Hot rollers are making a comeback! Ditch the curling iron and rediscover the ease and long-lasting curls that hot rollers provide. This guide dives deep into the 8 best hot rollers on the market, putting them to the test to find the perfect fit for your hair type, desired curl size, and budget. Whether you crave bouncy waves, tight ringlets, or effortless volume, we uncover the top hot rollers that deliver salon-worthy results from the comfort of your home.
WHAT IS HOT ROLLER?
Hot rollers are a type of hair styling tool used to create curls and waves in hair. They consist of cylindrical rollers that are heated, either electrically or by immersing them in hot water, and then rolled into sections of hair. The heat helps to set the hair in the desired curl or wave shape. Once the rollers cool down, the hair is released, leaving behind curls or waves. Hot rollers come in various sizes to create different types of curls, from tight curls to loose waves, and they are commonly used in hair salons and by individuals at home for styling purposes.
OUR TOP PICKS
BABYLISS PRO 20 ROLLER HAIRSETTER
The BaByliss Pro 20 Roller Hairsetter is a professional-quality hot roller set designed for long-lasting curls and volume. It features 20 Nano Titanium ceramic rollers that heat up quickly and distribute far-infrared heat gently, minimizing hot spots and potential hair damage.
This set includes a variety of roller sizes: 6 small, 6 medium, and 8 large, allowing you to create different curl shapes, from tight ringlets to loose waves. Additionally, it comes with 20 butterfly clips and 20 color-coded metal clips for easy and secure hold while styling.
With its fast heat-up time and user-friendly design, the BaByliss Pro 20 Roller Hairsetter is a strong contender for those seeking a high-quality hot roller experience.
BABYLISS BOUTIQUE SALON CERAMIC ROLLERS
The BaByliss Boutique Salon Ceramic Rollers offer a simpler, yet effective hot roller experience. This set features 12 large, thermo-ceramic heated rollers, ideal for creating voluminous waves or loose curls. The ceramic barrels distribute heat evenly, minimizing hot spots and potential hair damage.
These rollers come with 12 contoured heat clips that secure the hair in place while styling. They boast a fast heat-up time with a ready dot indicator, so you can get started quickly. Additionally, the anti-slip, soft-touch finish on the rollers provides a comfortable grip during use.
While they may not offer the range of roller sizes as some other high-end sets, the BaByliss Boutique Salon Ceramic Rollers are a solid choice for those seeking a user-friendly and affordable option for achieving voluminous waves and curls.
CARUSO IONIC MOLECULAR STEAM SETTER
For those with heat-damaged hair, the Caruso Ionic Molecular Steam Setter offers a revolutionary and gentle styling solution. This innovative hot roller set ditches the traditional dry heat approach, instead utilizing the power of steam to create beautiful curls and waves without further harming your delicate strands.
Unlike conventional hot rollers, this setter uses steam to infuse moisture into the rollers. This unique approach helps prevent heat damage, leaving your hair feeling soft, hydrated, and revitalized. The rollers boast ionic technology, which actively works to reduce frizz and static while promoting shine and manageability. This creates long-lasting, smooth, and polished curls. The set comes with 30 rollers in five different sizes, allowing you to achieve various curl shapes and styles, from tight ringlets to loose, voluminous waves.
Compared to traditional hot rollers that rely solely on dry heat, the Caruso Ionic Molecular Steam Setter provides a gentler and more hair-friendly styling experience, making it ideal for those with heat-damaged hair.
T3 VOLUMIZING HOT ROLLERS
T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers are a popular styling tool designed to add volume and texture to hair. These hot rollers are known for their advanced technology and high-performance features. The set typically includes a range of roller sizes to accommodate different hair lengths and styles. The rollers themselves are infused with Tourmaline, a gemstone that emits negative ions, helping to seal the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and enhance shine.
The ceramic heating elements heat up quickly and evenly, ensuring consistent heat distribution throughout the rollers. This results in long-lasting, bouncy curls or waves that hold their shape well. The T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers are favored by hairstylists and individuals alike for their ease of use, efficiency, and ability to create voluminous, salon-quality hairstyles at home.
REMINGTON IONIC CONDITIONING HAIR SETTER
If you have fine hair or want to add volume to your hair, the Remington Hair Setter is a great choice. It’s not only affordable but also creates flawless curls without any awkward bends. The set includes ceramic rollers with color-coded metal pins that match different roller sizes and hold the curls securely. You’ll start seeing results in just five minutes of having the rollers in your hair. When you take them out, you’ll be amazed by the long-lasting volume and definition they provide.
REMINGTON PROLUXE HEATED ROLLERS
The Remington PROluxe Heated Rollers are specifically designed to deliver big, bouncy curls that last. Featuring Dual Heat Technology, both the rollers and clips heat up, ensuring even heat distribution and perfectly formed curls throughout your hair. This 20-piece set includes a combination of medium and large rollers, allowing you to customize the size and volume of your curls.
Several features contribute to its success in creating voluminous, bouncy styles. Grip Technology prevents hair from slipping out of the rollers, minimizing frustration during styling. Heated clips further secure the curls and prevent kinks for a flawless finish. The fast heat-up time (around 90 seconds) gets you styling quickly, with curls setting in just 5 minutes.
If you crave voluminous, long-lasting curls with a bouncy texture, the Remington PROluxe Heated Rollers are a strong contender, offering a user-friendly and effective hot roller experience.
CHI SMART MAGNIFY CERAMIC ROLLERS
The CHI Smart Magnify Ceramic Rollers offer a unique and innovative hot roller experience. These rollers feature ceramic barrels that heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly, ensuring consistent and long-lasting curls.
What truly sets them apart is the LED lighting platform that comes with the set. This platform provides better visibility while styling, making it easier to precisely place the rollers for optimal curl definition. Additionally, the rollers are available in various sizes, allowing you to customize the volume and curl size you desire.
While further details on specific features like number of rollers and clip types might be needed for a more comprehensive description, the CHI Smart Magnify Ceramic Rollers stand out for their innovative LED lighting platform and promise of consistent, long-lasting curls.
NICKY CLARKE HEATED 25 MM ROLLERS
The Nicky Clarke Heated 25mm Rollers are a versatile hot roller set designed to create voluminous curls and waves. These rollers feature a 25mm barrel size, which is ideal for achieving medium to large curls.
Ceramic barrels ensure even heat distribution, minimizing hot spots and potential damage. The heated rollers help set the curls firmly, reducing the risk of kinks or loose waves. The overall design is likely user-friendly, making the styling process convenient.
CONAIR INFINITIPRO 20-ROLLER ION GENERATOR SETTER WITH CORD REEL
Nicky Clarke, a renowned hairstylist with a prestigious reputation, brings his expertise to the Nicky Clarke Heated 25mm Rollers. This brand, known for its high-quality hair styling tools like straighteners, hairdryers, and hot brushes, offers hot rollers designed for effortless styling on the go.
These compact rollers boast a user-friendly design, perfect for travel or quick touch-ups. Their innovative “heat-tech” feature takes the guesswork out of styling, changing color from red to white when ready to use. Additionally, the rollers incorporate ionic technology, a favorite among stylists, to combat frizz and ensure a smooth, polished finish.
CONAIR MULTI-SIZE ROLLERS
Forget bulky hot rollers that eat up precious luggage space! Conair’s compact hot roller set is a travel game-changer. This convenient kit features 20 rollers neatly packed in a case the size of a small purse, making it a breeze to fit into your carry-on.
But the real innovation lies in the roller design itself. Tiny grippers throughout the rollers effortlessly secure your hair, preventing snags and tangles while you style and remove them. With a fast heat-up time of just 85 seconds, these rollers create voluminous waves in a mere 10 minutes. While a single heat setting might be a limitation, the overall size, price, and impressive performance make this Conair set a winner for travelers seeking gorgeous curls on the go.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN HOT ROLLERS
Choosing the right hot rollers can make all the difference in achieving the desired curls and overall styling experience. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the perfect set:
HAIR TYPE AND DESIRED CURL SIZE
- Roller Size: The size of the rollers determines the curl size. Smaller rollers create tighter curls, while larger rollers create loose waves or voluminous lift. Consider your hair type and the look you want to achieve. If you have thick hair, you might need more rollers or larger sizes to accommodate all your hair.
- Hair Length: For shorter hair, smaller rollers are generally easier to use and style.
HEATING TECHNOLOGY AND FEATURES
- Material: Ceramic or tourmaline barrels are popular choices as they distribute heat evenly, minimizing hot spots and potential heat damage.
- Heat Settings: Multiple heat settings allow you to adjust the temperature for different hair types and styling needs.
- Cool-Touch Ends: This feature prevents accidental burns while handling the hot rollers during styling.
- Additional Features: Look for features like ionic technology to combat frizz, velvet flocking for gentle grip, or anti-slip designs for easier handling.
OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
- Number of Rollers: The number of rollers in a set determines how much hair you can style at once. Consider the amount of hair you have and how much time you’re willing to spend styling.
- Clip Type: Different sets use clips or pins to secure the rollers. Choose a clip type that is comfortable and secure for your hair type.
- Travel-Friendliness: If you travel frequently, consider a compact set that fits easily in your luggage.
CAN HEATED ROLLERS BE USED ON ALL HAIR LENGTHS AND TYPES?
When it comes to using heated rollers, the results can vary depending on your hair type. Short hair can benefit from heated rollers by adding volume, but achieving defined curls may be more challenging. Hair stylists typically suggest using heated rollers on straight or slightly straight hair to achieve a smoother and kink-free finish. If you have curly hair, heated rollers can help in loosening the curls for a softer and more relaxed hairstyle.
HOW TO USE HOT ROLLERS ON LONG HAIR
STEP 1: ENSURE YOUR HAIR IS COMPLETELY DRY AND SMOOTH
For optimal results with hot rollers, it’s best to start with clean and dry hair that is relatively straight. If you have naturally curly hair, you’ll need to blow-dry it beforehand. If your hair falls under type-3 or type-4, begin by washing and conditioning it, followed by applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner to avoid weighing down your blowout. The crucial step is to protect your hair from heat damage by using a heat-protecting serum or oil to seal in moisture. Finally, proceed with blow-drying your curly hair.
STEP 2: SECTION YOUR HAIR INTO MANAGEABLE PARTS
To create sections for hot rolling, you can use the arch of your eyebrows as a guide. Take a tail comb and separate a strip of hair from the top-front to the top-back of your head. This will be the first area you roll, so secure it with a hair clip to keep it separate from the rest of your hair. Depending on the thickness of your hair, divide the remaining hair into quadrants, securing each section separately.
STEP 3: START WRAPPING YOUR HAIR AROUND THE HOT ROLLERS
The way you position your hair on the rollers will determine how it falls and flows. Start with the section of hair at the crown of your head and roll it under the roller to create more volume and body. You should feel a slight tension at the root of your hair, indicating a secure hold. When it comes to styling bangs, the approach varies based on their length. For longer bangs, roll them over the roller, while for shorter bangs, roll them under the curler.
STEP 4: LET THE ROLLERS COOL COMPLETELY TO SET THE CURLS
To ensure your hair retains its shape throughout the day, avoid removing the curlers too early. This is a common mistake that can result in flat hair instead of long-lasting curls. It’s recommended to leave the rollers in for at least 20 minutes but no longer than 60 minutes. Wait until the hair feels cool to the touch before removing the rollers, as this indicates that the hair has properly set. By following this guideline, you can achieve hairstyles that maintain their shape for an extended period.
STEP 5: STYLE YOUR HAIR
After removing the rollers, gently run your fingers through your hair to adjust and arrange it. Take the opportunity to correct any kinks or imperfections caused by the roller clips, especially if you’re new to hot rolling. If time permits and you’re not in a rush, you can use a straightening iron to smooth out any areas that didn’t set properly. Once you’re satisfied with the position of your hair, apply hairspray, texturizing product, or hair oil (for type-3 or type-4 curls) to add moisture and hold the style in place.
CONCLUSION
With this diverse range of hot rollers to explore, it’s clear that achieving salon-worthy curls at home is easier than ever. Whether you seek luxurious volume, tight ringlets, or loose waves, there’s the perfect set of hot rollers waiting to transform your hair. In addition to having thick, bouncy hair thanks to these supporting tools, supplementing foods for thicker hair can also be beneficial. Hope you have interesting experiences with your hair!
