In hairdressing, a set refers to a method of styling hair that involves shaping wet or damp hair, typically with styling products, and then drying it to hold the desired shape.
Based on historical context, a notable example was the "shampoo and set" which, according to the provided reference, was a hair styling treatment that gained popularity in the United Kingdom starting in the 1930s.
The "Shampoo and Set" Process
This classic treatment involved several key steps aimed at creating a long-lasting style:
- Washing: The treatment began with washing the hair using shampoo.
- Applying Setting Lotion: A setting lotion was applied to the damp hair. This product helps the hair retain the shape it is molded into during the drying process.
- Placing Hair on Rollers: The hair was carefully sectioned and placed onto hair rollers. The size and placement of the rollers dictated the resulting curl pattern and volume.
- Drying: The hair was then dried, often under a hooded dryer, allowing the hair to set into the shape dictated by the rollers and setting lotion.
The purpose of this process was to "set the shape of the hair into the chosen style," resulting in waves, curls, or other desired forms that would hold until the next wash.
Today, while techniques and products have evolved (like using heat styling tools or modern setting agents), the fundamental concept of "setting" hair still involves shaping it while damp and using a method to dry and fix that shape. However, the term "shampoo and set" specifically refers to the traditional treatment utilizing rollers and setting lotion as described above.
