Hair rollers are great because you can put them in and let them do their magic while you do other important things. There are rollers you can put in your wet hair at bedtime, which curl your hair as it dries. Or you can choose hot rollers that you wear for 10 to 15 minutes or so while the heat curls your strands. Whatever kind you like, here are some great tips for getting the most out of them.
Conditioner will make your hair super shiny and soft and that will make it hard for your hair to hold onto the rollers. Skip it if you plan to use rollers.
If your hair is stick straight, Velcro rollers are your best option. They will hold in your strands and won’t fall out like some other kids might.
Velcro rollers can gently grip your hair without needing additional clips, making them a no-fuss solution for achieving curls. A little tip: start at the tips of your hair and carefully roll toward the scalp to avoid tangling. For an extra hold, spritz a bit of hairspray on your locks before and after application. This approach is particularly beneficial if you're after voluminous waves that last all day. Plus, they're super easy to remove – just unroll gently instead of pulling to protect those smooth strands.
The more rollers you put in your hair, the more curls you get. Create several small sections and use a roller to curl each one. If you have thick hair, you’ll need more rollers than if you have thin hair.
When you insert your rollers, vary the amount of hair just a bit to give you a more natural look. Trying to make each section the same size will backfire so don’t waste your time.
Rollers come in sizes that vary from small to large. If you have long hair, use a variety of sizes for a natural look. If you have shorter hair, you probably need smaller rollers. Leave the larger ones for longer hair.
Choosing the correct roller size also affects the type of curl you desire. Small rollers are great for tighter, more defined curls, typically preferred by those looking to add volume and shape to straight hair. Conversely, medium rollers work well for softer, looser waves and can be great for adding bounce and movement. For cascading waves or voluminous blowout looks, large rollers are your go-to; they create those glamorous, wide curls that pair perfectly with longer hair. Remember, mixing various sizes can mimic a more natural, just-out-of-bed style, giving your hair an effortless charm.
Before you put your rollers in, add a dash of volumizing spray to your strands beforehand. When you take them out, you’ll have a fantastic full look that will get you loads of compliments.
Hair rollers won’t stay in that great if your hair is too loosely wrapped around them. Make sure you wrap the hair securely around each roller and use the accompanying clip to keep the roller in place.
If you use hot rollers, they must cool completely before you take them out. If you remove them too soon, you’ll get limp curls that probably won’t last long. Give them some time to work before pulling them out.
I hate when one of my hot rollers sits against my ear or my neck, burning my skin. Stuff a tissue in between your skin and the roller to keep things from getting too hot.
If you prefer foam rollers that you wear overnight, don’t put them in sopping wet hair. Give your strands a chance to dry a bit or your hair will still be wet in the morning.
After washing your hair, towel dry it until it is just damp. Gently comb out any tangles and then section your hair into small pieces. Take one piece of hair and wrap it around the roller, rolling it away from your face. Secure the roller with a clip or pin and continue with the rest of your hair. When you’re done, let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer on a low setting to speed up the process. Overnight rollers can help create beautiful curls that last all day long. Make sure to use a light-hold hairspray to keep your curls in place.
If you wear your rollers to bed, tie a soft bandana over your curlers to help make you more comfortable while you sleep and to keep them from falling out.
Wearing a bandana while you sleep with hair rollers can help keep your hair in place and make sleeping more comfortable. Bandanas are made of soft, breathable fabrics that won't irritate your scalp or pull on your hair. They also help to reduce friction and keep the rollers from slipping out while you sleep. You can also use a scarf or a silk bonnet to protect your hair while you sleep. Make sure to choose a fabric that won't snag or pull on your hair.
When it’s time to remove your rollers, start at the bottom and work your way up to prevent tangles.
Once your curls are finished, you only want to comb them with your fingers or you’ll just have a frizzy mess to deal with.
When I remove my rollers, I flip me hair over, then back. This helps separate the curls a little and give you a full, lustrous look.
Hairspray will help keep your curls in place all day long. Just a couple spritzes are all you need.
If you just want curls at the end of your hair, only put rollers there. If you want lift at the top, place large rollers at the crown of your head.
Clean your rollers often so that they don’t leave behind gunk and grime in your hands.
What other tips can you add for using rollers?