-in Conditioner
7) Serum
Instructions:
1) Wash and Condition hair as usual
2) After rinsing out conditioner, leave hair soaking wet and put a plastic shower cap over wet hair.
3) Apply leave-in and serum concentrating on the ends. Fill your water bottle with the mixture of your choice: 1) plain ole water, 2) water and setting lotion, 3) liquid leave-in or 4) water and oil.
Sidenote - I get the silkiest, bounciest and straightest by using just leave-in, serum and water. I get the firmest curls when I use setting lotion (diluted or not) I get the most hydrated set (but less bounce) when i use a moisturizer with my leave-in and serum.

4) Part hair twice down the middle (imagine a Mohawk) and use an elastic to keep the sides out of the way.
5) Start with the mohawk first. Spray with water. I usually spray 5-7 sprays per 1 inch section.
6) Part a 1 inch horizontal section and comb down. The hair should be hanging in front of your face. Pinch the end and place the roller on TOP of the hair. Roll up (towards the ceiling). Rolling up is the easiest on your arms and creates a lot more space on the head for the rollers. Continue until you finish the mohawk section.
A few things to Remember:
* Keep the section you are working on very wet, especially the ends. They should cling to the roller.
* Experiment with roller size. The smaller the roller, the tighter the curl and the longer the curl will stay. If you have longer hair, you might want a larger roller to shorten drying time and to achieve a straight look.
* Use tension while rolling. I like to roll, pull, roll, pull, etc. This is ensure that your hair will be straight.
* Experiment with the combination of products that work for you. Some use undiluted setting lotion. Some just use leave-in, serum and water. I get the silkiest best set THIS way. I like a cream leave-in, serum (Silken Seal), oil moisturizer and diluted setting lotion. I get super shiny, soft, supple hair and virtually no breakage when removing the rollers this way.
* Use duckbill clips shown in the picture above. They will not move while your hair is drying and will keep the roller tight. DO NOT PIN OR CLIP ROLLERS together. This is asking for breakage.
* Clip the top of the roller to the scalp. They should not feel wobbly or insecure.
7) Move on the right or left side. Make three vertical sections. Use an elastic or scrunchie to keep it out of the way.
8) Start with section furthest from your face. Part a 1 inch section and roll up. <br />Continue until you complete each section. Then move the opposite side of your head and do the same.
9) Air dry or dry under a hood dryer. Anticipate at least 30-90 minutes under the dryer.
*Avoid shoving your head into a small hood dryer. This will cause breakage over time.
10) Make sure your hair is COMPLETELY dry before removing the rollers. I know its hot and uncomfortable BUT your hair will frizz or revert if not completely dry!
11) Remove Rollers and ENJOY
It seems like hard work but with practice it becomes easier and quicker. My first set took 2 hours. It now takes me about 35 mins to set
If you are a visual person and would like to see me set my own hair, check out the Healthy Textures Roller Setting DVD.
Hope this helped:)
Comments: (48)
Add a comment
By: Ernestine on 1/23/2008 10:44AM
Michelle I am sorry but you should do away with relaxers and get a press that's the best thing for you and also, i like Monae comment yes you can use it on natural hair cause I get strickly press and not relaxers it's been at least 10 years for me without a relaxer Thank You
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Nisee on 1/23/2008 11:31AM
it does work on natural hair, but it looks better and lasts longer for relaxed hair. but anyway, thanks for the tip. i'm an aspiring beautician and this is very helpful! by the way, your hair looks really nice
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Nakia on 1/23/2008 11:54AM
My hair is almost shoulder length and I heard a lot of great things about the roller set. My main concern is the curls being too tight. Any advice? I am trying to achieve a look, that looks like the pic above.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: jan carter on 1/23/2008 1:57PM
Are there any Dominicans Beauty shops in H-town.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: angela on 1/23/2008 1:45PM
Yes, it does work on natural hair. But she did forget to tell that we as black women need to make sure we use a moisturizer on the hair and for very dry hair and itchy scalp, don't forget to grease the scalp. Personally, I have a relaxer, and before anyone says anything- I have been relaxing my hair for years and it is very healthy and long, I take care of it and follow relaxing directions. #6, if you want looser curls use larger rollers. First I like to grease my scalp and use a leave-in conditioner (after using my regular conditioner after washing, I use a defrizzing serum and setting lotion. Roll hair as described up top. My result, very shiny, silky, bouncy curls! Last for about a week, by tying up at night ang using an oil sheen daily. Hot combing puts a lot of heat on the hair which can lead to burning it out(combs that are too hot), and split ends. Rolling is great for people who dont like to put heat on their hair.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Ayomide on 1/23/2008 2:24PM
Her hair looks very nice, but this doesn't work for natural hair depending on your texture. all this does to my hair is make it puffy! I don't use heat on my hair much but when I do I blow dry then curl. Without the blow drying everything else fails.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Josephine Watts on 1/23/2008 3:40PM
This roller set is a what we did long ago and the curls lasted longer. Now you go to the hairdresser and the next day it looks like you hadn't even gone any where. The roller set may or may not work on natural hair, especially us that sweat in our hair, it will revert, that is why we have to have perms.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Cynthia Tucker on 1/24/2008 8:13PM
Everything! and all comments were good although with all types and texture of hair practice using a leave in conditioner and a light or soft moisturizer at least twice a week for best results.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: BJ Richardson on 1/23/2008 6:29PM
Could someone please tell me how to keep your hair cared for while sleeping?
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Barbara Jones on 1/23/2008 7:40PM
Hello: Could someone give me some good advice on how to grow my hair REALLY long. My hair is very thick and I receive good compliments which I enjoy hearing, however, I would like some good advice on how to grow my hair really LONG. I keep my ends clipped, I moisturize my hair twice weekly and I wash and roller set it once per week. My hair is beautiful but it is not growing. Help!!
Reply to this Comment | Report This