Rollersetting Naturals, please help!

[LadyPaniolo]

I want my hair to look smooth, sleek, like a wrap... but I don't think I could wrap all these naps around my head... would a rollerset get me this look? I really want to get my hair str8... root to tip.

I've never rollerset my own hair successfully before, but I think it's time to learn. My edges are looking sad, sorry and . I think I need to leave the weave, braids and wigs alone for a while and wear my own hair out... which I had thought I'd wait till WL to do, but my almost BSL will have to do.

I need the giant rollers, right? What products should I use? I'm totally new at this and I really want to learn. I'm gonna scour Youtube for technique help, but I need all the help from y'all I can get... nothing is too rudimentary to help me, as I know just about NOTHING.

BTW I do have a hard bonnet dryer, an el cheapo brand from Kmart I bought billions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

 

[LunadeMiel]

I would also like to know...

OT: your baby is soooo cute. I just want to squeeze him. I want a baby....

 

[LadyPaniolo]

Awww... thanks LunadeMiel! If you want a baby, you can have mine from midnight to 9am, while I sleep! They're cute, but they are a LOT of work...

 

[meverllyn1]

Hey, i rollerset my girls natural hair and it came out real straight. What i use was the curlformers, it will get it straight from root to the end. But they are pricey. Any time you rollerset natural hair you will have to use some kind of gel so it will hold, it will keep it from poofing up or reverting back. Another way you can get it pretty straight from root to end (i never tried it but seen others tried it with success) is section the hair apply a small terry cloth hair band at the roots pretty snug, then roll the hair with a roller making sure to apply some kind of setting lotion with great hold or a holding gel before you roll your hair. Sit under hair dryer for both curlformers or rollerset. Hope i help you.

Mev

 

[Paradox]

I've been wondering about this for a long while.

 

[LadyPaniolo]

Hey, i rollerset my girls natural hair and it came out real straight. What i use was the curlformers, it will get it straight from root to the end. But they are pricey. Any time you rollerset natural hair you will have to use some kind of gel so it will hold, it will keep it from poofing up or reverting back. Another way you can get it pretty straight from root to end (i never tried it but seen others tried it with success) is section the hair apply a small terry cloth hair band at the roots pretty snug, then roll the hair with a roller making sure to apply some kind of setting lotion with great hold or a holding gel before you roll your hair. Sit under hair dryer for both curlformers or rollerset. Hope i help you.

Mev

Thanks! That is helpful! A few questions:

1. What kind of gel works well? Not that brown gel I don't like that stuff...

2. Using the ponytail rollerset, how do you remove the terrycloth pony without messing the curl up?

3. Some setting lotions are known for making hair hard and crunchy... which I do NOT want... which setting lotion will give me hold without the crunchiness?

Those curlformers look neat... but the budget is not accomodating them right now (unless one of y'all wants to sell me your used ones at a deep discount? ) so I'll need to get the more-commonly-available-at-the-bss kind.

Anyone please feel free to chime in!

 

[Maynard]

Hmmm..

The only thing that worked for me was/were curlformers:

Regular rollerset:

Curlformers Set:

 

[LadyPaniolo]

Hmmm..

The only thing that worked for me was/were curlformers:

Regular rollerset:

Curlformers Set:

OMG! That curlformers set is amazing

Did you use different products? The regular rollerset didn't have the look I want, it's kinda crinkly. But the curlformers! Wow!

 

[kblc06]

Thanks! That is helpful! A few questions:

1. What kind of gel works well? Not that brown gel I don't like that stuff...

2. Using the ponytail rollerset, how do you remove the terrycloth pony without messing the curl up?

3. Some setting lotions are known for making hair hard and crunchy... which I do NOT want... which setting lotion will give me hold without the crunchiness? I usually dilute the premixed lottabody even further (the mixture should be a pale pink). It gives me just enough hold without being crunchy

Those curlformers look neat... but the budget is not accomodating them right now (unless one of y'all wants to sell me your used ones at a deep discount? ) so I'll need to get the more-commonly-available-at-the-bss kind. You can also try using medium diameter rollers

Anyone please feel free to chime in!

Answers are in bold

 

[LadyPaniolo]

Thanks, kblc06

I went to the BSS and picked up lots of stuff, including the purple Lottabody setting lotion, the concentrated one. I also picked up some biggish mesh rollers, some purple magnetic rollers with snap-on covers, picks to hold the mesh rollers on, S-curl and some rat-tail combs (which my house seems to eat somehow).

I'mma try this rollersetting thing. Wish me luck!

 

[Maynard]

OMG! That curlformers set is amazing

Did you use different products? The regular rollerset didn't have the look I want, it's kinda crinkly. But the curlformers! Wow!

No, I dont think so... I guess the curlformers have the ability to "stretch" the hair.

1st set, I think i used CHI silk infusion and some leave in conditioner.

Second set, I believe I used Lottabody setting lotion.

I honestly dont think it would have mattered if I used Lottabody on the first set, my hair more than likely would have came out the same way. IMO Curlformers are the way to go for a set on 4B hair.

 

[Transformer]

OK. I call myself the QUEEN of natural hair rollersetting.... may not deserve the title but at age 50 it's probably the only beauty pageant title I will receive.

I have APL hair in the back and should length on the sides. I rollerset every 5 -7 days. I have kinky hair....my daughter had BSL and is probably a 3C if you type. She's also natual and I rollerset her hair.

We both prefer a soft curl not stiff or crunchy....this is how we achieve it.

1. I shampoo or dilute shampoo with lots of conditioner. Currently using Jane Carter shampoo and I mix with any conditioner like Giovanni Deep Moisture...(I believe any will do). This is to have the cleaning effect of shampoo without the drying and stripping.

2. Giovanni Reconstructor which I've found is a great detangler. Rinse Out

3. Deep Condition 10 minutes(with heat) with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose....my hair loves this stuff. Rinse Out

4. Apply Giovanni Direct Leave In about a Quarter Size--no more over entire head concentrating on ends. It helps retain moisture.

5.Apply setting lotion to hair (Jane Carter, Profectiv w/Olive Oil, Keracare)

6. I use the red/orange rollers for and here's the trick to a smooth roller set. Place roller about an inch from the end of hair...stretch out hair fully..holding hair vertically (up) from the head. Smooth the one inch of hair at the end around roller with fingers...making sure it is sticking to the roller. Then evenly roll remaining hair onto the roller by applying slight tension for a smooth roll. Re-roll if hair falls off the side. Repeat for each roller. Spray lightly with water sections that are too dry to adhere to magnetic rollers...but do not drench.

7. Under my hood dryer (Pibbs) for 45 minutes.


Hint: My hair does to be drench over wet with setting lotion or water. This causes my hair to crinkle while trying to dry from too much water.

For my daughter I never have to use the curling iron to straighten out a frizzy roller because I'm better at roller her hair than mind. Occasionally, I will have to use the back of the curling iron to smooth out a few rollers that were positioned wrong.

8. I immediately apply a pre-mixed solution of coconut/castor oil to each curl to combat humidity!

I also have very good results with curlformers because I can get the formers very close to the root and the ends are also protected.

 

[Miss*Tress]

My "secrets" are leave-in conditioner and a bit of coconut/oil on each section, extremely diluted Lottabody, and pulling the hair very taut on the rollers. I never have to straighten my roots or hairline afterwards and the results are silky smooth.

 

[LadyPaniolo]

Thanks for all your replies, esp. Ebonybee, I know that was a lot to type out!

I tried to rollerset my hair last night... it did not go well, to say the least. I gave up in frustration, and decided to do a braidout. The result? ( no WAY am I posting pics of this monstrosity, so don't ask!)



I need some #%&#%ing Curlformers! WHY must they be so expensive?!?

 

[Transformer]

Don't give up! My first attempts weren't good because the hair fell off the side of the roller or wasn't taunt enough which is the secret to getting natural hair straight.

I'm now less tensed and don't worry that every roller has just got to be right.

I know a lot of folks recommend that the hair be very wet and apply a lot of product(setting lotion)...that just doesn't work for me. I judge my hair rollersetting success by determining if it looks cloudy dull (not good) and if I can comb the roots. Lottabody will give you great shine but if you use a lot (drench hair) you won't be able to comb your hair.

! believe the less product in the hair the better for a rollerset.

 

[LadyPaniolo]

I did spray a good amount of diluted Lottabody on... and the roots are combable. It's just that I look like the lovechid of the Bride of Frankenstien and Buckwheat. NOT what I had in mind.

I'll try again next wash day... but it's frustrating to spend so long doing something with my hair only to look like the winner of the National HAM Awards.

 

[SoAnxious12]

joyousnerd, your posts crack me up!
But I'm with you on the curlformers, i'm not sure if you've done a search or not on them but the results are fantastic looking on just about everyone.
Wait a little while and it might be a great investment.

 

[meverllyn1]

Here are some videos showing how to rollerset natural hair. The key to successful rollerset is keeping the roller pull tight which help to straighten the hair. However way the hair is wet that how it's gonna be dry. for example if it kinky wet and you dried it thataway it's gonna be kinky when it dried, so if you pull it tight to where it is straight when wet and let it dry then when it is dried it will be straight. Some people can roll their hair tight with rollers only and their roots comes out straight, if you can't keep it snug apply a hair band at the roots. Your roots will be straight like the rest of your hair. But there is caution when pulling tight, you don't want to pull to tight which might causes breakage. You will have to use wisdom when applying tension to how much to use.

Here a couple of videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=392wHCRqD1A&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0HQLvpC3zA&feature=related

Hope i help you, Mev

 

[diligence]

Hmmm..

The only thing that worked for me was/were curlformers:

Regular rollerset:

Curlformers Set:

Okay, this is nothing short of AMAZING!! I am so happy to know that there is a way to straighten natural 4b hair without blowdrying AND pressing. I think I might have to go ahead and make the investment in curlformers. By the way, did you ever comb thru these curls, and if you did, was your hair still pretty straight?

 

[LadyPaniolo]

I've only recently gained the ability to check out vids on YouTube, and I've watched dang near every natural hair vid on there, .

I saw some rollersetting videos on there, that made it look really easy. So off I went to the BSS and spent my little money getting some rollers etc and now I wish I had my money back.

Seeing the results that so many ladies on here have had with Curlformers has me ready to resort to desperate measures to get the loot together for that salon pack! ver18:

 

[Maynard]

Here are some videos showing how to rollerset natural hair. The key to successful rollerset is keeping the roller pull tight which help to straighten the hair. However way the hair is wet that how it's gonna be dry. for example if it kinky wet and you dried it thataway it's gonna be kinky when it dried, so if you pull it tight to where it is straight when wet and let it dry then when it is dried it will be straight. Some people can roll their hair tight with rollers only and their roots comes out straight, if you can't keep it snug apply a hair band at the roots. Your roots will be straight like the rest of your hair. But there is caution when pulling tight, you don't want to pull to tight which might causes breakage. You will have to use wisdom when applying tension to how much to use.

Here a couple of videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=392wHCRqD1A&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0HQLvpC3zA&feature=related

Hope i help you, Mev

Those videos are really good, but I have yet to see a 4B with a rollerset that comes out silky and shiny like on the Curlformers.

 

[Maynard]

Okay, this is nothing short of AMAZING!! I am so happy to know that there is a way to straighten natural 4b hair without blowdrying AND pressing. I think I might have to go ahead and make the investment in curlformers. By the way, did you ever comb thru these curls, and if you did, was your hair still pretty straight?

Yes, I picked them apart the next day. It looked like a full strawset. It lasts about a week. You have to make sure your hair is totally dry or it will revert.

 

[nappystorm]

I do the rollerset + flatiron to get my hair straight. To keep it straight, I wrap it at night

 

[SouthernTease]

I used the curlformers when I was transitioning... they worked for me
but I had buyer's remorse from spending over $300, but honestly...
they do work and I am so close to going to Sally's and buying some
I will probably spend over $100 for what I need, but I'll just look at it
as two visits to a salon and I haven't been to a salon for 2 years... so...
$100 not a big deal plus it's totally worth it because I don't have to flat iron
after and I can sleep in them and it's just way easier than ponytail sets.

 

[nappystorm]

I want my hair to look smooth, sleek, like a wrap... but I don't think I could wrap all these naps around my head... would a rollerset get me this look? I really want to get my hair str8... root to tip.

I've never rollerset my own hair successfully before, but I think it's time to learn. My edges are looking sad, sorry and . I think I need to leave the weave, braids and wigs alone for a while and wear my own hair out... which I had thought I'd wait till WL to do, but my almost BSL will have to do.

I need the giant rollers, right? What products should I use? I'm totally new at this and I really want to learn. I'm gonna scour Youtube for technique help, but I need all the help from y'all I can get... nothing is too rudimentary to help me, as I know just about NOTHING.

BTW I do have a hard bonnet dryer, an el cheapo brand from Kmart I bought billions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Well I set my hair with proclaim setting lotion from Sally's or Ultra Sheen. I then Flat iron roots and wrap at night

 

[zzirvingj]

Those videos are really good, but I have yet to see a 4B with a rollerset that comes out silky and shiny like on the Curlformers.

Your curlformers set came out VERY beautiful

I'm 4a/b and the pic in my siggy is of a (ponytail) rollerset I did on magnetic rollers. Granted, my roots did not come out straight AT ALL, but it was my first time trying a rollerset ever. I used my Maxiglide to press the roots straight, which is why it looks straight(ish) in my siggy pic.

More pics/details about how I set my hair can be found in my fotki here:

http://public.fotki.com/shortiedowop/hair_album/that_was_then/my-first-rollerset!/

PS--I found this site, which talks about how to rollerset natural hair, VERY helpful:

http://www.long-healthy-hair-advisor.com/roller-set-natural-hair.html

 

[levone]

OK. I call myself the QUEEN of natural hair rollersetting.... may not deserve the title but at age 50 it's probably the only beauty pageant title I will receive.

I have APL hair in the back and should length on the sides. I rollerset every 5 -7 days. I have kinky hair....my daughter had BSL and is probably a 3C if you type. She's also natual and I rollerset her hair.

We both prefer a soft curl not stiff or crunchy....this is how we achieve it.

1. I shampoo or dilute shampoo with lots of conditioner. Currently using Jane Carter shampoo and I mix with any conditioner like Giovanni Deep Moisture...(I believe any will do). This is to have the cleaning effect of shampoo without the drying and stripping.

2. Giovanni Reconstructor which I've found is a great detangler. Rinse Out

3. Deep Condition 10 minutes(with heat) with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose....my hair loves this stuff. Rinse Out

4. Apply Giovanni Direct Leave In about a Quarter Size--no more over entire head concentrating on ends. It helps retain moisture.

5.Apply setting lotion to hair (Jane Carter, Profectiv w/Olive Oil, Keracare)

6. I use the red/orange rollers for and here's the trick to a smooth roller set. Place roller about an inch from the end of hair...stretch out hair fully..holding hair vertically (up) from the head. Smooth the one inch of hair at the end around roller with fingers...making sure it is sticking to the roller. Then evenly roll remaining hair onto the roller by applying slight tension for a smooth roll. Re-roll if hair falls off the side. Repeat for each roller. Spray lightly with water sections that are too dry to adhere to magnetic rollers...but do not drench.

7. Under my hood dryer (Pibbs) for 45 minutes.


Hint: My hair does to be drench over wet with setting lotion or water. This causes my hair to crinkle while trying to dry from too much water.

For my daughter I never have to use the curling iron to straighten out a frizzy roller because I'm better at roller her hair than mind. Occasionally, I will have to use the back of the curling iron to smooth out a few rollers that were positioned wrong.

8. I immediately apply a pre-mixed solution of coconut/castor oil to each curl to combat humidity!

I also have very good results with curlformers because I can get the formers very close to the root and the ends are also protected.

Thanks for your detailed instructions. I have rollerset my natural hair as well successfully (I would say I'm primarily 4A/4B), however my sets do not last long at all, setting lotion, gel or whatever. My curlformer set lasted around 4 days before it was too big. I'm thinking the key is your combination of coconut/castor that your mentioned. What is the ratio of this and does it not make the hair too greasy? Also, how long would you say yours and your daughter's hair stays straightened out? I also bought the Sabino product earlier in the year, so I will try that as well.

I also wanted to mentioned that my best results came from the curlformers (ease of use and results were truly like my relaxed roller sets). Next would be the flexirods, although I can not get those things under the dryer and I get really frustrated while putting them in (I like to use a lot since I part thin to get good results). I will also practice with mesh rollers again once the weather gets cooler. I got ok results with those as well, however I only tried it once and it was POOF by that evening...the humidity was horrible and my hair was not completely dry in spots (that was my fault).

Thanks again for all the tips everyone is giving.

 

[cutiebe2]

Hmmm..

The only thing that worked for me was/were curlformers:

Regular rollerset:

Curlformers Set:

This is proof enough for me....I'm going to pick some up in the spring when I stop hiding my hair!

 

[LadyPaniolo]

I cannot WAIT for my curlformers to get here It is gonna be on and poppin'!!!!

I TRIED using those magnetic rollers... I don't know if it's me being feeble or what, but I got frustrated to the point of being ready to put one of those thangs through a wall

 

[yodie]

This thread is right on time. I attempted to rollerset my natural hair yesterday, but I could tell it was gonna turn out a mess. I told myself that Curlformers might be a better way to go and then I pop into this thread today. Thanks for sharing all of your tips and ideas.

I'm gonna pick up some Curlformers in a few months.