An individual can pick the best hairsetter by checking what kind and how much hair she has, roller size and shape, heat settings, roller coating and storage capabilities. In general, the more damaged the hair is, the more important it is to have a hairsetter with steam and low heat. The rollers should not tangle the hair, and curls or waves produced should be sleek and smooth.
The first concern a person should have while looking for the best hairsetter is to look at their hair type and density. Hair type refers to the shape the hair strands have, as well as to the strand diameter and condition of the cuticle. Some people also include descriptions such as "dry" or "oily" in hair type, but these types of descriptions really talk about the condition of the hair, not its normal, genetically-based structure. Density refers to the number of strands a person has. These factors influence items such as how much heat the hair needs to set properly, how many rollers need to be in the set and the exact type of roller needed to prevent tangles or frizzy results.
Next, look at the size of the individual hot rollers in the hairsetter. Generally, people with shorter hair need smaller rollers, simply because they do not have as much length to wrap around a larger tool successfully. The exception is if an individual wants a looser style, in which case she should look for hot rollers at least one size larger than what would produce a tight curl with her length. Waves and curls of slightly different sizes tend to break up uniformity and therefore look more natural, so a good hairsetter should have rollers with at least two different diameters.
Roller size goes hand in hand with roller shape. A traditional tool is circular, but no rule says a person has to stick with this standard. In fact, different geometric patterns such as triangles are considered more haute couture and create interest. Pick a shape that suits the user's personality and which complements the geometric look of her face. The only rule is that the rollers should not catch in the hair, which generally means staying away from anything with bristles. Take the need to secure the tools in the hair into consideration, as different shapes are harder to lock than others.
Once a consumer narrows choices to hairsetters that work with her hair type and which provide the right look, it's time to look at heat settings, with a steaming component ideal for dry hair. This is essential, because even though it is the heat that impacts the hydrogen and salt bonds in the hair for temporary shape change, too much heat strips moisture from the strands and leaves them brittle. The best hairsetters usually are ceramic because of the way ceramic holds and distributes warmth. They also have adjustable heat settings to accommodate the different hair types and conditions. The more lower heat settings are available, the better, with anything that gets too hot to touch being excessive.
Another point to examine is the coating of the rollers, if there is one. Ones coated with Teflon or similar substances often are good because the coating makes it easy to remove any sticky residue left over from styling products. They stand up to a general wash. Velvet also is a good choice because it lets the hair slide out of the rollers without catching.
Lastly, check the size and storage potential of the unit. The best sets have small drawers to hold clips or other securing tools, retractable cords, and a break-resistant cover. The setter should fit easily under a bathroom sink or on a shelf, particularly if counter space is limited.
