How Do You Use Velcro Hair Rollers for Perfect Curls?
In the quest for perfect curls without the extensive damage caused by hot tools, many turn to a tried-and-true method: Velcro hair rollers. This traditional hair styling technique offers a gentle way to achieve voluminous curls or waves, appealing to those looking to minimize heat exposure on their hair.
Understanding how to use Velcro hair rollers effectively can transform your hair styling routine, providing long-lasting curls with minimal effort and hair health in mind. This article will guide readers through the essential steps of using Velcro hair rollers, from preparation to the final styling touches.
Initially, it will delve into understanding Velcro rollers and why they are a valuable tool for anyone looking to add curl, volume, or wave to their hair without heat. Following this, it will outline how to properly prepare your hair for the best results with Velcro rollers, provide a step-by-step guide on their application, and finally, offer advice on removing the rollers and styling your hair.
Whether you’re new to Velcro rollers or looking to refine your technique, this comprehensive overview will ensure you achieve the perfect curls every time.
Understanding Velcro Rollers

What Are Velcro Rollers?
Velcro rollers are essentially hollow plastic cylinders covered with a layer of Velcro. This design allows the rollers to grip the hair without the need for additional fasteners like clips.
The tiny hooks on the Velcro act similarly to those on fastening strips of children’s shoes, but unlike these strips, there is no fuzzy fabric side for the hooks to adhere to. This self-gripping feature simplifies the process of rolling up the hair, whether it’s dry or damp, making them a straightforward tool for creating volume and body in various hairstyles.
Why Velcro Rollers Are Trending
Recently, Velcro rollers have surged in popularity, driven by social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where trends like the ’90s bouncy blowout and voluminous waves dominate.
They offer a less expensive alternative to high-end styling tools like the Dyson Airwrap, providing a similar voluminous look for a fraction of the price. Their ease of use and effectiveness in creating styles that require less heat make them particularly appealing. This resurgence is also fueled by a nostalgia for vintage beauty tools and the desire for styles that reduce heat damage, thereby promoting healthier hair.
Different Sizes of Velcro Rollers and Their Uses
Velcro rollers come in a variety of sizes, each suited for different hair lengths and desired styles. Short hair velcro rollers are typically used for shorter hair to create tighter curls or more defined waves. Medium rollers are versatile and can be used on various hair lengths for looser curls or waves with some lift.
Large and jumbo rollers are ideal for long hair, aimed at creating big, bouncy curls and adding significant volume at the roots. The choice of roller size significantly influences the final look, from tight ringlets to soft, flowing waves, making Velcro hair rollers a flexible tool in styling arsenals.
Prepping Your Hair for Velcro Rollers

To achieve the best results with Velcro hair rollers and clips, preparing your hair correctly is crucial. This preparation ensures that the rollers can grip the hair effectively, creating beautiful, lasting curls. Here, we’ll guide you through the essential steps, from choosing the right time to use the rollers to applying the appropriate products for optimal grip.
Choosing the Right Time to Use Velcro Rollers
- Damp or Dry Hair: Velcro hair rollers can be used on both damp and dry hair. The choice depends on your schedule and the desired outcome. Using them on damp hair generally yields tighter curls, while dry hair tends to offer a softer, more voluminous look.
- Time Efficiency: For those in a hurry, combining Velcro rollers with a blow-dryer can significantly speed up the process. This method allows for quick styling without compromising on the quality of the curls.
Washing and Drying Your Hair
- Start with Clean Hair: Freshly washed hair responds better to styling. Begin by washing your hair with your regular shampoo and conditioner to remove any build-up that could affect the rollers’ grip.
- Detangling: After washing, gently detangle your hair with a paddle brush. Removing tangles beforehand prevents them from worsening when the hair is rolled, ensuring a smoother process and reducing the risk of damage.
Applying the Right Hair Products for Grip
- Product Selection: The type of product you use depends on whether your hair is damp or dry when you start. For damp hair, a mousse like Amika Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse is recommended to enhance grip and volume. For dry hair, a product such as Kevin Murphy Blow Dry Ever Lift can be brushed through to prepare the hair for rolling.
- Fine and Thin Hair Considerations: If you have fine or thin hair, opt for lightweight products that won’t weigh your hair down. A mousse or foam designed for fine hair can add volume and hold without the heaviness. Additionally, applying a heat protectant spray before using rollers can shield your hair from potential damage and maintain the integrity of the curls.
- Heat Protection: Regardless of hair type, using heat protection products is essential, especially if you’re incorporating a blow-dryer into the process. Look for lightweight sprays that offer protection without leaving your hair flat or oily. Many of these products contain ingredients like keratin to strengthen hair or are formulated without sulfates, parabens, and silicones for a healthier finish.
- Even Application: Ensure that the product is evenly distributed throughout your hair, focusing on the ends to prevent them from falling flat. This even application helps in achieving uniform curls that last longer.
By following these preparatory steps, you set the stage for using Velcro rollers effectively. Proper preparation not only facilitates easier styling but also contributes to the overall health and appearance of your curls.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Velcro Hair Rollers

Sectioning Your Hair for Roller Application
- Start at the Crown: Using a comb, one should create a four- to six-inch section at the crown of the head. This is the initial step towards achieving volume and curls at the top of the head, which significantly impacts the overall look.
- Create Subsections: From the crown section, begin making a 1 to 1 ½-inch part at the front of that section, sized to fit the roller. This precise sectioning ensures that the hair wraps neatly around the roller without bulging or slipping.
- Secure Sections: For those with thick or straight hair that might need extra hold, securing the roller at the root with a clip or bobby pins can provide additional grip. This ensures that the roller stays in place, particularly for hair types that might not cling to the Velcro as easily.
Rolling Techniques for Different Hair Sections
- Rolling Direction: When rolling the hair, it’s crucial to wind the hair in the roller forward, toward the forehead, especially for the sections at the front. This technique helps in lifting the roots and creating volume at the front.
- Width of Hair Sections: The width of the hair section should match the width of the roller. This prevents the hair from spilling over the sides of the roller, which could lead to uneven curls or waves.
- Rolling the Front Pieces: For the front pieces, rolling them inwards can create a flattering, face-framing effect. This technique can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of the curls or waves.
- Rolling Underneath: For most of the hair, rolling so that the hair is underneath the roller (rolling upwards) is preferred. This helps in creating volume and lift, especially at the roots.
Heat Application and Setting the Rollers
- Using Heat for Setting: Applying heat to the rollers after they are in place can help set the curls more effectively. One can use a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment on a high heat setting but with low airflow. Direct the airflow in the same direction the hair was rolled to avoid frizz.
- Duration for Keeping Rollers: Rollers should be left in the hair for a minimum of 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes, depending on the desired tightness of the curls. This time allows the hair to cool and set into the curled shape.
- Cooling is Crucial: Before removing the rollers, ensuring that the hair is entirely cool is vital. The cooling process is what sets the hair in its new shape, as heat or moisture can make hair more malleable, and cooling solidifies the styling.
By adhering to these steps and techniques, one can effectively use Velcro hair rollers for volume to achieve beautiful curls or waves. Whether aiming for a bouncy blowout or soft waves, the key lies in precise sectioning, correct rolling techniques, and proper heat application to set the style.
How to take out velcro rollers

To ensure your curls or waves maintain their shape and volume after using Velcro rollers, it’s crucial to remove them correctly and style your hair with the right techniques. Let’s explore the best practices for removing Velcro rollers without tangling, creating the desired volume and style, and using hair spray for a lasting hold and finish.
The Correct Way to Remove Rollers Without Tangling
- Start from the Bottom: Begin by carefully removing the rollers from the bottom sections of your hair, working your way up. This method helps prevent the rollers at the top from getting tangled with the rest of your hair.
- Unroll, Don’t Pull: Hold the roller by its sides and gently unroll the hair away from your head. Avoid pulling or slipping the rollers out as this can cause tangling and disrupt the curl’s shape.
- Follow the Rolling Direction: Make sure to unroll the rollers in the same direction the hair was initially rolled. This ensures a smooth removal and maintains the integrity of the curls or waves.
Creating Desired Volume and Style
- Tousle with Fingers: Once all the rollers are removed, use your fingers to gently run through your hair. Start from the scalp and work your way down, loosening up the curls and letting them fall naturally. This step helps create movement and volume.
- Flip and Shake: For added volume, flip your hair forward and then back again, shaking it gently to let the curls settle into place. This technique enhances root lift and gives your hair a fuller appearance.
- Shape and Define: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to carefully shape the curls or waves, starting just beyond the roots and stopping before reaching the ends. This helps define the style without flattening the volume you’ve created.
Using Hair Spray for Hold and Finish
- Choose the Right Product: Select a hair spray that offers a flexible hold without leaving your hair feeling crunchy. Look for products that can keep your style intact while still allowing for natural movement.
- Apply at the Roots: Lightly mist hair spray or dry shampoo at the roots, then tousle your hair from side to side as the product sets. This technique boosts root lift and ensures your style stays elevated throughout the day.
- Mold with Spray: To make your hair mold more easily to the rollers next time, consider spritzing each section with hair spray before rolling. This prep step can help your curls or waves hold their shape longer and make styling more efficient.
By following these steps, you can remove Velcro hair rollers without causing tangles, create the volume and style you desire, and use hair spray to ensure your curls or waves hold their shape and finish. Whether you’re aiming for a bouncy blowout or soft, flowing waves, these techniques will help you achieve the perfect look with minimal effort.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we’ve journeyed from understanding the appeal and functionality of Velcro hair rollers to mastering their use for creating enviable curls or waves while minimizing hair damage.
We’ve laid out a detailed roadmap for choosing the correct rollers, preparing the hair, the step-by-step application process, and finally, the art of removing and styling your locks post-curling. This comprehensive guide not only aims to facilitate your styling process but also underscores the significance of adopting heat-less styling methods for maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
Embracing Velcro rollers as a styling tool opens up a realm of possibilities for achieving salon-worthy hairstyles at home, sparing your hair from the detrimental effects of frequent heat exposure. As you implement these techniques into your haircare routine, remember that patience and practice are key to perfecting your desired look.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply looking to infuse some volume and texture into your daily hairstyle, the versatility and gentle nature of Velcro rollers make them an indispensable ally in your journey toward healthier, more beautiful hair.




