I used to get roller sets on my hair ALL the time while I had a relaxer. Every hair stylist I went to put me through the torture of sitting underneath a hair dryer* for hours with big rollers in my head. Since I’ve returned to natural hair, I almost forgot about the process although I shouldn’t have.
Even though it’s a somewhat annoying task, it does still have benefits for both ladies with and without relaxers. It’s an excellent no heat alternative to using a flat iron, and it does a great job at stretching hair. If you were thinking about doing a roller set anytime soon, here are a few tips to make it as successful as possible!
What you need:
2″ magnetic rollers*
Metal clips/ Large bobby pins*
Widetooth/ Rattail Comb*
Oils/ Butters (your favorites)
Setting lotion/ Mousse
Spray Bottle filled with water
Scissors
1. Keep hair moisturized
You can either do a roller set on wet or dry hair. If you decide to do it on dry hair, stretch your hair the night before and use a spray bottle filled with water to lightly dampen or mist your hair.
Keep the spray bottle around you, because your hair can and will probably get dry throughout the entire time you work. You just want to make sure that your hair is wet enough to work with.
2. Work in sections
Use a rattail comb* to create workable sections in your hair. This will make the entire process much easier for you. You can start by separating your hair into large sections and breaking those sections down into smaller, rectangular pieces.
It will be easier to detangle your hair, find spacings for the rollers, and will give you a neater look (if you’re going for loose, wavy curls).
3. Pick good products
you can always use an oil or butter mix on each section before using the rollers. Just note that even though the style comes out nice and fluffy this way, it can be bad in the long run if your ends become frizzy or if you’re exposed to humidity.
Invest in a good, lightweight styling product like setting lotion or mousse. This way your hair can maintain shine and will remain sleek. Make sure your hair is detangled well and use the product sparingly.
Once it’s distributed evenly throughout your section, take the roller, place it at your ends, and roll upward. Secure each roller in place with either magnetic clips, duck bill clips*, or extra large bobby pins*.
I agree. Roller sets can be a god send for stretching the hair. I personally like to use Joico Smoothing Balm rather than setting lotion. I apply this to damp hair after washing and then put in the rollers. The hair can feel crunchy when taking the rollers out but don’t let this put you off. All you need to do is comb through the hair and it amazingly becomes soft and smooth again. I am mixed race with relaxed hair (Phytospecific Relaxer) and this is just one of the ways I style my hair. Try it!!!