How to Use Hot Rollers for Volume, Curls, and a Blowout Look

Big, bouncy hair is back. Although, if you ask us, it never really left.

Hot rollers are one of those styling tools that can look deceptively simple: heat, roll, clip, wait. But roller size, section size, placement, direction, and even when you take your rollers out can completely change the finished look.

Whether you want major root volume, soft movement, face-framing curls, or that fresh-from-the-salon blowout look, learning how to use hot rollers gives you plenty of ways to change up your style without spending the morning working section by section with a curling iron.

And with the Amplifying Hot Rollers by RevAir, we're making it even easier to get rolling.

What Are Hot Rollers?

Hot rollers use a combination of heat, tension, and cooling to temporarily reshape dry hair.

Unlike a curling iron, where you heat and release each section individually, a hot roller holds the hair in its new shape while it cools. That cooling time is an important part of the process. As the hair cools around the roller, the style begins to set.

The result depends on several things, including:

• Roller size
• Size of the hair section
• Roller placement
• Direction you roll
• How long the rollers remain in your hair
• Your hair type and texture

That means the same set of hot rollers can create everything from soft volume to more defined curls.

Using Hot Rollers Step by Step

Step 1: Start With Dry Hair

Hot rollers should be used on completely dry hair.

Starting with a smooth, dry foundation makes it easier to create even sections, maintain tension as you roll, and get the polished finish associated with a classic blowout.

If you're using your Reverse-Air Dryer before your roller set, dry and smooth your hair first before moving on to the Amplifying Hot Rollers.

Step 2: Heat Your Rollers

Allow your hot rollers to heat completely before beginning your set.

The Ready Dot on the RevAir Amplifying Hot Rollers helps take the guesswork out of knowing when your rollers are ready to use.

While they're heating, brush through your hair and decide what kind of finished look you want. Your desired result will help determine where you place your rollers and which sizes you use.

Step 3: Section Your Hair

Working with clean sections makes rolling easier and helps distribute the hair evenly around each roller.

As a general rule, the section of hair should not be significantly wider than the roller you're using.

If you put too much hair on one roller, the heat may not distribute as effectively through the section, and the roller may be more difficult to secure.

Step 4: Choose Your Roller Size

You don't have to use the same size everywhere.

For a voluminous blowout look, for example, try larger rollers through the crown and use smaller rollers around the face or wherever you'd like more movement.

Step 5: Roll With Tension

Take your section of hair and hold it away from the scalp.

Place the roller near the ends and carefully wrap the hair around it, keeping the ends smooth as you begin to roll.

Continue rolling toward the scalp while maintaining gentle, even tension.

Once the roller reaches the scalp, secure it with a clip.

RevAir Tip: Pay attention to those ends. Making sure they're smooth around the roller helps prevent unwanted bends or creases in the finished style.

Step 6: Think About Direction

The direction you roll your hair affects where it falls when the rollers come out.

There isn't one "correct" roller pattern. Placement is another way to customize the finished result.

Step 7: Let Them Cool

This might be the hardest part.

Don't rush the cool-down.

Heat helps make the hair more flexible, but cooling helps the hair retain its new shape. Removing hot rollers while they're still warm can cause curls and volume to fall more quickly.

Leave your rollers in until both the roller and the hair wrapped around it have cooled.

Use the time to do your makeup, get dressed, drink your coffee, answer an email, or simply enjoy having an excellent excuse to sit still for a few minutes.

Step 8: Remove the Rollers

Remove the clips and gently unwind each roller.

Avoid pulling the roller straight out of the hair. Instead, follow the curl as you release it.

And don't immediately brush everything out.

Give the curls a moment to settle first.

Step 9: Finish Your Style

Now decide what kind of finish you want.

For big, soft blowout hair, gently brush through the curls.

For more defined curls, separate them lightly with your fingers.

For maximum volume, use your fingers to lift and loosen the hair around the roots.

Finish with your favorite styling or finishing product as needed.

How Long Should You Leave Hot Rollers In?

Instead of watching the clock, watch the temperature.

Your rollers should remain in place until they and the hair wrapped around them have cooled.

The exact amount of time can vary depending on your hair density, section size, roller size, and the temperature of your environment.

If your rollers still feel warm, give them more time.

 

Common Hot Roller Mistakes

If your hot roller set isn't giving you the results you expected, one of these may be the culprit.

Taking Them Out Too Soon

Warm hair hasn't finished setting. Let your rollers cool before removing them.

Using Sections That Are Too Large

Too much hair on a roller can make it difficult to heat, roll, and secure the section evenly.

Ignoring Roller Direction

If every roller goes in without considering where you want the hair to fall, your finished style may not behave the way you expected.

Rolling the Ends Unevenly

Wrinkled or folded ends can create bends instead of a smooth curl.

Your Blowout, Amplified

Sometimes you want a little lift at the crown. Sometimes you want to bend the ends, refresh yesterday's style, add soft curls, or go all in on a full, bouncy blowout.

The Amplifying Hot Rollers by RevAir were designed to give you options. With two roller sizes and your choice of crease-free claw clips or traditional U-clips, you can customize your set based on your hair, your style, and how much volume or movement you're after.

Whether you're setting your whole head or adding a few rollers exactly where you want them, it's an easy way to bring more body, bounce, and shape to your finished style.

Hot Roller FAQs

Do you put hot rollers on wet or dry hair?

Hot rollers should be used on completely dry hair. Always follow the instructions provided with your specific hot roller set.

Should I put hot rollers in before or after blow-drying?

After. Completely dry your hair before using hot rollers.

Why do my curls fall after using hot rollers?

Removing the rollers before your hair has cooled, using sections that are too large, or choosing a roller that's too large for the amount of curl you're trying to achieve can all affect how well your style holds.

Which direction should I roll my hair?

It depends on the look you're creating. Rolling away from the face creates an open, sweeping effect around the front. At the crown, lifting the hair before rolling can help create additional root volume.

Should I brush my hair after taking out hot rollers?

You can. For a soft blowout finish, allow the curls to settle briefly before gently brushing through them. For more definition, separate the curls with your fingers instead.

Can hot rollers create curls as well as volume?

Yes. Roller size, section size, placement, and direction all influence the finished result. Smaller rollers generally create more curl, while larger rollers produce softer movement and volume.