10 Best Hair Rollers & How To Use Them To Create Luscious Curls

Nothing better than these classic no-heat styling tools to achieve salon-perfect looks.

Reviewed by Alexandro Vasquez, Hairdresser
Written by Pooja Karkala, BA (Psychology & Mass Communication)
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

The charm of curly hair is undisputed. If you have straight hair, you can transform it into beautiful curls by using curling gels or a heated roller. However, the result might not last long. Instead, you need the best hair rollers to get desired results. These small tube structural designs are easy to use and suitable for different hair types. They are also available in different sizes to match your hair thickness and length.

Selecting the right hair roller can be daunting when the market is flooded with numerous brands offering hair rollers. Hairdresser Alexandro Vasquez says, “I really love all types of rollers. It’s amazing what you can create with them and for the ones with a lack of hair volume this is one of the best ways to create some volume for you. Make sure you have a good hairspray for the finishing. It will help for a long lasting effect.”

So, in this article, we bring you a sifted list of the best hair rollers that will help you get perfect curls just like those from a celebrity hairstylist. Scroll down to pick out some rollers – transform your hairstyle and enjoy the beautiful compliments.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best For Volumizing:Conair Self-Help Grip Voluminous Curls Rollers
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Best Rollers With Moisture:Caruso Professional Molecular Steamrollers
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Best Humidity-Resistant:Conair Body And Long-Lasting Curls Magnetic Rollers
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Best Easy-To-Use:Bulki Hair Care Curling Floats Self Grip Rollers
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Best Lightweight:The Sleep Styler Large Hair Rollers
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Best For Long-Lasting Curls:Jumbo Spoolies Hair Curlers
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Best With Portable Bag:Minerva Twist-Flex Hair Roller Curling Rods
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Best Reasonably Priced:Diane Snap-On Magnetic Rollers
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Best Ceramic Roller:T3 - Volumizing Hot Rollers LUXE
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Best For Daily Use:Goroanly Self Grip Hair Rollers Set
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Why Should You Use Rollers For Hair Curling?

  • No Heat Damage: Most hair rollers do not require using heat for a styling hair tool. Therefore, they are gentle on your hair and keep your strands and hands safe from any heat damage.
  • Fast Styling: Roll your hair up with rollers and use a hair spray to instantly get curly hair. It is a rather faster process if you compare it to using a curling iron.
  • Low Effort: Curling your hair using rollers is much less tiring whether you are using a setting spray, hair dryer concentrator, or letting it stay overnight. So, you can change your look as often as you want and style your hair differently every day!
  • Volumize Your Hair: Hair rollers add great volume to your hair. It can make your hair look healthy, and also offer shinier and thicker hair by adding extra bounce and volume.

If you are convinced that hair rollers are a great way of curling your hair, then read on because we have put together a list of the best hair rollers available online!

10 Best Hair Rollers Available In The Market

Conair Styling Essentials Self-Grip Rollers can create bouncy curls without using pins and clips. It comes in various sizes to give you both small and big curls. The set contains 31 rollers. Create your curls effortlessly as the roller can hold both fine and thick hair. It comes with a zippered storage bag that you can carry while traveling.

Pros

  • Voluptuous curls
  • Adds body to fine hair
  • Great for setting hair quickly
  • Does not require heat

Cons

  • Not suitable for thin hair types

protip_icon Quick Tip
Always wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner before applying the rollers to get a more volumizing effect till the next wash.


Best Rollers With Moisture:Caruso Professional Molecular Steamrollers

4.5

Did you know your hair can be easily styled when moist? Using that aspect as the key function, Caruso has come up with the steamroller. The anti-static soft foam rollers are infused with moisture that penetrates the hair follicles, giving you beautiful curls. As the moisture evaporates, perfectly set curls are unveiled that last for several hours. So, test them out now and create gorgeous hairstyles!


Pros
  • Gives even curls
  • Effective on all hair types
  • Does not create static
  • Add shine
  • Pack contains 30 foam rollers in different sizes for tight and loose curls

Cons

  • Make your hair frizzy

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 1,821 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.


Revive your hair with voluminous curls by using the Conair Magnetic Hair Rollers. The pack contains 50 rollers along with metal clips. These magnetic rollers are made of plastic. This makes wet hair cling onto the surface quickly due to static. Once you fasten your hair to these rollers, you can pin them up for a better, secure grip. This way, you can get satin-silk curls effortlessly.

Pros

  • Neat, springy curls
  • Humidity-resistant
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Do not have a firm grip

This unique hair roller comes with nylon sleeves. It is ideal for long hair. The nylon sleeves are feathery textured and can be used to secure the hair wound around the rollers. Your hair stays intact and does not unravel. This helps the rollers stay put all through the night. The nylon sleeves help in quick-drying your mane and leave you with damage-free curls. The rollers can be used with hair dryers and flat irons.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Prevent your hair from getting tangled in the rollers
  • Defined curls
  • Prevent damage and frizz

Cons

  • Not suitable for thick hair


Best Lightweight:The Sleep Styler Large Hair Rollers

3.1
The Sleep Styler Large Hair Rollers Image: The Sleepstyler

Look elegant and chic with luscious curls by using Sleep Styler Hair Rollers. Ideal for busy buzzers, you can now style your hair in sleep and look perfect by the time you wake up. With these super-absorbent heat-free rollers, you can curl your hair without worrying about damaging it. The comfortable and soft bedding provided by these no-pull foam rollers helps you sleep undisturbed. They claim to produce smooth and shiny curls quickly. Take a look at the reviewer’s experience and learn more about this product in this video.


Pros
  • The microfiber material helps dry your hair quickly
  • Soft and lightweight
  • Ideal for curly, coarse, thick, and fine hair.
  • Pack contains eight rollers, each 6 inches long
  • Does not cause frizz

Cons

  • Not firm grip

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply a light hairspray to hold the look longer after removing the rollers for a more volumizing look.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 4,339 reviews claiming its efficacy.


Best For Long-Lasting Curls:Jumbo Spoolies Hair Curlers

3.7
Jumbo Spoolies Hair Curlers Image: Spoolies

‘The girl with the cute curls’ is what you will be named after using Jumbo Spoolies. Spoolies are a kind of rollers that rose to fame during the 50s and 60s. They create classic curls that are fun to wear and easy to use. Spoolies have made a comeback to give you curls with a modern twist. These fun shaped rollers are zany and easy to use. Wrap your hair around the roller, and snap the top-down cap in place. This protects your hair from damage and keeps them in place while you sleep. Take a look at the tester’s experience and learn more about this product in this video.


Pros
  • Do not require heat
  • Curl your hair quickly
  • Can create different types of curls
  • Long-lasting curls
  • Do not damage your hair

Cons

  • Curls are not consistent

protip_icon Pro Tip
While removing the rollers, start at the bottom and work your way up to prevent tangles.


These flexible, lightweight, and soft curling rods come in a pack of 42 that are distributed in 7 colors. Each color is a different size. This helps you create curls and waves of different sizes and styles. Twist your hair, wrap it around the roller, bend the rod in your desired direction, and fasten it by tying a knot. This way you can get bouncy and beautiful curls effortlessly. Rock your curls even while you travel as these rollers come with a convenient portable bag.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • No pins or clips required
  • Suitable for different hair types
  • Long-lasting curls
  • Voluminous curls

Cons

  • Smell bad


These sturdy, non-breakable hair rollers are perfect for creating soft and velvety-smooth curls. Their grooved edges secure your hair in place without making it frizzy. Wrap your hair around the roller, secure it with the roller cap, and let it sit for 30 minutes. You will be surprised to see stunning and gorgeous curls unfold. The innovative hair product comes in a pack of 6 rollers, each 2 inches long. These non-slip rollers are ideal for thick and coarse hair.

Pros

  • Easy and quick to put on
  • Stay in place
  • Reasonably priced
  • No pins or clips required

Cons

  • Leave creases in hair


Best Ceramic Roller:T3 - Volumizing Hot Rollers LUXE

The T3 – Volumizing Hot Rollers LUXE have come in 2 different sizes and two interchangeable heat settings. They have a heat-activated, ceramic body that lets you achieve long-lasting and volumizing curls while adding shine to your hair. The adjustable temperature settings in these heated hair rollers lets you choose a heat level that will best suit your hair texture and type. They are suitable for almost all hair lengths as well with zero to minimal damage. The rollers heat up fast and come with clips which makes them easy to use and create a long-lasting hold. However, always apply a heat protectant before using the rollers.


Pros
  • Quick heating
  • Easy to use
  • Dual heat settings
  • Long-lasting
  • Come with a storage bag
  • Travel-friendly

Cons

  • Can leave ridges on your hair


If you are looking for textured hair with gorgeous waves and curls for long, short, and medium hair lengths, these self grip hair rollers are the ideal choice. The plastic heatless hair curler set contains 36 hair rollers of different sizes, 12 duckbill clips, and one foldable plastic comb. These lightweight rollers give you amazing added volume and desired curls. Easy to use and remove, these rollers are travel-friendly and also ideal for daily use.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to tie and remove
  • Travel-friendly set

Cons

  • Might get tangled

With the best products on the table, let’s get you familiarized with the steps to follow while using them.

Which Hair Rollers Should You Use?

  • If your hair is blow-dried, it is best to use foam rollers. They will help you achieve voluminous, natural-looking curls and make your hair look bouncy and full of life.
  • If your hair is air-dried, then velcro rollers may be the perfect choice. These rollers stick to the hair locks effortlessly and add great volume once they are taken off.
  • If your hair is still wet or damp, you can use stick rollers. Stick rollers work efficiently in providing well-defined curls that look neat and glossy.

When choosing a roller for your hair, knowing the material of the roller is not enough. You must also look for good quality rollers that will help your locks attain the look you dream of. Consider the factors discussed below to find the best hair rollers for yourself.

What To Look For In Hair Rollers (Buying Guide)

  • Size: The size or the diameter of the roller should be chosen carefully based on your hair length and density and the type of curls you desire to get. A small-sized roller will help you achieve a layer of spiral wires and curls whereas a large roller will help you get beach waves or bigger curls.
  • Additional Features: Some rollers come with heating features while others infuse moisture in your hair. Some rollers even help with frizz-reduction, while some roller sets come with accessories like crease-free clips and pins that make the set wholesome on its own. Read the reviews and user experiences of the rollers you are considering before you decide on one so that you can get a combination of benefits from them.
How To Use Hair Rollers
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Shampoo Your Hair
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It is easier to style hair when it is clean. Oily hair can be difficult to work with. You also don’t want your hair to look greasy after curling it.

Spray Some Mist
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Start with spraying a setting mist on damp hair. If you are using velcro hair rollers, hair sprays or mists will protect your hair from getting frizzy. Also, wet hair can be styled quickly and will give you defined curls in lesser time.

Divide Your Hair Into Four Sections
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This helps in finishing up the curling process quickly. It will also give you neater curls. By creating small sections, you will be able to work with your hair in less time. No chaos; only curls!

Wrap And Roll
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Depending on the type of curls you want, you can choose the size of the roller. Large rollers give you wavy curls, and smaller ones give you tighter curl structure, the same as a smaller and larger barrel in a curling iron. Wrap your hair around the roller, roll it up, and secure it with a pin or a clip. Let it sit for about 45 minutes. Unwrap to see the magic.

Set The Curls
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It’s entirely up to you to go heatless while in the air-drying process of your hair. Once your hair is wrapped and secured in place, spritz on some hairspray. This step saves time and gives quicker results.

Gently Remove The Rollers
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This is the tricky part. Unwrap one roller at a time and unravel them slowly. Unwinding the rollers in a quick motion can create tangles and frizz.

Spread Out The Curls With Your fingers
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Gently shake them up with your fingers for a looser curl style. Often, they turn out too tight or uneven. Hence, run your fingers from the roots to the tips and spread them evenly. This will give you glossy and gorgeous curls.

Use A Hairspray To Hold The Curls
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For the final touch, set those stunning curls with some hairspray. This will hold the curls in place and help them last longer.

Voila
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In the section below, we will discuss the kind of hair rollers that you can use to ensure safety and achieve the results you need.

Infographic: Tips To Use Hair Rollers For Easy Curls

Hair rollers do magic on your tresses and offer beautiful curls. But it takes more than just wrapping your hair around the rollers to achieve the perfect curls of your dreams. Check out the infographic below to learn about easy tricks of using rollers to create bouncy curls.

Tips To Use Hair Rollers For Easy Curls (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

Hair rollers are essential if you are keen on adding silk, shine, and flair to your hair! They create bouncy curls on your tresses, shorten the hair, and add some weight to your straightened strands. For gorgeous, long-lasting curls, opt for the Caruso Professional Molecular Steamrollers, the Sleep Styler Large Hair Rollers for their super absorbent heat free rollers that are comfortable for overnight styling, or the Jumbo Spoolies Hair Curlers that offer a simple and effective way to curl your hair. Hair rollers help achieve voluptuous curls and stunning hairdos without using heat. Many soft foam professional-grade rollers also help lock moisture inside the follicles while nourishing your curls. However, avoid hair rollers that may make your tresses rough and frizzy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are foam or velcro rollers better?

Foam rollers are better as they provide more comfort to the hair, and the user can do anything while wearing them.

What rollers are least damaging to the hair?

Steam rollers are the safest to use on the hair, as other rollers which use heat can cause hair loss.

What are the best velcro hair rollers?

The Diane Snap-On Magnetic Rollers and the Sleep Styler Large Hair Rollers are the best velcro rollers from our recommended list.

How long do you leave hot rollers in?

You should use hot rollers for only a short time (5 to 10 minutes) to get the best results without damaging your hair.

How do you use hot rollers on short hair?

You can use hot rollers on short hair similar to any other hair length. Just use a small-sized hot roller to complete the hair curling process.

What is the best material for a hair roller?

The best hair rollers are made of high-quality plastic, foam, and velcro.

What size hair roller should I use?

Use a small hair roller to provide a better grip if your hair is chin-length. For shoulder-length hair, go for a medium-sized roller. If you have long hair, use a jumbo-sized hair roller.

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