How to Use Hot Rollers with Long Hair

If you've ever given yourself big, bouncy curls, you know the feeling of pure defeat when your curls deflate mere hours — or minutes — after styling. This is especially common when you have long hair, as the weight of your hair can put tension on the curl, causing it to quickly unravel. The secret for getting your long hair to hold a curl? Hot rollers.

"Hot rollers have been around for many decades, giving women a quick and safer alternative to adding body and curl to hair quickly," says hairstylist Tippi Shorter. "Hot rollers give curl and added body with minimal heat and stress on the hair compared to what you would typically get from traditional curling and flat irons."

To use hot rollers, you have to roll them from your ends all the way up until they're sitting on your scalp. So, to use hot rollers on long hair, "you may need larger rollers to achieve the desired effect," says celebrity hairstylist Sabrina Porsche. Plus, you'll need to work in smaller sections — this ensures that the layers of hair on each roller are thin enough for the heat to spread and do their job.

Get the most out of your hot rollers by following expert-approved tips and tricks, below.

Hot Rollers vs. Curling Iron

What makes hot rollers so effective is how time-efficient they are and that they're completely cool before removal. "The curls from hot rollers last longer and create volume," says Porsche.

And unlike curling irons, which can heat up to 450°F, hot rollers usually max out around 300°F. "They usually [range in temperature] between 140°F and 230°F," says hairstylist Todd Edwards. All three stylists agree — hot rollers are less damaging than curling irons.

"The rollers will never exceed a very high temperature," says Shorter. "They are also covered in satin, providing an extra barrier to protect your hair from heat."

Using Hot Rollers on Curly Hair

Hot rollers work on all textures, but how you use them depends on the style you want. "Hot rollers can enhance and define natural waves, creating a more polished and uniform look," says Porsche. "They can also help to smooth and refine curls, giving them a softer, more controlled appearance."

If you're going for big curls that rival a blow out, you'll need to straighten your hair first. "You need to pre-stretch, blowout, or silk press your hair before using hot rollers," says Edwards.