Wet Set Hair Rollers
A wet set is a method of curling your hair by applying rollers when your hair is wet and allowing the hair to dry with the rollers in it. The result is a hairstyle that retains its curl and is easily undone with water. Unlike a perm, this technique causes little to no hair damage because there are no chemicals used in the process. Use these steps for setting wet hair.
Steps
- Wash your hair. Use the shampoo and conditioner, if applicable, that you normally use.
- Dry your hair halfway. After your get out of the shower, squeeze the water out of your hair with a towel. You want your hair to remain damp, but you don't want it dripping water. Be careful not to over-dry your hair or you won't achieve as tight of curls.
- Apply hair styling product. Use a gel or mousse that provides medium to firm hold. Rub it all the way in from your roots to your ends. Styling products also work to keep your hair moisturized and damp throughout the rolling process.
- Roll your front hairline.
- Comb a section of hair about as wide as your roller forward over your face. Grab your hair between your fingers and hold the piece up like a Mohawk. Wrap the ends of your hair over the roller. Make sure you are rolling the way you wish your hair to curl.
- Hold the roller and your hair tightly and rotate the curler until it touches your scalp. Secure the roll tightly with a pin or the clip attached to the roller.
- Roll the rest of your hair following the steps for rolling your front hairline.
- Dry your hair with a hairdryer set on low to medium heat. Drying times will differ based on the thickness and length of your hair. Remove a roller to test for damp hair. Keep drying your hair if the hair in the roller is still wet to the touch.
- Remove the rollers by unwinding 1 at a time when your hair is completely dry. Work slowly to avoid tangling your hair.
- Adjust and finish styling your hair. Set the curls into place using your fingers. Apply hairspray to lock in the style.
Tips
- You might need to utilize rollers of different sizes depending on the length of your hair and whether you have bangs, layers, etc.
- If you have never used hair rollers before, use a mesh roller. Smooth plastic rollers produce the best curls, but they are the most difficult to manipulate.
- Air-dry your hair if you have the time. Air-drying can take all day, so plan accordingly.
- You can buy hair rollers at a beauty supply store. Choose a roller that is a good counterpart for your hair length. You want your hair strands to wrap around the rollers at least 3 times for good curls.
- Use pins if your rollers require them to stay in place on your hair.
- Use a bonnet dryer like those used in hair salons if you have access to one. This is the fastest and most effective method of drying.
Warnings
- Make sure the pins hold the hair tightly into place. Perfectly rolled hair won't create perfect curls if the rollers were not set tightly.
- Avoid brushing your hair after removing the roller. This will loosen the curls and create a wavy rather than curly look.
Things You'll Need
- Hair rollers
- Hairpins (if necessary)
- Hair dryer
- Hair gel or mousse
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