Setting Lotion

CinnamonCinders · Sep 29, 2012

Having recently taken the plunge and having my Femme Fatale Middy cut in after thorough reading of the Middy thread, I have found myself taking much more care about styling myself vintage than I would've before.

For styling my hair, I've been using Schwarzkopf Silhouette Super Hold setting lotion on dry hair with sponge rollers overnight. I've found that I can do my hair just before going to bed and not have to worry about it being dry in the morning before work etc.

I've been doing my little styling ritual for a couple of weeks now and as a result, my bottle of setting lotion is rapidly diminishing and look as I might, I cannot see it in regular beauty shops at all. There is the extra limitation of my little corner of the UK being not so brilliant in terms of it's variety of retail outlets. (I bought this bottle in a beauty shop in Ruislip back when I lived in west London and now I'm in north-west Wales).

So... today, I went on a little mission and saw lots of bottles of "styling spray" and not one "setting lotion" product. I ended up buying a bottle of VO5 Extreme Style FreezeSpray in the hope that it's the same thing, the results of which I'll post once I've tried it.

Today's mission did leave me wondering about what other girlies use instead of setting lotion or what brand setting lotion they use. I find hairspray on it's own just doesn't hack it and just plain wetset curls fall out too quickly.

Flicka · Sep 29, 2012

I have used Lottabody for ages and it works like a charm for me. You can get it online, but I'm sure there are British brands I don't know about.

ETA: I have also used homemade linseed setting lotion with great results. A recipe can be found here.

CinnamonCinders · Sep 29, 2012

I've never seen Lottabody for sale, but will definitely investigate it.

Thank you for the link on homemade setting gloop. The results in the pictures are very impressive, especially in terms of the longevity of those curlies when facing dreary Kentish coast weather. I think I may just give that a go if this product I acquired today fails to be fit for purpose. I like the idea of being able to apply your own scent to it. Would a few drops of Shalimar along with the vodka be a little on the decadent side?

CinnamonCinders · Sep 29, 2012

As an aside, the reason I don't use ebay for beauty products is that I get this bizarre message every time I try to look at something:

Unfortunately, access to this particular listing or item has been blocked due to a Paris commercial court decision that bans trade of certain authentic perfumes and cosmetic products on eBay because of French selective distribution laws. eBay is appealing this ruling but is nevertheless required to enforce it. We are blocking your viewing in an effort to comply with this court decision. Regrettably, in some cases, we may prevent users from accessing items that are not within the scope of the decision because of limitations on existing technology.

Am I the only Brit faced with this nonsense? This ban even includes sponge rollers!!

fortworthgal · Sep 29, 2012

I have always used Lottabody, and love it. I have also used Got2B Kinkier curling spray gel, and had good luck.

I've heard of ladies using sugar-water & even flat beer as a setting lotion, though!

CinnamonCinders · Sep 30, 2012

I can cope with vodka in my hair, but beer sounds like it'd make you smell like an old pub.

I've just set my hair with the VO5 potion and it stinks of cheap men's aftershave. I'm rather liking the idea of Linseed gloop scented with Shalimar right now.

Oh lala! · Sep 30, 2012

I use Lottabody too

Lenore · Oct 1, 2012

I'm a lottabody and sponge roller gal too, but if I have to worry about hair drying time, I have a tendency to break down and use Tresemme's Super Hold Mousse as a replacement. Usually, I'd do my "Sunday Set" with Lottabody, and any sets I did during the week with damp hair and the mousse. I would have to do it as soon as I got home though to make sure it was dry by morning, though.. :-(

Juliet · Oct 1, 2012

Here's a comparison chart done by a blogger:
http://www.misslabelle.com/2012/05/17/setting-lotion-trial-the-results/

Based on personal experience, I definitely vote for Lottabody. I tried my best with flaxseed lotion, but on my hair it really dulled the shine, and therefore the overall effect wasn't exactly great.

CinnamonCinders · Oct 1, 2012

Wow, the general consensus is that Lottabody is the way forward... and *very* reasonably priced from what I've seen which is a bonus.

Tenuki · Oct 4, 2012

I make my own setting lotion from flax seeds, water and a couple drops of bergamot essential oil for a pleasant scent. It costs next to nothing and works like a dream!

Purpleemmyjo · Oct 4, 2012

Have you tried boots and superdrug?

CinnamonCinders · Oct 4, 2012

Purpleemmyjo said:
Have you tried boots and superdrug?

Yes, though to be fair, I have to travel a little closer to your way to find the stores that actually have a good selection. I used to buy Boot's cold cream but it's not stocked near me.

MissNathalieVintage · Oct 4, 2012

For me I use plain tap water for a setting lotion. I bought a small travel size spray bottle and fill it up as needed. When I spray the water onto my hair I spray it lightly so that it is not soaking wet. I also take a fine tooth comb and comb the water through my hair. I have curled my hair this way using sponge rollers and pin curls with out problems. For me I just make sure I keep my curlers in for 6-7 hours.

vintageTink · Oct 19, 2012

I tried making setting lotion from 1 Tbs flax seeds and 3/4 C water. I got 1 Tbs of smelly jelly. Lol
I'll just pick up a bottle from Sally's or something.

m_luvsartdeco · Jan 10, 2013

Lottabody is what I use...have never had a problem with it.

Fräulein U. · Jan 11, 2013

I use Gard "Kurfestiger extra stark", diluted with water 1:1, in a spray bottle, on damp or dry hair. Love that stuff! I never tried Lottabody though so I can't compare.

(For reference: my hair is fine, thin, mostly straight, long, healthy, doesn't hold a curl well without product but this Kurfestiger makes a hell of a difference.)

MissNathalieVintage · Jan 15, 2013

Motions wrap foaming setting lotion. Since my hair has gotten thinner and does not hold a tight curl like it use to.

MissNathalieVintage · Jan 18, 2013

Here is a product review Jitterbug Doll did for flax seed setting lotion http://jitterbugdoll.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-time-flies.html?m=1
For those of use who do not have the time to make the flax seed setting lotion. Jitterbug doll has added a link to a site on etsy for those of use who would like to try it. I am excited! The best part is we can all pick out how the setting lotion will smell. I'm keeping my fingers crossed hoping this will work for my hair which does not like to hold a curl.

Lenore · Feb 18, 2013

Bump!

I came across Ichikami Hair Wave Milk at the Asian grocery I frequent yesterday and am giving it a try tonight. I'll let you ladies know how it goes...I hope it does well as it smells fantastic!

ETA: Errrr... So, with my Lottabody, I'm pretty liberal with it, so I think I made the mistake of being just as liberal with the Ichikami... My hair was not happy this morning... Curls galore, but it was heavy, and looked greasy. Not a good look. Spent the day with a pony tail and a headband... Will try it again another time with not such a heavy hand..

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