Buying guide for best hot rollers
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If you want to create a voluminous, curly hairstyle without using excessive heat or tricky hot tools, a set of hot rollers might be your perfect solution. Though they might seem intimidating if you’ve never used them before, hot rollers are surprisingly simple once you get the hang of them. Overall, many people find them less tedious to use than a curling iron. Hot rollers also require less heat than curling irons, so they’re less prone to damaging your hair.
If you’re in the market for a set of hot rollers, there are a number of factors to consider. You’ll want to note the number of rollers included in each set (more rollers means you can curl more of your hair at once) and the sizes of the rollers (larger rollers yield looser curls while smaller rollers create tighter ringlets). The material of the rollers is also important in determining how heat is conducted and whether it’s prone to creasing your hair.
Below, we’ve detailed the five best sets of hot rollers for various hair types and styling needs. Our top pick is the affordable Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter, which is made for all hair types and comes with 20 rollers in three barrel sizes.
Which hot rollers are best?
Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter
Best of the Best
Product Specifications
Barrel Size: 1.25”, 1” and 0.75” | Heating Time: 3 min | Temperature Settings: 1 | Number of Rollers: 20 | Roller Material: Ceramic rollers with thermal wax core and velvet flocking
The Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter earns the top spot for being the most well-rounded set of hot rollers on the market. These velvet-flocked rollers contain a thermal wax core, which helps retain heat longer and ensures your curls stay voluminous and bouncy. Each roller is coated with ionic conditioning, which helps promote a shinier, silkier finish without any frizz. The soft velvet flocking on each roller prevents kinks and creases, while the cool-touch ends let you comfortably grip the rollers without burning your fingers.
We love that this set contains 20 rollers, so you can curl more hair at the same time (most people will be able to curl their whole head of hair at once) and get the job done faster. It comes with three barrel sizes: six large 1.25-inch rollers, 10 medium 1-inch rollers and four small 0.75-inch rollers. The various barrel sizes allow you to get a more natural look with different curl widths that mimic natural waves. It also makes this set versatile for use on various hair types, as the larger rollers work better on longer hair, and the smaller rollers are better suited for shorter hair.
It only takes a few minutes for these hot rollers to heat up. You’ll know they’re ready to use when the indicator light turns on. It only takes about 10 minutes of wearing the rollers in your hair to achieve voluminous, bouncy curls, but you can wear them for up to 30 minutes if you want tighter curls or if your hair is thick. Its one and only heat setting works for most hair types (if you have very fine or damaged hair, you might prefer an alternative with lower heat settings). Affordably priced, this set is an excellent value, delivering 20 high-quality rollers in a variety of sizes for a fraction of the cost of pricier models.
Remington Compact Ceramic Dual Voltage Hair Setter & Rollers
Best for Travel
Product Specifications
Barrel Size: 1.25” and 1” | Heating Time: 90 sec | Temperature Settings: 1 | Number of Rollers: 10 | Roller Material: Ceramic
Many hot roller sets can be bulky and, therefore, inconvenient for travel, but this set by Remington is perfectly designed for use on the go. Weighing just 1.5 pounds, it includes 10 rollers in two sizes — there are five large 1.25-inch rollers and five medium 1-inch rollers. Each ceramic roller is infused with ionic technology to help reduce frizz and promote softness in the finished look. Cool-touch ends let you handle the rollers without burning your fingers. The rollers are secured with the metal J-clips that are included in the set.
Everything packs up neatly into a compact storage case (measuring 7 by 2.5 by 3.5 inches) that doesn’t take up much real estate in a suitcase or vanity drawer. If you have plans to travel internationally, you’ll appreciate that this set has dual-voltage capabilities. Plus, it heats up in just 90 seconds, so you can spend less time waiting for the curlers to get hot and more time enjoying your vacation.
Due to its compact nature, fast heat-up time and dual-voltage capabilities, this set is best suited for on-the-go use.
Conair Big Curls & Waves Jumbo Roller Set
Best for Thick Hair
Product Specifications
Barrel Size: 1.5” | Heating Time: 85 sec | Temperature Settings: NA | Number of Rollers: 12 | Roller Material: Ceramic hot rollers with velvet flocking
If your hair is thick or coarse, you’ll appreciate these ceramic hot rollers by Conair. The ceramic thermal layer with an aluminum core provides even heat transfer to promote long-lasting curls on all hair textures. The rollers can reach up to 230 degrees, but the velvety coating on the rollers works to protect hair from heat damage. It only takes 85 seconds for the rollers to reach their full heat potential, which allows your overall styling process to go more quickly and smoothly.
The set comes with a dozen jumbo rollers, which measure 1.5 inches in diameter. The larger rollers yield more voluminous waves than smaller rollers in other models. They come with 12 claw clips to comfortably and securely hold your rollers. The rollers work in just 10 minutes to produce flowing, loose waves. If you want bouncier curls with more volume, keep the rollers in for up to 20 minutes.
Overall, these jumbo rollers can reach high heat settings, making them an excellent choice for people with thick, long or coarse hair. The claw clips are convenient and comfortable for keeping the rollers in place while you create voluminous, bouncy waves.
Caruso 30-Piece Molecular Steam Hairsetter
Best for Fine Hair
Product Specifications
Barrel Size: 5 sizes between 0.6” and 1.75” | Heating Time: 1 min | Temperature Settings: 1 | Number of Rollers: 30 | Roller Material: Foam rollers with plastic cores
This set uses steam rather than direct heat, which is gentler on hair and helps reduce damage from overheating. After being placed on the steamer, the soft foam rollers become infused with steamed moisture in a minute or less. There are 30 rollers included in the set (in five sizes ranging from 0.6 to 1.75 inches), which means you can curl your entire head of hair at the same time. However, each roller must be heated individually, which adds time to the overall process.
Each of the foam rollers comes with a plastic shield, which helps keep the roller in place but also has vents to help your hair dry faster from the steam moisture. You can remove the rollers when your hair is completely dry. If you want to speed up the drying process, you can blow-dry your hair while you wear the rollers.
Although these low-heat curlers are great for fine hair, they are suitable for use on all hair types. Users with 4C hair (tightly coiled curls) report positive results, and customers with damaged hair appreciate that the steam rollers help prevent heat damage.
T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe
Best for Long Hair
Product Specifications
Barrel Size: 1.75” and 1.5” | Heating Time: NA | Temperature Settings: 2 | Number of Rollers: 8 | Roller Material: Ceramic with an aluminum core and velvet flocking
When styling longer hair, look for larger barrel sizes, which can accommodate more hair (thanks to a larger surface area) and yield looser waves. T3’s set of eight rollers consists of four extra-large rollers measuring 1.75 inches in diameter and four large rollers measuring 1.5 inches in diameter, both of which work best on medium to long hair (smaller rollers can be purchased separately and used with this kit). The result is beautiful, soft waves with volume and bounce.
Though they’re a splurge, these hot rollers are a customer favorite for their sleek, modern, black-and-rose gold design that’s a far cry from the bulky, colorful setups that call to mind a 1980s slumber party. They’re designed with a ceramic heater and aluminum core, which work together to retain the perfect temperature (choose from two heat settings) for lasting volume. Velvet flocking helps prevent creases and kinks, while the cool-grip edges let you handle the rollers without burning your fingers. It all comes packed in a storage case that’s suitable for travel.
These luxurious hot rollers are perfect for people with long hair who want loose, bouncy waves. The modern design looks elegant on a vanity, and the high-quality construction yields lasting curls.
How we analyzed the best hot rollers
We conducted in-depth research on more than 15 brands of hot rollers and narrowed our search down to the top five based on the number of rollers and their sizes, heat settings, convenience for travel and intuitive design. We consulted user reviews to better understand how each product performs in a real-life setting on various hair types.
How do hot rollers work?
First, the science: The keratin in your hair is held together by hydrogen molecular bonds, which can temporarily be modified by the application of heat and moisture.
Hot rollers come on a special base that is plugged into a power outlet to heat them up.
Once they are heated, you roll a small section of hair around each hot roller and fix it in place using the clips or pins provided. Wait for the hot rollers to cool — about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how tight you want your curls — then remove them from your hair.
Due to the heat and moisture from the hot rollers, your hair will now be curled.
Features to consider
Finish
Hot rollers come in two finishes: ribbed or flocked.
Ribbed hot rollers have small ridges, while flocked hot rollers have a velvety surface. Some users prefer ribbed rollers because they are easier to remove from hair.
Flocked rollers help hold hair in place better than ribbed hot rollers and are especially good for creating large curls. They also prevent creases and kinks.
An alternative to hot rollers, steam rollers are often constructed of foam with a plastic core.
Our top picks: Finish
- The Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter, the Conair Ceramic Hot Rollers and the T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe all have velvet flocking, which creates big, beautiful curls.
- If you prefer ribbed rollers, the Remington Compact Ceramic Dual Voltage Hair Setter & Rollers are an excellent ceramic choice.
- The Caruso 30-Piece Molecular Steam Hairsetter uses foam rollers with a plastic core.
Size
Hot rollers come in different sizes for different types of curls. Some sets contain a variety of different sizes, and some just have one size. Smaller rollers make tighter, ringlet-style curls. Larger rollers make big curls or waves, plus they create more volume at the root.
Remember that your hair length also plays a part in how the curls will turn out. If you put a large roller in short hair, you might end up with an inward or outward flick rather than full-on curls, because your hair is too short to wrap around the hot roller enough times.
Our top picks: Size
- Offering plenty of variety, the Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter kit contains 20 rollers in three different sizes: 1.25 inches, 1 inch and 0.75 inches.
- The travel-friendly Remington Compact Ceramic Dual Voltage Hair Setter & Rollers set contains 10 rollers in 1.25-inch and 1-inch sizes, perfect for quick curls on the go.
- The Conair Ceramic Hot Rollers measure 1.5 inches in diameter and provide voluminous waves. There are 12 rollers in the set.
- The Caruso 30-Piece Molecular Steam Hairsetter kit includes 30 rollers of various sizes, measuring between 0.6 inches and 1.75 inches, so you have plenty of styles to choose from.
- Best for creating loose, bouncy waves, the T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe bundle comes with eight rollers: half measure 1.75 inches and the rest measure 1.5 inches.
Heat settings
Some hot rollers have variable heat settings, while others only heat to one preset temperature.
For many people, hot rollers without variable heat settings work perfectly well.
However, if you have particularly fine hair, you might need a lower heat setting to prevent damage and obtain the best results. Steam rollers use less heat and are safer for use on fine or damaged hair.
Our top picks: Heat settings
- The Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter and the Remington Compact Ceramic Dual Voltage Hair Setter & Rollers only have one heat setting, but it’s suitable for most hair types.
- If you prefer a range, the Conair Ceramic Hot Rollers can be heated between 140 and 230 degrees.
- The Caruso 30-Piece Molecular Steam Hairsetter also operates on a single heat setting. However, this is much lower than the other heat rollers since it’s heated with steam. This makes this pick best suited for fine or damaged hair.
- The T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe operates at two different heat levels, making it suitable for a variety of hair types and textures.
Types of hot rollers
The body of the roller can be made from several materials, all of which have different properties.
Wax core rollers: These rollers have a wax core that retains heat longer, ensuring curls are set firmly and last longer. They are ideal for thick or difficult-to-curl hair.
Ceramic-infused rollers: They emit consistent heat and release negative ions to reduce frizz, enhancing shine. This makes them great for use on damage-prone hair.
Sponge or steam rollers: These rollers heat up quickly and are good for fast styling. They’re gentler on the hair since they don’t reach temperatures as high as hot rollers do, which makes them suitable for frequent use on fine or delicate hair types.
Velvet-covered rollers: They provide a gentle grip that reduces hair breakage and split ends, making them a good choice for use on fine or fragile hair. The velvet flocking also helps prevent unwanted creases or kinks from forming in your hair during the rolling process.
Additional considerations
When choosing the best hot rollers for you, consider how additional features will perform on your hair type and length in yielding the desired results.
- Number of rollers: If the set includes enough rollers to style all your hair in one session, it will be more convenient and efficient.
- Indicator light: This shows when the rollers are heated and ready to use.
- Cool-touch ends: These make handling the rollers easier and prevent burns when using them.
- Portability: If you travel often, consider compact designs or sets with a travel case. Dual-voltage options are also beneficial for international travel.
- Clip design: Most rollers include J-clips or claw clips, which are a matter of personal preference.
- Heating technology: Look for fast heating technology to save time and consistent heat distribution to ensure all curls set uniformly.
- Ionic technology: This helps neutralize static electricity and minimize frizz, promoting smoother, shinier hair.
Tips and tricks for using hot rollers
- Hairspray helps: Some users find a light hairspray helps hold their curls longer without weighing them down.
- Try a heat protectant: To avoid heat damage and split ends, put a heat-protecting serum on the ends of your hair before using your hot rollers.
- Go vertical: Place your hot rollers vertically in your hair rather than horizontally for a looser tousled effect and less volume.
- Look for different sizes: If you want to create different types of curls, choose a hot roller set with a variety of roller sizes.
- Change it up: Alternate the number of hot rollers in each layer of your hair for a more natural look. For instance, use two on each side in the top layer of your hair, three in the middle layer and two in the bottom layer.
- Different hair types need different heat levels: To create the best curls, you need a low heat setting if you have fine hair and a high heat setting if you have thick hair.
- Use your fingers: If brushing out your curls removes too much definition, try separating them with your fingers instead.
- Don’t start at the bottom: Placing the roller near your head and then wrapping your hair around it from top to bottom gives a more even curl, rather than having most of the curl focused near the ends of your hair.
- Look for ceramic: Ceramic rollers are the best type for damaged hair. The ceramic layer smooths hair and reduces frizz while helping to prevent further heat damage.
- Use clips: Stylists recommend using large hair clips around the outside of the hot rollers to keep them in place. The pins that come with some roller sets can leave creases in your curls.
FAQ
Q. What hairstyles can I create using hot rollers?
A. Of course, you can opt for classic curls with hot rollers, but you can create other hairstyles, too. For instance, textured waves, sleek waves, loose tousled curls, tight ringlets, big updos and vintage hair flicks are all attainable using hot rollers.
Q. Can hot rollers damage my hair?
A. Like any tool that styles your hair using heat, hot rollers can damage your hair. However, if you take good care of your hair generally and take precautions when using your hot rollers, this damage should be minimal. Put a heat protectant in your hair before you use your hot rollers, and use lower heat settings when possible, especially if you have fine hair.
Q. Are some hot rollers heavier than others?
A. Yes, some hot rollers are particularly light and others particularly heavy. The heaviest hot rollers can fall out of fine hair, and the lightest rollers might not curl thick hair effectively.
Our expertise
As BestReviews’ Content Editor focusing on Beauty and Personal Care, Talia Ergas brings well over a decade of lifestyle journalism experience to her work. She has specialized in the beauty category for eight years, and she has tested countless products in every corner of the beauty space from skin care to makeup to hair care.
