Roller Set
Set & Release Family
A roller set wraps wet, product-coated hair around rollers in sections and dries it under a hooded dryer, giving smooth, bouncy curls or a stretched, voluminous base for brushing out. It is a long-standing salon staple for relaxed and natural hair alike.
Distinguishing characteristics
Roller size, sectioning and wrap direction decide the result: small rollers give tighter curls, large rollers give smooth volume. The Dominican blowout begins with a roller set and finishes with a round-brush blow-dry for extra smoothness.
Advantages
Smooth, bouncy curls with less direct heat than curling irons.
Considerations
Long sit time under the dryer; the set drops quickly in humidity.
Warning signs
Scalp burns or tenderness from the dryer or tight rollers; lower the heat.
Preparation
Start with clean, conditioned hair and a setting lotion or foam. Apply heat protectant if a blow-dry will follow.
Daily Care
Avoid humidity and brushing curls flat until you want them softened.
Night Care
Wrap the hair (see Doobie wrap) or pin the curls up under a satin scarf.
Washing
A set lasts until the next wash or exposure to moisture; wash on your normal schedule.
Scalp Care
Keep the dryer at a comfortable heat and don't let rollers press into the scalp.
Refreshing
Re-roll a few sections with dry rollers overnight, or pin curls.
Styling tips
Wear the curls as set, brush them into soft waves, or wrap for a sleek, swinging finish.
At a glance
- Looks
- 3 looks
Looks
- Classic Wet Roller Set
- Roller Set with Wrap
- Dominican-Style Roller Set and Blowout
FAQs
- Do small or large rollers give a better roller set?
It depends on the result you want: small rollers give tighter curls and large rollers give smooth volume. Sectioning and the direction you wrap also change the finish.
- Is a Dominican blowout a roller set?
It starts as one. A Dominican blowout begins with a roller set and is finished with a round-brush blow-dry for extra smoothness.