This post does contain affiliate links where applicable. When used, I receive a small commission for the sale that allows me to continue bringing you content just like this. Thanks for the support!
Ya know, I just don’t know how to do things basically lol
What initially started as a video idea to help you organize your hair plan for silk press / roller set/ blow out season – turned into a whole thing! Lol I ended up diving pretty deep into research and pulling together product recommendations that I felt were worthy of your beautiful hair!
I am so excited to hear what you think of this video, please like, share and leave a comment on the video so more people can get into this straight natural hair journey!
This post does contain affiliate links where applicable. When used, I receive a small commission for the sale that allows me to continue bringing you content just like this. Thanks for the support!
Hey sis! It’s #RollerSet season and I want to make sure you have everything you need to have the best hair yet!
One of the biggest questions people ask first is: What’s the difference between using tension rollers vs. traditional rollers?
If you’ve ever wondered why your curls aren’t super smooth after rolling – the first question is, what kind of roller are you using? You see in much of my content, I’m using Tension Hair Rollers. Very popular in Ethiopian/South African salons because they are designed to really pull the hair taut as you roll, so you get smoother roots and a sleeker finish.
The little “teeth” really help grip the hair! Traditional magnetic rollers that are smooth all around, can be a bit trickier to use. While they are significantly cheaper and easier to find, unless you are very good at rolling, you might see more puffiness at your roots or lingering texture.
+ Helpful Content
How To Roller Set Using Magnetic Rollers. Watch now!
This post does contain affiliate links where applicable. When used, I receive a small commission for the sale that allows me to continue bringing you content just like this. Thanks for the support!
Don’t Be Scurred, Sis!
The use of heat on our natural hair has become SO taboo LOL God forbid we actually CHOOSE heat because it’s what we like and it’s easier than constantly manipulating our natural hair!
Also, I personally can’t stand the “if you wear your hair in a straightened state, that means you hate your natural hair” narrative. It’s so tired and also – how accusatory and assuming?!
What if the whole point of us going natural was so we can be FREE?! Free to choose? Free to use heat or wear our natural texture, or do both?!
We’ve all had the battle of figuring out “How much heat is TOO much heat?” And that is definitely an individual question. (And even better if you can answer it with the support of a trusted hairstylist!)
Everyone’s hair is different but here are a few rules I live by that might help you answer that question better for yourself!
1. Flat iron only when necessary and only once within a week (no matter what!)
2. Use indirect heat (like hooded dryers) to reset a hairstyle if heat is needed within the same week.
3. Incorporate bond or strengthening products at every step of your hair care routine.
4. Heat protectant before EVERY heat tool. No exceptions!
5. Deep treatment with protein and moisture before EVERY roller set / blow out / silk press.
What did I miss?! Shoot me an email so I can add to this list of heat-styling rules to live by!
This post does contain affiliate links where applicable. When used, I receive a small commission for the sale that allows me to continue bringing you content just like this. Thanks for the support!
Okay sis, here’s the deal. We know flat irons on high heat due damage, but did you know that blow dryer can do damage, too?!
The foundation of a goooood silk press requires a gooood blow dry, and often that required the use of tension & high heat. Combine that with the flat iron on high too – bye, bye curl pattern!
When it comes to roller sets – we are in a new era! The roller set isn’t just a styling method, it’s a stretching method. If you think about it this way, it essentially removes the high heat & tension of the blow dry process AND the need for the flat iron to be on high heat (with multiple passes) on the flat iron (if you even choose to do that step! You can always skip it with a good roller set) because when you sit under a hooded dryer – the heat is not directly hitting your hair. Plus, the rollers sustain consistent tension all around so your hair isn’t prone to breakage. Yes, it takes a little longer BUT your hair will love you for it!l
Pro tip: when purchasing a hooded dryer, get one that is at least. 1875 watts or higher!
This post does contain affiliate links where applicable. When used, I receive a small commission for the sale that allows me to continue bringing you content just like this. Thanks for the support!
Sis, so many people don’t realize how amazing roller sets can be for your hair. I know I didn’t!
It wasn’t until I began growing out my big chop, and was DESPERATE to get through that “awkward grow out phase” when I rediscovered roller sets. Back in the day, women got a relaxer and a wet set and were rockin’ beautiful healthy hair! (Relaxed hair CAN be healthy, another conversation for another day LOL) .
For those of us who have let go of the creamy crack but have been tempted to go back because “life was just EASIER” back then – hear me out!
Today, there are so many options to keeping your hair in a straightened style without a ton of chemical or heat damage.
If you’re into treatments to help make your roller sets last, look into Design Essentials STS collection! It’s only available at salons but whew chile, that stuff WORKS. It’s an amino-protein treatment that lasts 10-12 weeks. I got them a couple of years ago regularly and loved it.
While I don’t use the system anymore ( get the Hydra Silk Treatment instead, it’s a hydrating deep treatment that lasts 4 weeks!) the fall/winter is the perfect time to try out a safe smoothing treatment or invest in monthly visits to your hairstyling for a good salon-level treatment if you know you’re going to be roller setting or pressing your hair frequently.
+ Helpful Content
Before you get a relaxer… HEAR ME OUT!
+ Must Have Product
Treatment hair mask for definition and curl elongation
If you didn’t think it was possible, you’re about to change your mind for good.
Let me put you on to the best-kept secret in my natural hair journey: ROLLER SETS.
Yes, I said it. Roller. Sets.
If you’ve ever wondered how I keep my hair healthy, full, and still enjoy the versatility of straight styles—this is it. No magic potion. No expensive blowouts. Just a good ol’ wet set on rollers.
Let’s back up a second.
My hair is natural, and when I do a wash & go, you’ll see all my curls out and proud. But when I want to wear it in a straighter style? I reach for my rollers. And honestly, I do this 80% of the time when I want a sleeker look.
It gives me body. It gives me movement. It gives me life.
And the best part? No direct heat. No flat irons sizzling at 450 degrees. No blow dryers tugging at my roots. Just a classic technique that lets my hair stretch and flow while keeping it strong and thriving.
This might sound simple, but trust me—this was a game changer.
I used to chase every trend, every serum, every “miracle” product, and still struggled with breakage, split ends, and overall dryness. But ever since I committed to wet setting my hair and giving it the gentle love it needs, I’ve noticed a major shift.
✨ This is the healthiest my hair has ever been. ✨
And I don’t gatekeep. So if you’re trying to figure out how to keep your natural hair healthy and still switch up your style from time to time, roller sets might just be your new best friend.
I’m planning to break down my exact roller set routine in a future post—products, tools, drying methods, the whole nine. Let me know if that’s something you want to see!
Until then, just know: You don’t have to fry your hair to stretch it. You don’t have to sacrifice health for style. You can have both.
