Roller Set on Natural Hair: 15 Ways to Wear the Hairstyle

Get any curl you want with rollers.

With so many new hair curling appliances out on the market, one probably forgot about the good old roller set on natural hair. We’re taking you back to the old days (for some, this method is still current) when Black women would book a trip to the salon and get a wash and set. Just about every Black woman can tell you that she loves the look of her roller set styles but dreads the drying process!

Once your stylist sets your freshly washed hair with rollers and sits you under the dryer, it can take about 30 to 45 minutes for your hair to dry depending on the length and texture of your hairstyle, especially if you’re creating a roller set on natural hair. The thicker your natural texture, the longer it may take to dry. Either way, the outcome is worthwhile.

Roller Set on Natural Hair: 15 Styles to Try

We’ve rounded up some of the most popular roller set on natural hairstyles below that you can achieve with a wash and set:

1. Loose Curls

roller set on natural hair: loose curls
Curls got you feeling like a star.

If you have long natural hair, you can use rollers to achieve this look. After straightening your hair with your flat iron or blowdryer, set your hair with medium-sized rollers and sit under a dryer to set. Release and set with TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Smooth Hold Level 2 to keep the curls in place.

2. Tight Afro Curls

roller set on natural hair tight curls
Curly afro style.

While many women with natural hair already have this hair type to achieve this curl, you can also get the look with a roller set on natural hair. Ask your stylist to set your hair with teeny rollers or rods. After drying hair, fluff hair to achieve the afro effect.

3. Big Long Hair

roller set on natural hair big long hair
Give your hair some height.

Lots of women use roller sets to achieve big and voluminous curly styles. If you have hair that needs a boost, try a roller set to help with lift at the roots. To achieve more volume, the smaller the hair strands, and the more rollers you use the better.

4. Textured Curly Afro

roller set on natural hair black afro
Curls with texture.

You can get the look and feel of pillow-soft curls on your natural hair with rollers. Try blowing out your hair and then adding steam rollers if you are after a textured look. Leave the rollers in for a few minutes, then allow hair to dry as the steam can leave your hair a bit damp. Pick hair out to create the shape you want. Give your curls a boost by using SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

5. Long Defined Curls

roller set on natural hair long defined
Give your long hair some curls.

If definition is what you want in your roller set style, try setting hair with a mousse when applying your rollers. Nexxus Styling Mousse Plus is a great option for this style as it also helps with volume.

6. Small Curls

roller set on natural hair small curls
Cute ringlets.

Try cute and neat ringlets if you’re after small curls. Ask your stylist to set your hair will small rollers to recreate this look. If you have 4b-4c hair, you may even want to consider flexi rods for rollers that are more catered to natural hair.

7. Subtle Waves

roller set on natural hair: subtle waves
Get waves with rollers.

You can use rollers to add waves to your hair. This is a great alternative if you rather not use a curling iron or flat iron. Add hot rollers to the ends of already straight hair to create subtle waves.

8. Teased Curls

roller set on natural hair: teased hair
Wild and curly.

After setting your hair with rollers, you can create any curly style you crave. This teased style is perfect if you’re looking for a dramatic style. This is the perfect curly hair look for everyday look.

9. Protective Roller Set Style

roller set on natural hair: tight curls
Add curls to your protective style.

If you’re wearing a protective style on your natural hair and you’d like to update it, you can use rollers to change your look. Add rollers to extensions, braids and more. This will help take your look to the next level.

10. Voluminous Undone Curls

roller set on natural hair: undone curls
Add a boost with this wavy look.

When you want to change up your straight style, you can always depend on rollers. Add a few sponge rollers to the ends of your hair at night and remove them in the morning. Before separating the curls, set them with a firm-hold hairspray like TRESemmé TRES Two Freeze Hold Hairspray and then backcomb to create the undone effect.

11. Wavy Curls

roller set in natural hair: wavy curls
Try a curly wave.

This style can be created with flexi-rods on long hair or you can just get the look with a roller set on natural hair. Another simple way to get this look is with braids. Braid your hair, then roll with rollers to create a soft curly and crimped style.

12. Wavy Roller Set Style

Roller set on natural hair: wavy
A look that can be created overnight.

Sleep with the comfiest rollers you can find to create this wavy style overnight. To achieve this loose waves look, use medium to large rollers. Take this look one step further by slightly combing out your curls after to create an effortless looking boho look.

13. Teased Curls

roller set on natural hair teased curls
Volume on volume.

Add even more volume to the height you’ve already achieved by teasing your curls for even more oomph. To achieve this look, we recommend using small to medium rollers on natural hair.

14. Extra Length

roller set on natural hair extra length
Go longer than you’ve gone before with this curly hair look.

Add some length and amp up the volume in every direction with a style that grazes past your shoulders. This is also a great look to try with a lace front wig if you are looking to add that extra length to your life.

15. Layered Bangs

roller set on natural hair light bangs
A thin layer of bangs can make a major statement.

Make a major statement with some subtle layered bangs and add even more of a statement to your already-voluminous style.

Are you thinking about trying out any of these styles? Be sure to snap a picture and tag us @AllThingsHairUS!

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