Rollersetting 2011! (Challenge, Tips, Techniques, etc.)

I'm thinking about maybe using my Curlformers to set my hair, then doing the saran wrap method under the dryer to complete the straightening. My biggest problem with traditional rollersetting is the fact that I can't pull the rollers taut enough. But the Curlformers pull my hair taut right down to the root. I figure if I use the Jane Carter Wrap and Roll Foam with the Curlformers, maybe that combo will work to straighten my hair. It's worth a shot, right?

I think I will try this experiment this weekend.

Sounds good to me.
 
I'm thinking about maybe using my Curlformers to set my hair, then doing the saran wrap method under the dryer to complete the straightening. My biggest problem with traditional rollersetting is the fact that I can't pull the rollers taut enough. But the Curlformers pull my hair taut right down to the root. I figure if I use the Jane Carter Wrap and Roll Foam with the Curlformers, maybe that combo will work to straighten my hair. It's worth a shot, right?

I think I will try this experiment this weekend.
that sounds like it'll work. Please post some pitchas when you get the chance.:grin:

So I was the last poster in here, so let me revive this bad boy.

That set that I did on the 11th is still holding up like its day 1 hair :yay:

It seemed like a lot of product but I have no flakes, and its so bouncy. Here is the real kicker, I have been working out daily, and it's as if I just took the rollers out :spinning:

Today in the gym, this guy with dreads :drool: asked me how the heck my curls are still bouncy and in tact :look:

I shrugged it off and said i'm wondering the same thing :lol:

It was a lot of junk in my hair, but this has been the best set by far. I also tried out the anchor method with this set, and it is definitely a keeper :yep:

I maintain (and probably the reason why it looks nice now) bu pin curling the hair at night. Hopefully I will be able to hold onto this style for all of next week too, but if not...I will be bunning it up on air-dried hair. I like to alternate between roller sets and buns so I don't abandon the challenge...and to give my arm a break :grin:

Happy Roller Setting Ladies!!!
Aye, you better keep talking to ole dude. I stan hard for dreads!
Thanks for reviving the thread and keeping it alive.
I definitely agree with using product. The amount of foam wrap I use is kind of ridiculous,:look: but I easily get shiny, bouncy curls for an entire week, as long as I sleep on it properly.
Your hair looks gorgeous, btw! I wish I had the patience for the anchor method...
Took down the weave, and did a braid n curl set on tuesday. i'll likely be doing a flexi-rod set tomorrow night, since i'm going out saturday, and will attempt to post a pic.
 
Did my roller set this weekend. I used flexirods. It seemed to get my roots straighter and it took less time. The problekm was that the set ended up being super tight. I ended up having to wrap it to loosen up the curls.

I'm kind of itching for a cut right now. This no distinct hair style is getting to me.
 
I'm still not rollersetting. I have been rocking my bantu knot outs. Once this phase is over with I will go back to rollersetting. I am loving the look and low manipulation!
 
This is an old post that i found on a different website, i thought it was very helpful, so im reposting. Enjoy!!


Rollersetting 101:
1. Start with very wet hair. It is easier to roll this way and your sets will be better.

2. Use a setting lotion. I swear by diluted Lottabody.

3. Keep hair very wet throughout the whole process. If the unrolled hair starts to dry before you roll it, re-mist it with water.

4. Always start at the crown and work your way down.

4. Roll in the direction that you wear your hair. If you wear a middle part, then roll on the left side of the part going down, and the do the same on the right side. The same goes for side parts. If you wear your hair off your face, then roll going back on the top, and then same on the side as if you wear rolling for a part.

5. Try to make your parts even, so that the hair will dry evenly. Use a fine toothed rat's tails comb when doing this and be sure the smooth the hair out at each section right before rollin with the fine toothed comb. This will help give you smooth tangle free curls.

6. Rollers- I prefer JetSet EZ grip rollers (available at sally's). They are a bit easier to roll with, and if you use the right size, you will have pretty curls. Some people like magnetic, (i don't), but again, it's what works for you.

7. Use the correct size roller for your length. Short hair can use rollers up to an 1-1/4", medium from 1-1/4" - 1- 3/4" and long from 1-3/4 on up.

8. Roll under fairly tightly. You want to apply a good amount of tension so that the curls will dry smoothly and not have crinkles.

9. Once you have rolled the hair, you need to secure. With magnetic rollers, you clips, and for JetSet rollers, use pins. If you are using big rollers, secure the pin inside the roller, instead of the outside. Position the pin so that it is against the scalp, in the opposite direction if the way the hair was rolled, so that it secures the roller.

10. Sit under a hot dryer until fully dry. The amount of time will depend on your hair length and size of curls.

11. When unrolling, remove from the bottom of the head, making your way towards the top.

12. Finger style, and if you want, lightly press out your roots on the top so that it is not too full.

This should last a week if you re-roll or pin curl at night. It looks better the longer you wear it if maintained properly.
You're welcome chick!

Before You Start:

� Before setting, always imagine/picture how you want your final result to look. Do you want high volume or low volume? Lots of tight curls, or big, loose waves with lots of body and movement???

� Also, think about directions. Do you want your hair to fall onto your face, or off??? All going back, or with a middle or side part? Place the rollers to achieve it.

Products:
The setting product you need will depend on how firm you want the hold, and how you want the curls to look. I always like mixing a tiny amount of light hold products with medium or maximum hold products to soften the set.

MY FAVORITE PRODUCTS:
Kerastase Ciment Thermique
Kerastase Oleo-Relax Serum
Kerastase Lait NutriSculpt

� For sets with staying power/strong hold, use a product labeled setting/wrapping lotion, mousses, etc.

� Medium Hold products are usually glazes. They are generally clear and runny in consistency (not gels). Most foams provide medium hold as well. Some products to consider are: Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt Glaze and Paul Mitchell Hair Sculpting Lotion. They will give you a flexible hold.

� Light hold products are generally creamy. Try Kerastase Lait NutriSculpt, Kerastase Creme Nutri Sculpt, Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade. Remember not to use too much,as you don�t want a greasy oily set.

� Lottabody can be used, and the strength of it will depend on what ratio of dilution you use.

� For soft, sleek sets with lots of body and movement, use a leave-in and/or serum. Try Kerastase Ciment Thermique, Kerastase Nectar Thermique, Lacio Lacio or Salerm 21 as a leave-in, or Kerastase Oleo Relax Serum (Absolute Fave), Paul Mitchell Super Skinny, Chi Silk Infusion, or Phytolisse for a serum. But remember, these tend to be greasy, so do not go overboard.

� You can use a combination of products of different strength. Play around and find a formula that works for your hair.

However, whichever product or combination you choose, go easy on the amount!!!! Too much will way the hair down and give you a greasy, stiff, limp set. You want it to be light, soft, and bouncy!!! Less is more in this case. Oh, and stay away from oil!!!


Sectioning
� When sectioning, the thickness of your partings should be no bigger than the diameter of your roller, and the length of the partings should be no longer than the length of the roller.

� Use a fine tooth comb AFTER hair has been detangled to smooth the section you are about to roll, and then roll tightly. (I can not stress this enough!)


Roller Selection:
� The bigger the rollers, the more volume, but less curl

� Lots of small rollers will give more curl and more fullness

� Lots of large rollers will give more fullness

� A few large rollers will give some fullness and shape

SETTING


Roller Placement:
Roller placement in extremely important. The position in which the roller sits against the scalp is a direct result of the direction/angle in which you comb and hold the hair sections.

� For maximum volume, you will need to roll the hair at an angle over 90 degrees (on base). Pulling the hair forward, or if facing a mirror, towards the mirror. This is also called over-directing.

� For medium volume, roll the hair at a 90 degree angle (half off base), which would be holding the hair straight-out.

� And for low volume, roll under a 90 degree angle (off base). Pulling the hair back, or away from the mirror.

� For flat bottoms/backs, roll the back from a 0 degree (straight down) to a 45 degree mid-way, between straight down and straight out) angle.

Base Definitions:
� Off Base:- Describes final position of roller during roller set. Strand is held at 70 degrees so that curl is placed off its base. When a roller is placed Off Base, there will be end curl and little or no lift.

� On Base:- Describes final position of roller or perm rod. Strand is held at 125 degrees so that curl is placed in the center of its base. When a roller is placed ON Base, there will be maximum lift or body. This is recommended for Velcro Rollers.

� 1/2 Off Base:- Describes final position of roller during roller set. Strand is held at 90 degrees so that curl is placed one-half off its base. When a roller is placed 1/2 off base, it will give you medium/natural volume.


Rolling:
� If you find that there isn't enough tension on the sides of the sections, rock the roller from side to side, pulling sections taunt, while rolling.

� Keep your ends tucked under when rolling. You should make sure that they are smooth, and tightly wrapped around the roller. Otherwise, this will create frizzy ends with fish hooks as this will create limp curls.



Remember, you can't just place the rollers anywhere, any old way, and expect to get a salon perfect set from it. It takes precisions. Take your time and be as neat as possible. Don't expect to get a salon perfect set by being sloppy.

ONE MORE THING, remember, it takes practice, practice, and more practice!!!
 
I'm going to try to roller set and flat iron tonight. I'm massaging right now with vatika oil before washing it. I just feel like my hair is so short. *shrug*
 
What would cause breakage or thinning when rollersetting? (With the exception of rolling too tight)
combing the hair too roughly when using your fine tooth comb. some do it without, but i need that smoothness, being natural. just be gentle.

i did a flexirod set last night, ladies. it turned out great even though i think i used a little too much foam wrap. somehow, it still feels really soft.

i think i've figured out the ideal routine.
DC with either protein or moisture on dry (either Silk Elements for moisture or Motions CPR for protein) i alternate the two weekly
Shampoo (silk elements moisturizing poo! amazing!)
instant condition/detangle (Aussie Moist)
add products: leave in (Aussie Moist) serum (Fantasia IC) foam wrap (Elasta QP)

throughout the week, if my hair feels dry or lacks shine, i'll add a bit of serum, otherwise nothing.
this routine is working well. i either flexi-rod set, perm rod set, or braid n curl. i haven't completed one successful magnetic roller set. yet. i know, sad.:look: that will change before this challenge, darn it!
 
has anyone done a wet set using flexirods without getting spirals? like, folded them under instead of letting them hang down? i think i'll try that next sunday, see what i get. maybe it'll give me the look of magnetics without that hassle. i'm still scared from the last try...:look:
 
bump bump!!
flexirod set still going on strong. i swear this style lasts FOREVER. love it. it's starting to look curly fro-ish.
 
I just washed my hair, and threw my elasta qp soy oyl deep conditioner on with a cap and a hat for an overnight DC. I can't say that I will be setting my hair this week. It has been two weeks since my last set, and today was the first day I have washed/combed my hair.

I try to bun one week and set the next, so this will be my bun week...or two :look:

Spring break is coming, and I feel the lazies coming on. Plus when I set my hair, I almost neglect it a little bit :perplexed:

So yeah...see ya'll in some time. I'm still a lurker in here though :yep:
 
I'm a longtime lurker, new poster. I last used direct heat in mid-December after a failed rollerset (patience, patience). Before that, August was the last direct heat, didn't blowout/flat iron often in 2010. I made the rollerset goal for myself last April. Then I became determined after I asked the only black woman I met in my new town who had healthy hair where she got it done. She self-relaxes and rollersets. Sold!

Starting Length/Goal Length:
Was going to say SL, but looking at my photos from last month, it looks like I'm APL with thin ends from my no-lye days/full, healthy BSL

Why You Rollerset:
Healthier hair with more curves and bounce that lasts. To avoid my tendency to get lazy at SL and lose length/fullness.


How Often: 1-2x/week

Products:
1. spray mix (aloe vera juice, ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer, EVOO, Africa's Best Ultimate oil, Salerm 21 leave in, Hask Argan oil w/Keratin)

2. Alterna Hemp relaxing balm (it always rains when I get a blow-out/do a rollerset, but this product fights humidity and holds my style unless there's direct moisture contact).

3. Keracare Foam Wrap - Still can't believe how well it detangles and how amazing it makes my hair feel.

Techniques/Tools: (magnetic rollers? flexi-rods? hooded dryer?)

Got a rolling Babyliss dryer for 25% off from Folica last spring. Magnetic rollers and Saran/silk wrap for now. Possibly Curlformers and flexirods in the near future.

Your #1 Piece of Advice on Rollersetting:
Everyone's said to have patience and to practice, but it can't be said enough. My first few rollersets were a mess of falling rollers, forgotten patches of hair and wet ends when unrolled. I can do a decent Mohawk after about 6-8 tries, thinking about trying the anchor.

Also, though Proclaim OO foam wrap was good, I swear by the Keracare. I can really feel the lubricants when I run a fine tooth comb to each section before rolling and after it's dry.

**************************

Have been rollersetting sporadically, 1-2x a month. Since I'm not working, I've saved rollersetting for job interviews and special occasions. I bun or French braid in-between. Will learn other protective styles.

2010MayJune-vi.jpg


2011Januaryrollersout-vi.jpg

 
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Hey ladies! I've taken an 8 week break from my rollers (I was in braids and a sew in). I was extremely busy so I didn't have time to do my hair. Now I'm back at my weekly sets. I just set my hair last night. I do the roller/wrap method and I LOVE my results. I can't wait until next wash!
 
natural how to you get the roots smooth? i get a ton of frizzies when i try to roll my hair up. so far the solution was to braid the roots(5 stiches) and the roll the rest. i hope it will look decent when i take it out. i wish i could get a smooth shiny roller set like i see in this thread. i might go get some foam wrap lotion.
 
I roller set my hair weekly with the exception of the last two weeks. I will came back and update ( w/product info) when I set my hair again later this week. Great thread!
 
natural how to you get the roots smooth? i get a ton of frizzies when i try to roll my hair up. so far the solution was to braid the roots(5 stiches) and the roll the rest. i hope it will look decent when i take it out. i wish i could get a smooth shiny roller set like i see in this thread. i might go get some foam wrap lotion.

i've given up on hassling myself into trying to get straight roots. no matter what i do, there'll be a little crinkle. so i just flat-iron them out with my mini-flat-iron. i don't see any harm in doing it just once a week.
 
i've given up on hassling myself into trying to get straight roots. no matter what i do, there'll be a little crinkle. so i just flat-iron them out with my mini-flat-iron. i don't see any harm in doing it just once a week.


so thereis no way around it:sad:

at least i dont feel bad about touching up my edges with my pressing comb once a week:look:

i will be getting some setting lotion. i was planning on trying the Creme of nature argan oil foam wrap but i think i might go oldschool and use Ultrasheen super setting lotion.duo tex works so well for me so i think i might try some more stuff from this line.they also have a heat protectant spray that looks very good
 
so thereis no way around it:sad:

at least i dont feel bad about touching up my edges with my pressing comb once a week:look:

i will be getting some setting lotion. i was planning on trying the Creme of nature argan oil foam wrap but i think i might go oldschool and use Ultrasheen super setting lotion.duo tex works so well for me so i think i might try some more stuff from this line.they also have a heat protectant spray that looks very good

hell naw, don't feel bad. let the nappy po-po come get me, but i'm not walking round with ultra crinkly roots. :look:
i would recommend you try a foam wrap. in my experience, they work much better at smoothing natural hair around a roller than any setting lotion that i've tried.
 
Still sporting a bun :look:

I'm loving the low maintenance of it. Spring break is next week, so another bun for me. For the first week of school after, I will probably get back to my rollersets :yep:
 
I'm in. I tried a rollerset this week for the second time in my natural journey and had great results. Need to tweak it alittle for more moisturized sets, but a nice break from twists. Although here in Ga the humidity is already tryna give me attitude and my sets swell up a bit ;/
 
how exactly do u ladies do the saran wrap method to get ur roots straight? i did it a couple of times, i wrapped my hair and wrapped with saran and sat under the dryer for about 10 minutes. when i unwrapped my hair i still had puffy roots
 
How do you keep your ends from getting tangled after wearing your rollerset for a few days? My ends get try and sometimes forms a little furball like shape and I have to pull it out. I don't get what I'm doing wrong. Please give me some advice.
 
hell naw, don't feel bad. let the nappy po-po come get me, but i'm not walking round with ultra crinkly roots. :look:
i would recommend you try a foam wrap. in my experience, they work much better at smoothing natural hair around a roller than any setting lotion that i've tried.

Rocky91 does the foam wrap work better because of the ingredients or because it is foamy in consistency? i wonder if you have a foam dispenser can you make regular setting lotion foam up too?:look:
 
Ohhh I've not posted anything for ages - apologies :blush:

Just did a set last night and sleeping in them. I've been using Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade, and gives great shine and hold too. I think I will probably flat iron my roots when I take the rollers down.
 
I'm in. I tried a rollerset this week for the second time in my natural journey and had great results. Need to tweak it alittle for more moisturized sets, but a nice break from twists. Although here in Ga the humidity is already tryna give me attitude and my sets swell up a bit ;/
nice to see another natural rollersetter!! you look lovely in your siggy.
i sure know what you mean about that swell. but i actually kinda love the swell. i love when my hair looks extra thick and big.
how exactly do u ladies do the saran wrap method to get ur roots straight? i did it a couple of times, i wrapped my hair and wrapped with saran and sat under the dryer for about 10 minutes. when i unwrapped my hair i still had puffy roots
as a natural, i can't do the saran wrap method after a rollerset to get my hair straight. it just won't work.
but i would suggest just hitting your roots lightly with the flat-iron. if you keep the excess heat off your ends, you should be fine.
How do you keep your ends from getting tangled after wearing your rollerset for a few days? My ends get try and sometimes forms a little furball like shape and I have to pull it out. I don't get what I'm doing wrong. Please give me some advice.
i know exactly what you mean. this happens because of two reasons for me:
1) using too much foam wrap to do my initial set.
2) my hair wasn't deep conditioned properly and therefore loses moisture.
my fix: swipe plenty of moisturizer and serum on my ends, finger detangle to remove any knots/shed hair, and re-roll, either on flexirods or just making pin-curls.

Rocky91 does the foam wrap work better because of the ingredients or because it is foamy in consistency? i wonder if you have a foam dispenser can you make regular setting lotion foam up too?:look:
i really think it's just the foaminess actually. that sounds like a really good idea-let me know if it works.
 
Starting Length/Goal Length: shoulder length after a major set back. :perplexed:sad: goal: short term: APL - long term: MBL - healthy hair

Why You Rollerset: Because i like the look and because i had a major setback that leaves me with few styling options. :nono:

How Often: I roller set at least once a week. did 2x till i started the sets described below which last longer

Products: protien: aphogee 2 step or 2 minute depends on the week - or joico kpak moisture: various conditioners with wgo,evoo, always added no exceptions.
set with: settling on this - will probably add a leave in - still playing to figure out what - - -
1) joico kpak style thermal design foam - i use quite a bit of this - the more i use the shinier and the longer the set last
2)- chi silk infusion
3) silk elements mega silk heat protection spray
4) pure organic shea butter rubbed on my hair before to seal in moisture before rolling

Techniques/Tools: currently use snap on rollers - too lazy for the others right now..... and salon r us hooded dryer

I've been getting the best roller sets i've ever gotten in my life! I'll post pictures soon - my hair i think is really looking a lot better also due to the ceridimides that i use as well! I should also mention that i do not comb out my curls - i shake them out and sometimes hang the curl pins to them to drop them down a bit and wear the "curly curly" style.
 
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I don't really comb out the curls much either - I love curly hair styles although I do ocassionally wrap my hair as per siggy.
 
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