Yes, you absolutely can roller set a silk press. This is a common technique used to add curl, body, or waves to hair that has been straightened with a silk press.
Understanding the Process
A silk press is a method of straightening natural hair using heat tools, resulting in a smooth, straight, and shiny look. While the primary goal of a silk press is usually straight hair, you can follow up with a roller set to introduce texture and movement.
Why Roller Set After a Silk Press?
Roller setting after a silk press allows for versatility in styling. Instead of maintaining a bone-straight look, you can achieve various curly or wavy styles. As seen in the reference, the goal might be to add "...a curl but not super super curled." This suggests a desire for softer waves or curls rather than tight coils, which a roller set can achieve.
Key benefits include:
- Adding Body: Combats potential flatness after straightening.
- Creating Curls or Waves: Provides styling options beyond straight.
- Reducing Heat Usage: Once hair is straight, you can use less direct heat from curling irons by setting it with rollers and allowing it to dry.
How it Works
Typically, after the hair has been silk pressed and is straight, it is then wrapped around rollers (velcro, magnetic, or perm rods, depending on the desired curl size). A setting lotion or foam is often applied to help the curl hold. The hair is then allowed to dry completely, either under a hooded dryer or by air drying. Once dry, the rollers are removed, and the curls are styled.
Based on the provided reference from the YouTube video "Roller Set Silk Press Tips For Soft And Bouncy Healthy Hair", the creator mentions, "...I want her hair to be a curl but not super super curled. So I'm going to go ahead and finish roller setting her hair..." This clearly demonstrates that roller setting is a technique applied to hair that has undergone or is part of a silk press process, specifically to achieve a desired level of curl.
Tips for Success
- Use a lightweight setting product: Heavy products can weigh down the silk-pressed hair.
- Ensure hair is completely dry: Wet hair will not hold the curl properly and can revert the silk press.
- Choose the right roller size: Larger rollers create softer waves or bigger curls, while smaller rollers create tighter curls.
- Wrap smoothly: Ensure the hair is wrapped smoothly around the roller for a defined curl.
Combining a silk press with a roller set offers a flexible way to enjoy both straight and curled styles while potentially minimizing repeated direct heat application after the initial straightening.
