How to Use Hair Rollers for the Perfect Curls

Thinking back on your childhood, you can probably picture a moment with your mother applying lipstick in the mirror, a full set of hair rollers tangled in her locks. While this hairstyling technique has been around for decades, hair rollers—whether foam, hot, or Velcro—have managed to hold their ground as a tried-and-true method for creating stunning, voluminous curls despite the introduction of new curling irons and wands. If your education in hairstyling skipped rollers, you might be wondering how to use hair rollers—and we’re here to help. Read on for step-by-step tutorials on how to use foam hair rollers, hot hair rollers, and Velcro hair rollers.

HOW TO USE FOAM HAIR ROLLERS

Have a set of foam hair rollers you have no idea how to use? Here’s how to give this overnight hair curling method a try.

STEP #1: WASH YOUR STRANDS

You’ll want to start with fresh, clean strands. Begin by washing your hair with your favorite shampoo and conditioner.

STEP #2: PREP AND DRY

Towel-dry your hair, then gently brush through it with a wide-tooth comb. To prevent frizz, apply the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum throughout your mane. Allow your hair to air dry until slightly damp.

STEP #3: APPLY YOUR ROLLERS

It’s time to apply your foam hair rollers! Open the roller, then gather a one-inch section of hair. Place the roller at the end of your hair, then begin to roll it toward your roots, wrapping the strand in the process. When you reach your scalp, clip the roller closed. That’s it! Repeat this process all over the rest of your mane.

STEP #4: WAIT IT OUT

Because you’ll want to allow at least eight hours for your rollers to work their magic, foam hair rollers are typically used overnight. Of course, you can rock them during the day, but you can’t beat how easy it is to go to sleep with rollers in and wake up with amazing curls. If you do plan to use your foam hair rollers as an overnight curling method, wrap your head in a silk scarf before heading to bed to help prevent frizz from popping up mid-slumber.

STEP #5: REVEAL YOUR CURLS

After eight hours have passed, gently remove your foam hair rollers one by one. Use your fingers to tousle your mane and loosen your curls, spritz with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray, then show off your gorgeous hair!

HOW TO USE HOT HAIR ROLLERS

Want more instantaneous results? Hot hair rollers are the perfect hair roller option for you.

STEP #1: PREP YOUR ROLLERS

Plug your hot rollers in and begin to heat things up.

STEP #2: AND YOUR HAIR

While your hot hair rollers are getting hot, prep your strands by washing and fully drying them. Then, spritz a heat protectant throughout your mane to prep for heat styling. Brush out any tangles or knots before moving on to the next step.

STEP #3: ROLL IT UP

Gather a one-inch section of hair and place the roller at the end. Roll the hot hair roller toward your scalp, winding the hair around it in the process. Secure the roller into place with a pin. Repeat until the rest of your mane is rolled up.

STEP #4: WAIT, WAIT, WAIT

Give your curls time to form. Hop on the phone, do a face mask, or apply your makeup in the meantime. How long it takes will depend on your hair’s thickness and texture, but typically you want to wait until the rollers have cooled to remove them.

STEP #5: UNVEIL YOUR CURLS

Remove the clips and rollers to reveal your beautiful curls! Set your look with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray.

HOW TO USE VELCRO HAIR ROLLERS

Last but not least, Velcro rollers are one of the most classic types of hair roller you can use. Here’s how.

STEP #1: PREP YOUR STRANDS

Wash your hair, then allow it to air dry until slightly damp. To prevent frizz, apply the L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum throughout your mane. Brush out any tangles or knots.

STEP #2: ROLL YOUR HAIR

Gather a one-inch section of hair, place the roller at the end, then roll it toward your scalp. The trick is to make sure not to put too much hair on each roller. If the roller feels loose, you likely have too much hair wrapped around it, making it difficult for the Velcro to stay put. Continue to put the Velcro hair rollers throughout your hair until your mane is full of rollers and you look totally retro.

STEP #3: USE A VOLUME SPRAY

Once your rollers are in place, spritz the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray over your entire mane to add a boost of volume to your look.

STEP #4: WAIT IT OUT

You know what to do. Give your curls time to set by applying makeup, doing chores, or anything else that takes around 15 minutes.

STEP #5: SHOW OFF YOUR CURLS

Remove your Velcro rollers, tousle your strands, and spray your mane with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Volume before enjoying your voluminous curls.

Next up: Learn about another popular option for getting curly hair in our article on How to Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron.