Let's face it. Roller setting is time-consuming! Nothing beats the soft curls and bounce it provides but the whole process takes a long time. Here are a few tips that have helped me achieve salon quality roller sets in a shorter period of time.

1. Chuck Your Setting Lotion

Setting lotion can make the hair sticky and hard to detangle. Each section you have to detangle takes a ton of time.Try setting with leave-in conditioner instead or applying it only towards the ends of the hair. After removing the rollers, try pin curling the hair for 30 minutes or overnight for long lasting curls.

2. Roll Up

For years, I roller set the way my stylist taught me. Comb a section of hair up to the ceiling, place the roller on the ends and roll down to the scalp. But after some severe arm cramps, I decided to comb the hair down, place a roller on the ends and roll up to the ceiling. Not only are your arms more comfortable but the rollers take up less space, making it more comfortable under the dryer.

3. Upgrade

If you are spending more that 45 minutes under a dryer, try going up a size in rollers. If you use magenta magnetic rollers, try gray. If you use gray, try black, etc.

4. Use Ponytails

Section the hair into small individual ponytails or one large ponytail. The, apply rollers to the ponytail and let dry overnight or under a dryer. You get straight roots and a nice curly ends in half the time. Lightly blow out roots or ponytail holder marks to blend.

5. Quit

No, I don't mean give up on roller setting. I mean, quit half way through. Set the hair on rollers and dry until 50% dry. Then, remove the hard plastic rollers and quickly re-roll with satin rollers. There is no combing involved so your hair only takes 5 minutes to roll and you can finish drying comfortably while you sleep. I use this method often when I start fidgeting under the dryer and want to go to bed.

I hope this helps! You can find more tips like these at www.healthytextures.com or on my social network of over 7,200 relaxed, natural and texlaxed women of color at www.healthytextures.ning.com. For a visual demonstration of roller setting, check out the Healthy Textures' Guide to Roller Setting here.