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Hair-care guide

Roller Set on Curly or Natural Hair: Smooth, Bouncy Curls

TheWashDay editorial · Updated · From the American Academy of Dermatology · How we compare

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A roller set winds damp hair around rollers, flexi rods or perm rods and lets it dry in that shape, for smooth, stretched, bouncy curls with less shrinkage than a wash-and-go. Larger rollers give looser, smoother curls; smaller rods give tighter spirals. It needs the hair to dry completely on the rollers, so plan for a hooded dryer or an overnight set.

The steps

  1. Comb a section
  2. Wind ends to roots
  3. Remove when dry
Diagram. Comb a section smooth, wind it from the ends to the roots around the roller, and take the rollers out once your hair is completely dry. The numbered steps below say the same in full.
  1. Start with clean, detangled, damp hair; put on a leave-in and a setting lotion or light mousse.
  2. Take a section no wider than the roller and comb it smooth.
  3. Wind it from the ends to the roots around the roller and secure it without pulling at the scalp.
  4. Repeat around the head in rows.
  5. Let it dry completely, under a hooded dryer or overnight with a satin scarf over the rollers.
  6. Take the rollers out gently, separate the curls with oiled fingers, and shape.

Keep it longer

At night, pin curls loosely or cover the hair with a satin bonnet. Rollers wound too tightly pull at the edges; the American Academy of Dermatology’s rule for any style is that if it hurts, it is too tight.

Protect curls overnight Shrinkage

Updated · The sources for this guide are on our Sources page. Report a changed detail.

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