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How Do I Choose the Best Setting Lotion?

Kesha Ward
Kesha Ward

Effective setting lotions can be purchased for relatively little money at local beauty supply stores and drugstores. When looking for setting lotion, look on the bottle or packaging to see what the active ingredients are; the first three ingredients listed typically are the most prominent. Look for olive oil and other moisturizing ingredients. Avoid using setting lotions that contain isopropyl alcohol, which is a petroleum-derived solvent that is found in a number of hair products as well as antifreeze and other solutions. Not only does the hair react poorly to it, the use of isopropyl alcohol on the hair can cause dryness and breakage.

The best setting lotions will give hair volume and shine. Hair should be soft and fluffy from a roller set, and an effective setting lotion will offer hold and will control fly-a-ways without weighing down the hair. People who have chemically treated hair should use a setting lotion that will help restore the hair’s acidic potenz hydrogen (pH) levels. Lotions that contain aloe are best for pH restoration. Lotions that have a high alcohol content should be avoided, because they can cause the hair and scalp to flake after sitting under the dryer for some time.

A small amount of olive oil can be used as a setting lotion to add shine to curls.
A small amount of olive oil can be used as a setting lotion to add shine to curls.

Some companies advertise their setting lotion as being natural or organic, but these are often somewhat bogus claims. Just because the product is labeled as natural does not mean that it does not contain synthetic ingredients derived from a natural source. When it comes to setting lotions, natural might not always better. In fact, natural ingredients might be more difficult to preserve and reduce the shelf life of the product. Setting lotions that contain olive oil and other moisturizing ingredients will produce a soft and flexible curl.

Setting lotions should give hair volume and shine.
Setting lotions should give hair volume and shine.

Hair should be washed and conditioned prior to roller setting. Keep in mind that larger rollers will produce looser curls. To ensure long lasting curls, sit under a bonnet dryer until the hair is completely dry. The normal drying time is 45-60 minutes, but thicker hair will require longer drying time.

Remove just one roller to check for dryness. Hair that is dry will be warm to the touch and be slightly hard. With the use of a good setting lotion, shine and volume will be noticeable immediately.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

@heavanet- First off all you need to be sure that you are looking in the right place if you prefer to purchase all-natural products. Many stores have isles that are dedicated to brands that do not have chemicals, artificial fragrances, and harsh ingredients. You can also look at grocery stores that only carry natural and organic items, because they have the best selection. Online stores that focus on the shopper that prefers organic, vegan, and natural products are also good places to shop for this kind of lotion.

Next, when reading the labels of products like setting lotions that claim to be natural or organic, it is important to also read the fine print. Words on the labels such as vegan, paraben-free, and organic are all good indicators that you have a natural product. However, you also have to read each ingredient in the product.

A good natural setting lotion will explain what each ingredient is, such as fruit extracts or natural oils. On the other hand, ingredients that are chemicals or not natural may be too difficult to even pronounce. The key is to keep looking, and you will find a natural setting lotion that gives you the curls you want without adding artificial ingredients to your hair.

Heavanet

I would really like to find a setting lotion that is all natural. However, after reading this article, I'm concerned that it may be difficult or even impossible to find such a product. Does anyone have some ideas for finding a natural setting lotion?

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    • A small amount of olive oil can be used as a setting lotion to add shine to curls.
      By: margo555
      A small amount of olive oil can be used as a setting lotion to add shine to curls.
    • Setting lotions should give hair volume and shine.
      By: Anna Omelchenko
      Setting lotions should give hair volume and shine.
    • Hair should be washed and conditioned prior to roller setting.
      By: xjrshimada
      Hair should be washed and conditioned prior to roller setting.