How to Use Velcro Rollers (Because They're Baaaack)

Remember those velcro rollers your mom used to wear in her hair while walking around the house? Well, they’re back and bigger than ever. (A quick search of the #velcrorollers hashtag on TikTok and you’ll find millions of views for tutorials featuring them.)

After seeing the impressively buoyant results these little rollers can yield, we were determined to figure out how to use them ourselves, so we tapped Barry Lee Moe, a celebrity hairstylist on behalf of UNITE Hair and Danielle Priano, a New York-based celebrity hairstylist for their best tips.

“After nearly two years in a pandemic, people are investing more time in self-care and grooming on their own,” says Moe. “Also, with less trips to the salon for blow-outs, velcro rollers have quickly become the go-to styling tool to create voluminous, sleek results at home.”

Priano agrees, adding, “Hair rollers are easy to use and give you extra volume without the added damage of a heated iron,” which ups their mass appeal.

“Velcro rollers can be used by everyone, but have the most effective results on short to mid-length hair. If you’re looking for maximum volume, the largest roller size is your friend. If you’re after a bit more defined curl and bounce, use the medium size roller through the crown and then switch to a smaller size for everything below that.”

If you have naturally textured hair, Priano recommends blowing out your hair before using the rollers so they’re easier to apply, don’t get tangled and yield smoother results.

Step 1: “After cleansing and conditioning your hair as usual, make sure it’s detangled thoroughly and then roughly dry until it’s only slightly damp,” says Moe.

Step 2: Next, apply mousse from roots to ends and “using a comb, separate your hair into sections that are about the width of the rollers you are using,” advises Priano.

Step 3: Grab the end of each section, and roll the hair forward, toward the crown. Repeat all over head (or wherever you want extra volume).

Step 4: This step is optional. However, if you want a stronger hold, Moe recommends either investing in a bonnet dryer (he likes the Gold ‘N Hot Ionic Soft Bonnet Dryer) or using a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to apply heat to the rollers for a few seconds per section and then letting them cool down to set your hair.

Step 5: If you prefer a heatless style, simply leave the rollers in for 15 to 30 minutes—or until your hair has completely dried.

Step 6: When you’re ready to remove the rollers, gently unravel them one by one, following the same direction they were rolled in. “Pulling them out too aggressively can create tangles or disrupt the volume you’ve achieved, so do not rush this process,” cautions Priano.

Step 7: Flip your head upside down and mist on a flexible hold hairspray. (Priano notes that it’s key that you don’t use too much hairspray, otherwise the sections can stick together.)

Step 8: “Use your fingers to gently rake the hairspray through your hair while still upside down. Then, flip your hair back and refine specific sections with a wide tooth comb or your fingertips to finish,” says Moe.

“Always make sure your hair is fully detangled before using rollers,” emphasizes Moe. “The smoother your hair is when you roll it up, the sleeker the finish will be after. And again, be patient and take your time with each section.”

Now go get that bouncy hair of your dreams.