Hey Beautiful! This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
Looking for luscious, defined natural hair without crunch, flakes and frizz? It may be time to consider purchasing a setting lotion. In this post we feature our top picks for the best setting lotion for natural hair. Stick around until the end for tips and tricks on how setting lotion is best used for a variety of natural and relaxed hairstyles.
Best Setting Lotion For Black Hair
- Nairobi Wrapp Shine Foaming Lotion
- Jane Carter Solution Wrap and Roll Smooth Styling Mousse
- Kera Care Foam Wrap Setting Lotion
- Lottabody Setting Profession Concentrated Formula
- Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Styling Foam
- Lotta Body Wrap Me Foaming Mousse Coconut
- Tropical Roots Sculpting Foam
- ORS Olive OIl Mousse Wrap
- Afro Sheen Texture Setting Cream
- Design Essentials Compositions Foaming Wrap Lotion
What Is the Best Setting Lotion?
Nairobi Wrapp Shine Foaming Lotion
Why This Setting Lotion Is Our Top Pick For Black Hair
If you want an affordable foam that adds body, shine and incredible hold, look no further than Nairobi Wrapp Shine Foaming Lotion. This setting lotion earned top spot in our books because of its ability to provide amazing hold and to make even unrelaxed hair look soft, sleek, shiny and bouncy.
Setting Lotion Highlights
Signature blue and in a foaming bottle, this foam setting lotion for natural hair by Nairobi is easy to spot and easy to use.
Buyer Feedback About This Setting Lotion
Those who have used this setting lotion for natural black hair agree that it goes above and beyond, even for tightly coiled 4c hair. And unlike the description on the bottle, the Nairobi foaming setting lotion actually works well on hair that is either permed and unpermed, provided that you use the correct method to get the results you are trying to achieve.
Natural Setting Lotion
Jane Carter Solution Wrap and Roll Smooth Styling Mousse
Setting Lotion Highlights
Marketed towards people of all colors and nationalities, this Jane Carter styling mousse brags of its ability to keep hair smooth, flat and frizz-free.
Moreover, this setting lotion is packed with natural ingredients such as chamomile, rosemary and sunflower oil to nourish your hair in the process.
To find out even more about keeping your natural hair nourished and moisturized, check out How to Prevent Hair Breakage and Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized When You Can’t Go to Your Stylist.
Buyer Feedback About This Setting Lotion
Users rave about how the natural ingredients in the Jane Carter Solution Wrap and Roll Smooth Styling Mousse work to make hair look soft and natural, while also providing a sturdy hold. Some argue that while this foam setting lotion for natural hair is effective, it may not work as well or as long on bone straight hair that tends to be resistant to curls. Some also mentioned minor flaking. In general though, this product seems to be a crowd pleaser when it comes to natural styles.
Best Foam Wrap Lotion For Natural Hair
Kera Care Foam Wrap Setting Lotion
Setting Lotion Highlights
This setting lotion comes in a white bottle and a foaming dispenser similar to other setting lotion products mentioned. The Kera Care Setting Lotion is clear in color and claims to moisturize dry hair with its deep conditioning formula while still managing to provide a good hold.
Buyer Feedback About This Setting Lotion
This setting lotion earned its spot as one of the best wrap foam for black hair for multiple reasons. Many people with a variety of hair textures and curl patterns have given the thumbs up for Kera Care’s Setting Lotion, saying that it does a great job providing smoothness, great hold, bounce and shine. For some, the price is a bit steep, but for a setting lotion for natural hair that’s this good, we think spending the few extra bucks is worth it.
Best Wrap Lotion For Natural Hair
Is there a difference between foam wrap lotion and regular wrap lotion?
Before we delve into our top pick for wrapping lotion for natural hair, we’d first like to mention the difference between foam wrap lotion and regular wrap lotion.
The main difference between these two is that wrap lotion typically has to be diluted, while the foam lotion does not.
Also, the foam lotion is just what it sounds like… a foam that will blend effortlessly into your hair to create long-lasting shine and hold. The liquid on the other hand will be runny, similar to the consistency of water, and will need diluting according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Now, on to the recommendations!
Lottabody Setting Profession Concentrated Formula
Setting Lotion Highlights
Old school yet still insanely popular, this magic blue liquid from Lottabody is meant to be diluted with water before applying to hair for smooth and sleek results, every time.
Buyer Feedback About This Setting Lotion
As mentioned, this setting lotion for black hair has earned its stripes in natural hair communities, and goes back decades. Buyers love that this setting lotion makes their curls last for days and can be applied diluted or straight depending on the type of hold you wish to achieve. Reviewers also mention that their hair remains soft and bouncy even days after using Lottabody’s Setting Lotion.
How Do You Mix Lottabody Setting Lotion?
According to the Lottabody company themselves, this setting lotion is meant to be diluted for best results. Their website recommends diluting their signature blue setting lotion with 2 to 3 parts water to one part setting lotion.
Have color-treated hair? Up the water content to 4 to 5 parts water to one part Lottabody.
Foam Setting Lotion For Natural Hair
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Styling Foam
Setting Lotion Highlights
Enriched with shea oils, agave nectar and coconut oil, Carol’s Daughter is at it again, offering the African-American community with gentle yet effective options for their natural and relaxed hair. A little smaller than most foaming lotions, this setting lotion claims to be great for moisturizing locks while also providing amazing hold and sheen.
Buyer’s Feedback About This Setting Lotion
Those using this particular foaming product seem to have mixed reviews. Many say that this product offers great light-weight hold and is especially great for fine hair. Just be careful though. Because of its many natural ingredients, some have reported experiencing rashes and hives from negative reactions.
Best Setting Lotion For Curls
Lotta Body Wrap Me Foaming Mousse Coconut
Setting Lotion Highlights
Like what you hear about the original Lottabody setting lotion but prefer foam? Lottabody’s got you covered.
Thankfully, Lottabody has released its own foam setting lotion that works nearly as good as the original, especially for curls. Coming packaged in a foaming bottle and enriched with nourishing coconut and shea oils, this blue foam looks a little different than the original Lottabody. And as you’d probably guess, this Lottabody foaming mousse doesn’t need to be diluted as does the former.
Buyer Feedback About This Setting Lotion
Shockingly, curly-girl buyers seem to rave as much about the new formula for Lottabody as they do the original. Lovers of this foam setting lotion gush over its lightweight feel and superior hold. Many say that the foam setting lotion for natural hair also has a deliciously enticing smell and leaves curls soft and defined.
Setting Lotion For Dry Hair
Tropical Roots Sculpting Foam
Setting Lotion Highlights
This oil-based foaming lotion is perfect for dry and brittle locks as it is infused with castor and fruit oil to deeply penetrate natural hair and restore its moisture and sheen while providing superior hold.
Buyer’s Feedback About This Setting Lotion
Those that have used the foam setting lotion from Tropical Roots love that it provides hold and moisture without producing too much oil and buildup in the hair. Some do find that the Tropical Roots setting lotion leaves behind a sticky residue, however, which may be a no-go for some shoppers.
Setting Lotion For Natural Hair Roller Set
Thinking about roller setting your natural hair? You go girl.
Doing so will result in damage-free locks as it will involve little to no heat, depending on the method you use. Moreover, roller settings will create bounce, volume and shine in an easy and achievable way.
The best products to cop for roller setting include rollers, clips and setting lotion. To see how it’s done, check out the video below:
How do you use setting lotion with rollers?
Setting lotion used with rollers should be applied to damp hair after washing and conditioning your hair first. Then the rollers can be applied.
If you have not, or cannot, wash your hair beforehand, simply dampen your hair before applying the setting lotion for natural hair roller set or foam setting lotion.
Best Products For Roller Setting Natural Hair
ORS Olive OIl Mousse Wrap
Setting Lotion Highlights
Coming from a well-known and trusted brand in the African-American community comes the ORS Oil Mousse Wrap in its signature green canister with foaming top. Rich in olive oil and hair-loving Panthenol, this setting lotion is another great pick for dry hair needing an added boost of moisture.
Buyer’s Feedback About This Setting Lotion
According to the reviews, this setting lotion for natural hair certainly seems to be a jack of all trades. It is described as “perfect” for roller setting, pixie cuts, scrunching, defining curls and more!
Setting Cream For Hair
Afro Sheen Texture Setting Cream
Setting Lotion Highlights
A bit of a deviation from standard setting foams and lotions, this Afro Sheen setting cream doesn’t disappoint. It comes in a lidded electric blue canister and is said to deeply moisturize and provide lasting hold without flaking.
Buyer’s Feedback About This Setting Lotion
Reviewers agree that the Afro Sheen cream does what it says in terms of hold, moisturizing properties and softness. Not many are a fan of the smell though, claiming it not to be “offensive” but not quite pleasant either.
Best Styling Foam For Black Hair
Design Essentials Compositions Foaming Wrap Lotion
Setting Lotion Highlights
Offering a quick dry time, moldable hold and coconut oil for moisture, this well-known wrap foam from Design Essentials is best for multiple styles including wet-sets, smooth wraps and textured styles. It comes in an elegantly designed foaming bottle, so it can be fairly easy to spot on shelves.
Buyer’s Feedback About This Setting Lotion
Buyers rave about the soft and manageable hold that this Design Essentials wrap foam provides. However, for some, the hold is too much. Depending on your hair and curl type, this mold could be just right, easily lasting over 24 hours of hold or may leave your hair hard and “crunchy”. The reviews are somewhat mixed on this one…especially given that it is one of the more pricier foams on the market.
What Is Setting Lotion?
If you’re new to using setting lotions, we’ve got you covered.
Learn more about what they are and what they can do for you before checking out our recommended setting lotions in this post!
What Is Setting Lotion Used For?
In general, setting lotion can be used in a variety of circumstances and is most often utilized for holding power. Setting lotion is also used to eliminate frizz, boost shine and create volume and bounce.
Many people use setting lotion to define their curls, but it can be used for virtually any style to promote hold and a healthy sheen. Those with shorter hair often will “wrap” their hair using a setting lotion or foam which causes the hair to lay straight, and stay straight for days.
Still others use setting lotion to curl their hair using heatless rollers, such as pin curls, rods and sponge rollers. Setting lotion can also be used with heat. Thus the possibilities are virtually endless!
What Does Setting Lotion Do?
Setting lotion works to freeze your hair in place without the hardness or unnatural feel that gels and hairsprays often create. And depending on the type of setting lotion you purchase, your hair may benefit from added conditioning properties in the setting lotion or foam to improve the overall look and feel of your hair.
Why Should You Use Setting Lotion?
Setting lotion is a great option for anyone looking for hold that also provides a natural look and feel. Setting lotion is a wonderful alternative to gel, and sometimes, can be more conditioning and nourishing to the hair as well.
What Are the Benefits of Setting Lotion?
Setting lotions, unlike sprays and gels, don’t typically make hair too hard, although they can if overused or improperly diluted. To achieve the right results you may need to play around and try different types of setting lotions and setting foams for natural hair to see which works best for your hair type.
What Does Setting Lotion Do For Your Hair?
How do I set my hair using setting lotion?
With naturally curly hair, setting lotion can be used to set hair by washing the hair and applying the setting lotion or foam before scrunching it with your hands.
Some prefer to do twists, which involves washing and conditioning the hair before applying the setting lotion and twisting two or more sections of hair to create the desired look.
Either of the aforementioned ways to set hair can be achieved by allowing your hair to air dry, using a blow dryer or sitting under a hooded dryer.
You can also set your hair by washing and conditioning, applying the setting lotion and then roller setting your hair with heatless rods, sponge rollers or the like.
Some also set their hair using a hair wrapping method, allowing their hair, and especially short hair, to remain straight for several days with little to no flat iron or heat tool touch-ups.
Setting Lotion vs Foam Wrap
What Does Foam Wrap Lotion Do?
Foam wrap lotion is similar to setting lotion, only it does not require diluting and comes in foam form. This option is effortless and lightweight, and has the appeal of mousse for many, however, it often bolsters much more holding power.
Just like setting lotion, foam wrap lotion can be used to wrap and set hair into a straight style, to hold and define curls, to scrunch, to create elegant and long-lasting pin and rod curls and much more. Foam wrap lotion is just as versatile as setting lotion in these ways.
Setting Lotion for Natural Hair FAQs
Is mousse the same as setting lotion?
When asking “Is mousse and setting lotion the same?” it can depend on who you talk to.
Mousse can be looked at as virtually the same thing as setting lotion, but in our opinion, many mousses provide a lighter hold than that of a setting lotion or foam wrap. Moreover, many setting lotions and foam lotions designed for natural or African-American hair have additional moisturizers and ingredients to help soften and gently detangle even the tightest of coils and curls. Not many mousses can stand up to this claim!
Can you use mousse as a setting lotion?
Mousse can often be used as a setting lotion, even to wrap hair. The key with both products, however, is to note the kind of hair you have and the look you are trying to achieve. Some mousses may have a drying effect on the hair, and for some, especially in the natural hair community, this just won’t do. If you are seeking a moisture rich option or want optimal hold without the crunchiness that using too much mousse sometimes brings, we’d recommend sticking with a foam or traditional setting lotion.
Can you use setting lotion on dry hair?
You can certainly use setting lotion on dry hair, but as with anything, you’ll want to check the label. If you can, opt for a setting lotion that is oil based such as the many setting lotions that are infused with coconut, olive and shea oils mentioned above. If you already have a setting lotion that doesn’t contain these oils, or cannot find a setting lotion that has these moisturizing properties, some ladies find that applying a little coconut oil or light moisturizer after applying the setting lotion works wonders to restore moisture in their hair.
As for applying setting lotion to physically dry hair, as in not wet, this can be done too, although you should note that doing so will cause your hair to become damp until it dries.
What can you use instead of setting lotion?
As previously mentioned, mousse can be an acceptable substitute for setting lotion provided that you look at the ingredients and keep your hair type in mind. And if you’re worried that a particular mousse may be too drying for your hair or may make it too crunchy, try applying a light coating of oil or moisturizer beforehand to help banish the crunch.
Setting Lotion For Natural Hair Can Do Wonders
All in all, setting lotion for natural hair can work wonders to smooth, slick and even define unruly coils and curls. To provide a little extra love to your tresses, make sure you pick the best setting lotion for natural hair that has nourishing oils for shiny, bouncy and voluminous natural locks that you’ll be proud of! For even more tricks of the trade for natural hair check out some of these natural hair do’s and don’ts in Hair Do’s and Don’t For Women Of Color.
Craving more natural hair care tips and tricks? Check out these related posts:
