These Hot Rollers Make Curling Hair So Easy (2024)

Hot rollers tend to have a vintage vibe (surely we're not the only ones who picture a 1960s ad of a woman in pantyhose with hot rollers in her hair holding a cigarette?), but they're staging quite a comeback—with good reason. Hot rollers are one of the easiest ways to curl your hair, and as soon as you've secured them, you can multitask (check out your daily inspiration card, apply makeup, read a few pages of a great book...).

Generally, hot rollers create a big, voluminous look that's also back in style. “I tend to reach for them when I want bouncy, glam waves or a big, full '90s blowout,” says celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago.

You can find hot rollers in a variety of sizes; a good rule of thumb is the bigger the roller, the looser the curl. The other key tip: Make sure your hair is completely dry before you reach for the hot rollers. "Wrapping a damp or semi-dry head of hair will not deliver curls that last," says celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland. Once your hair is dry, the application is quite simple. Grab a small section, wrap it around the roller, and then pin or clip it in place. "Typically, stylists prefer to wrap away from the face rather than toward it to create a more relaxed, casual look," says Cleveland. You need to leave the hot rollers in only long enough to cool down (about 10 minutes). However, the longer you leave them in your hair, the more your curls set and stay in place, adds Santiago. "To ensure your curls last, apply a texture spray or flexible hairspray." It's also a good idea to prep the hair with a heat protectant before you reach for the rollers. Here, shop for hot rollers that offer perfect results every time.

With 20 different-size rollers, this set is suitable for all hair lengths. It comes with six small, six medium, and eight large rollers. It also contains 20 butterfly clips and metal clips to hold rollers in place. Transform straight hair to voluminous curls in minutes with this set.

These Velcro rollers don't come with a heated base; instead, your blow-dryer provides the heat. Wrap the rollers around your hair while it's still slightly damp, and then blow-dry. Or you can follow the same method on dry hair to add volume. This kit comes with eight rollers ranging from 1.5 to 2.25 inches.

This 10-piece set is compact, making it easy to store or take with you on trips. It contains rollers in two sizes (1-inch and 1.25-inch) and features ionic and ceramic plate technology to help reduce frizz. The J-shaped clips included help minimize creasing.

When curling long hair, you need to utilize large-size rollers to ensure all strands are securely wrapped. This 12-piece set includes 1.5-inch jumbo rollers to create smooth curls. If you don't have very long hair but like a softer, voluminous wave, you'll also love this set. It comes with 12 plastic and 12 metal pins.

These thermal Velcro rollers are made to be used without clips for an easier styling experience. Instead, wrap hair around the roller and the Velcro holds onto the hair to keep it in place. It's meant to be used with a blow-dryer for the best results. Once your hair is wrapped and in place, blow-dry so that the roller becomes hot, which forms and sets the curl. It comes with an assortment of sizes, from extra small to large, so you can customize your look.

Create loose waves or tight curls with this 20-piece set, which comes with eight extra-large, six medium, and six very small rollers (these are perfect for short hair). The rollers are made with tourmaline and ceramic, so they heat up quickly, saving you time.