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Although big, bouncy blowouts have never really gone away, it seems as if we’re seeing more and more people sporting the big hair look (or at least trying to). After all, who doesn’t want the kind of hair that’s worthy of being in a commercial? Fortunately, you don’t necessarily need to book another appointment with your hairstylist to get the look. In fact, you can achieve that ultra-voluminous, ’90s supermodel blowout look at home. All you really need are the right tools.
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After talking to Tucker James Cinalli, Master Hairstylist and Educator at AIIR Professional, we’re happy to report that the tools you need are actually pretty affordable (and can save you a ton of money in the long run!). Two words: hot rollers.
Best Hot Rollers at a Glance
Best Overall:BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Professional Hot Rollers, $40
Best for Quick Use:CARUSO 30 Piece Molecular Steam Hot Rollers, $41
Best Affordable:Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers, $12
Most Loved By Shoppers:Conair Jumbo and Super Jumbo Ceramic Hot Rollers, $40
What are hot rollers & what are they used for?
As Cinalli tells SheKnows, rollers in general have been used since Roman times to add shape and style to hair. “From creating a loose, blown-out look, to a sculpted Marilyn Monroe Hollywood wave, rollers can assist in achieving a wide range of hairstyles with the major benefit being style longevity and strength,” he says. “Nothing has the staying power of a good old fashioned roller set.”
While you can create the look you want with any type of roller, the shape of your hair that you get from using a hot roller can be pressed down, brushed out, and pulled straight, yet still spring back into place. According to Cinalli, that’s all due to the science behind setting the hair with heat.
“Heat softens the chemical bonds that create our hair’s natural shape allowing us to mold it into a new form,” Cinalli explains. “However, the longevity and strength truly comes from the cooling process, which is why rollers are essential to achieving indestructible styles. By heating the hair and allowing it to fully cool around the new chosen shape, we form style that can only be reset by getting the hair wet.”
What should you look for when shopping for hot rollers?
Believe it or not, but there are a ton of different options when it comes to shopping for hot rollers. According to Cinalli, there are steam rollers, electric heated rollers, velcro rollers, magnetic rollers, and so on. Factors like hair length, hair type, and the look you’re going for can play a role in determining which hot rollers are best for you and your needs.
For instance, if you’re looking for something quick and easy to use with dry hair, Cinalli say steam or electric heated are the best hot rollers for that. “These will allow you to set the hair in one step,” he says. If you prefer blow drying your hair and don’t want to use any additional heat, velcro rollers are the “perfect setting tool.”
How to Use Hot Rollers
When you’re working with dry hair and electric heated or steam rollers, you want to start with hairspray (Cinalli recommends using the Aiir Professional Flexible Hold Hairspray). Once you’ve got hairspray on, apply your hot rollers and “let them work their magic” for about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove, brush out, and you’re good to go.
“If opting for steam rollers take into consideration that the steam will revert curly hair that has been dried smooth,” Cinalli says. “I usually opt for steam rollers on straight or fine hair types in combination with Aiir Pro Dry Texture mousse for extra hold. The added moisture from the steam actually helps to secure the style on stubborn hair that doesn’t like to hold a curl.”
When working with velcro rollers, after you blow dry, set the hair with your roller and pin the curl clip to keep it in place. Then, apply some hair spray, allow it to cool for 20 to 30 minutes, and “release for an everlasting blowout.” It’s as easy as that!
It’s important to note that hair typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes to cool, so prepare to have at least that amount of time set when you’re working with heat styling products. Another general rule of thumb to note is the smaller the roller, the tighter the curl, while the larger the roller, the looser the curl. “I usually like a 2-inch roller for that boss babe 90’s blowout look,” Cinalli says.
Ready to see what hot rollers can do for your hair? Check out some of the best hot rollers out there below.
BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Professional Hot Rollers
$40 (5 jumbo rollers)
$70 (20 rollers)
$58 (12 rollers) $65
One set of hot rollers that Cinalli recommends trying is the BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Professional Hot Rollers. According to him, they come in numerous options, including a set of 30 in various sizes, as well as a set of five jumbo-sized electric rollers. “The 12 jumbo is my favorite and perfect for a big bouncy blowout look,” he says. (Psst, it’s also on sale right now at Sephora!)
Conair Jumbo and Super Jumbo Ceramic Hot Rollers
$40
$28 $35 20% off
This hot rollers set by Conair is one that’s popular among your fellow shoppers. In fact, over 4,000 of these were purchased over the last month. Not only that, it has 14,500 five-star reviews. Shoppers love how fast they heat and say they work great at giving their hair some much-needed volume.
CARUSO 30 Piece Molecular Steam Hot Rollers
$41 $44 7% off
If you’re looking for a good set of steam hot rollers, you can’t go wrong with Caruso. According to Cinalli, these are “mom’s favorite.” He said, “Tried and true Caruso steam rollers have stood the test of time as a staple on many of our mom and grandma’s vanities.”
Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers
$12 $15 20% off
$14
As far as budget-friendly options go, Cinalli commends Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Rollers. These high-quality velcro rollers come in a set of eight with varying sizes. You can use these to give your hair some serious volume and bounce.
Experts in This Article
Tucker James Cinalli, Master Hairstylist & Educator at AIIR Professional
Before you go, check out the slideshow below.
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