Remember those soft, squishy rollers your mom or grandma used to use? They might seem like a relic from the past, but foam hair rollers are making a major comeback, and for good reason. They are one of the gentlest ways to create beautiful, bouncy waves and voluminous curls without the heat damage. If you’re curious about how to get that classic, glamorous look, you’re in the right place.
Prepping Your Hair for Perfect Curls
For the best results, start with hair that is slightly damp, not soaking wet. After washing, gently towel-dry your hair and let it air dry for about 10-15 minutes. You can also spritz dry hair with a water bottle until it’s just moist. Applying a light-hold mousse or a volumizing spray at this stage will help your style last much longer. Avoid heavy creams or gels, as they can weigh down your hair and make it harder for the rollers to set.
The Simple Steps to Rolling Your Hair
Begin by sectioning your hair. Clip the top half of your hair out of the way and start with the bottom layers. Take a small section of hair, about two inches wide. The smaller the section, the tighter the curl will be. Place the end of the section into the roller and gently roll it upwards towards your scalp. The foam will naturally grip the hair, so there’s no need for clips or pins. The roller should hold itself in place when you roll it all the way up. Continue this process, working your way around your head until all of your hair is rolled up.
Letting Your Set Fully Develop
This is the most important part for long-lasting curls. You need to give your hair enough time to dry completely while in the rollers. For damp hair, this can take a few hours, so many people find it easiest to sleep in them. If you’re sleeping in them, try a loose, low ponytail on top of your head or a silk scarf to protect the style. For a quicker set, you can use a blow dryer on a cool setting to speed up the drying process.
Removing Rollers for Soft, Touchable Waves
Once your hair is completely dry, it’s time for the big reveal. Gently unroll each foam roller, starting from the bottom layers. Don’t just pull them straight out; unwind them carefully to maintain the curl pattern. After all the rollers are out, resist the urge to brush your hair. This will create frizz and break up the beautiful waves. Instead, simply flip your head over, run your fingers through your roots for extra volume, and gently shake out the curls. You’ll be left with soft, romantic waves that look effortlessly beautiful.
With a little patience, foam rollers can give you a gorgeous, heat-free hairstyle that feels both vintage and completely modern. It’s a simple routine that rewards you with stunning, healthy-looking hair.