Sick of sporting flat, lackluster locks day in and day out? Well, you’re not alone. Very few women would say no to thick, healthy hair with more volume and bounce.
That being said, if you haven’t been able to achieve the look you’re going for naturally, we will let you in on a little secret: hot rollers.
Say what?
While this may remind you of your grandmother’s beauty routine, we guarantee that a quality set of hot rollers will create curls unlike any other with very little effort. Not only will the best hot rollers give you effortless waves, but, unlike curling irons which require some work, with hot rollers you can just set it and forget it!
Now:
Sold? Well, check out our list of the best hot rollers below to find the perfect set for you. Whether you’ve got long hair, short hair, straight hair, curly hair, or something in between, we promise our list has something for everyone.
#1 Best Hot Rollers Overall
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Professional 20-Roller Hairsetter
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- Includes convenient compartment for pins
- Gentle on hair
- Heats up fast and really holds curl
Pros
BaByliss is known for producing quality hair styling tools that are built to last, and the Nano Titanium Professional Jumbo Roller set is no exception. Expect these babies to heat up fast, stay put without leaving a crease, and hold a curl all day long. What more could you ask for in a set of hot rollers?
Cons
The base that holds the rollers is pretty large, so not recommended for travel.
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Performance
#2 Best Hot Rollers for Thick Hair
T3 Micro Voluminous Hot Rollers Luxe Hair Roller
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- Effective on any hair type, but especially great for anyone with extra thick hair
- Fabulous set
- Well-made and easy to use
Pros
The T3 brand is known for revolutionizing hairstyling with innovative technology and custom crafted hair tools that create shiny, healthy hair. And their hard work has not gone unnoticed. Just about every website out there recommends these jumbo rollers, including Allure, Best Products and even Bravo (so you know for sure these are Real Housewife worthy)!
Cons
With the previous model, reviewers complained that these hot rollers actually got too hot. However, the plastic rims on the updated version are designed to be cooler to the touch. Additionally, many reviewers argue 8 is just not enough, especially given the hefty price tag.
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Performance
#3 Best Hot Rollers for Fine Hair
Caruso C97953 30 Molecular Steam Hairsetter
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- Great for all hair types, but especially for anyone with extra fine hair
- Doesn’t require much storage space
- Effective and easy to use
Pros
With the Caruso steam rollers you will be able to create long lasting curls and volume while keeping hair healthy, shiny, and in great condition. On top of that, these rollers are non-damaging, quick and easy to use, and will set in 5 to 10 minutes—all you have to do is blow dry!
Cons
Each roller has to be heated individually, which can be slightly annoying. Additionally, since these are steam rollers you will need to spend time blow drying your hair before using the rollers, and, if you let the rollers steam for too long before applying to hair, they may become damp and difficult to work with.
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#4 Best Hot Rollers for Short Hair
Calista Tools Ion Hot Rollers Short Style Set
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- Heats up quick and easy to use
- Holds a curl all day long
- Great for short hair
Pros
There are truly so many reasons to love these hot rollers it’s difficult to narrow it down to just a few. First and foremost, they heat hair evenly and work quickly (one of the most time-saving rollers on the market, in fact), the Ion technology creates long-lasting results, and the set comes at a moderate price considering the number of rollers included as well as the quality of the product.
Cons
Reviewers complain that the base on the new model is slightly larger than the older version. Additionally, the rollers are a bit heavy and the clips don’t hold hair as well as they are designed to, especially with thin or fine hair.
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#5 Best Budget-friendly Hot Rollers
Drybar High Tops Hair Rollers 6 Self Grip Hair Rollers
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- Great for creating all-day volume
- One of the most inexpensive sets of rollers on the market
- Easy to use and will save you both time and money
Pros
Okay, okay so these aren’t technically hot rollers, but given the fact that they do require heat to set we thought we would include them nonetheless. These simple rollers apply easily, save you hours of styling, and create gorgeous body and waves that will last all day long. Oh, and did we mention that price tag?
Cons
If you aren’t good with a blow dryer this may not be the product for you. Additionally, reviewers really wish the set included more than 6 rollers.
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Performance
#6 Best Hot Rollers for Long Hair
Revlon Perfect Heat Longwave Hair Setter
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- Styling essential for long hair
- Easily create long-lasting curls in under 15 minutes
- Excellent value
Pros
If you’ve got long, thick hair you know it can be a challenge to find styling products that create lift and all-day curls without being weighed down by all that hair. Well, look no further than the Revlon Longwave hot rollers. The set features extra-long rollers perfect for long, luscious locks.
Cons
This set of rollers really only works with very long hair and can get a bit too hot to work with if heated for too long prior to application.
Product Ratings
Performance
#7 Best Travel Hot Rollers
Conair Instant Heat Compact Hot Rollers
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- Functional and easy to use
- Heats quickly and evenly
- Compact and convenient for travel
Pros
Want to maintain that luscious beach wave look even on the go? Then look no further. This travel set of rollers by Conair is great quality at an awesome price.
Cons
Some reviewers report curls falling easily, but keep in mind the longer you leave these in the longer lasting the curl.
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Performance
Best Hot Rollers Buying Guide
Nothing screams “carefree and sexy” better than soft, voluminous curls. But regardless of size—whether we’re talking about big waves or tight ringlets—curly hair has always been a huge hit in both the fashion and beauty scenes.
And why wouldn’t it? Although we love the look of smooth and sleek hair, curly locks have the upper hand when it chomes to visual interest. The fact that curling tools have been a constant in our beauty routines for so many years is a testament to this—from our moms’ old-school plastic rollers to our very own modern curling wands and hot rollers.
We created this buying guide to be your ultimate destination for shopping advice. If you’re on the market for a new set of hot rollers, we put together a few lists, tips, and tricks that will help you make the best purchasing decision possible.
Ready? Let’s go!
Hot rollers vs. Curling wands
If you’ve been observing the beauty community for a while, then you’ll know that the popularity of hot rollers took a hit when curling wands became a thing. However, modern hot rollers have gotten better and better, which might explain why they have gone back on-trend, as well.
So, why should you trade in your curling iron for a set of heated rollers? Here’s why:
- Lower risk of burning yourself – We’ve all probably experienced accidentally burning ourselves using our curling wands. Whether your hands, scalp, fingers, or arms have been the unwilling victim, curling irons can get very dangerous—especially if you’re not giving them your full attention. Fortunately for all of us, that’s never been a problem when it comes to hot rollers.
- Ease of use – Using a curling wand to work on the back of your hair can get very difficult. Meanwhile, hot rollers are a lot easier to use, especially once you’ve gotten the hang of it.
- Less risk of heat damage – Curling wands can get incredibly hot, which puts your hair strands at a higher risk of severe damage. Hot rollers, on the other hand, don’t get anywhere near the very high temperatures that irons and tongs use. In essence, using hot rollers would be much kinder to your precious ‘do.
- Uniform curls – Many curling wands are thinner at the tip and thicker near the base, which makes achieving evenly-sized curls quite difficult especially if you have long hair. With hot rollers, this is never really a problem.
- Burn marks on furniture? Never again – A lot of ladies have experienced accidentally placing their curling wands on top of their dressing tables, couches, or carpets. The result? Unsightly scorch marks that are no fun to look at at all! With heated rollers, you’ll never have to worry about these accidents ever again.
- Time saving – Styling your hair using a curling iron occupies both of your hands, and you really can’t do anything else as you wait for your curls to set. However, it’s a different story with heated rollers. Roll it, secure it, and you’re good to go. Plus, you can carry on and do your makeup or put on your clothes as you wait for the rollers to set. Awesome time saver? Definitely.
Dry Heat vs. Steam Hot Rollers
Modern hot rollers usually use one of two types of heating to achieve perfect waves and curls. What are these two heating methods, and how do they differ from each other? Let’s find out.
Dry Heat
Dry heat rollers directly use electricity as a source of heat. In this setup, electricity heats the metal core inside the rollers and warms the outer surface (which is usually ceramic). The heat that emanates from the inner lining of the rollers is responsible for curling the hair.
Dry heat steam rollers are great for those with curly or frizzy hair. Ceramic rollers tend to cause less frizz than foam ones, which makes it great if you struggle with that particular problem. Dry rollers are also faster to use.
What’s more, with electric heating, you’re bound to have more control over the exact temperature of the hot rollers. So if you have damage-prone hair and are highly particular about the temperature of all your heat styling tools, a set of hot rollers that use dry heat may be a good choice.
Wet/Steam
Wet hot rollers rely on steam as a heat source. Sets that use steam will usually have a heated reservoir that you have to fill with water. As the water heats up, it will produce hot steam that will be used to heat the actual rollers.
Because steam is involved, using this type of heat source may actually be good for the hair. The moisture that evaporates from the rollers will help moisturize your hair strands as they are being curled. This is why you’re bound to get shinier results from a steam-and-foam system. What’s more, steam rollers tend to produce longer-lasting curls.
Different Hot Roller Materials
Foam
Foam is usually the material of choice for steam rollers. They generally do less damage to hair than other materials. They’re also safe to use on damp hair. Plus, since foam is a soft and cushiony material, going to bed with foam rollers is no big deal.
Ceramic
Ceramic and ceramic-infused materials frequently make an appearance in various heat styling tools, such as curling wands, flat irons, and hair straightening brushes. Unsurprisingly, this material is widely used in the world of hot rollers, as well.
Ceramic is popular because it heats up evenly. This helps you avoid hot spots from appearing which will affect both your hair’s look and health. Note that ceramic rollers are usually used in sets that operate with dry heat.
What’s more, ceramic and ceramic-infused materials help control frizz by releasing negative ions. Negative ions, when hot, help close the hair cuticle and make hair more manageable. Some ceramic rollers also come coated with tourmaline, which further increases the number of negative ions emitted by the rollers.
Wax-filled
Wax-filled rollers are made for heavy-duty curling needs. Heat is retained way better due to the wax, which makes this specific type ideal for those with stubborn, hard-to-curl hair strands.
Obviously, wax-filled rollers will require more time to set compared to ceramic, ceramic-infused, and foam rollers—but this is just an inevitable trade-off if you want more durable curls.
Consider your hair type and desired style
The main factors you have to consider when determining the best type of rollers for you are your hair type and desired style.
If you have naturally curly or thick hair, traditional hot rollers that are made of ceramic would be your best bet. They are excellent at creating voluminous waves and adding body to the hair, but they won’t add frizz to your hair as much as foam rollers tend to do.
If you have stick-straight or super silky hair, steam and foam rollers may be the right choice. This approach works well with hair types that don’t hold curls easily. Also, the steam and foam combo can be used to achieve a wider variety of curl shapes and sizes.
But if you’re confident that steam and foam rollers are no match for your hair, we recommend wax-filled rollers. Again, this type of roller holds heat really well, which makes it the best choice for hair that just won’t yield to other curling methods.
Other Factors to Consider as You Shop
Heat level
Obviously, the fundamental principle behind hot rollers is the use of heat to style and reshape the hair. That said, it’s important to know how much heat is actually produced by a model. Too much heat can cause burning and damage, and that’s something you should definitely avoid.
Fortunately, most hot rollers these days are burn-proof. That is, you can safely touch and use them without burning your fingers. That makes modern hot rollers ideal even for damage-prone strands.
Number of temperature settings
Hot rollers that can operate within a variety of temperatures offer added versatility. If you like to play around with your hairstyle, going for a product that has multiple temperature settings would be a smart move.
What’s more, a set of hot rollers with just one heat setting will usually be very hot so they can accommodate even the coarsest and thickest hair types. But if you lie on the other side of the spectrum and are dealing with super fine hair, this one heat setting may be far too harsh for your hair strands.
Roller sizes and variety
Hot rollers usually come in a set of multiple rollers, and they may be all the same size or in various sizes. If you prefer having a consistent set of curls, getting a set that has uniformly-sized rollers will obviously be better. On the other hand, having a variety of roller sizes will give allow you to be more versatile and flexible in your hairstyles.
As far as sizing goes, we recommend all you long-haired gals to go for large rollers. They are more efficient than smaller ones, and they provide big, sexy curls. If you have short hair, large rollers might be difficult to use and manipulate, so smaller rollers are your best friend.
Size and portability
Do you want a set of hot rollers that you can easily take with you whenever you’re traveling? If so, make sure to check out the dimensions of the product you’re eyeing. Most hot rollers these days come with a case or stand, which makes them easy to carry around from one room to another.
Individual roller weight
It’s one thing to consider how heavy an entire set of hot rollers is. Looking into the weight of the rollers themselves is another matter. There’s nothing worse than carrying a whole bunch of heavy rollers on your head, especially if you’re the type who likes to leave them on for long periods.
