Using hot rollers to style your hair might seem like an old fashioned method, but there's a good reason why this technique is still used. Curlers create curls that look natural and fall elegantly over the shoulders. Learn to use them to create classic curls, soft waves and ringlets.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Classic Curls
Step 1. Prepare the curlers
Plug the rollers container into an outlet so that they are hot when you need to pin them to your hair. If this is your first time using thermal curlers, read the instructions and make sure you use them correctly.
Step 2. Spray your hair with a soft hold hairspray
Start with dry hair, as the hair will not hold curls if you use this method on wet hair. Spray your hair evenly with hairspray, which will help define the curls as you go.
Step 3. Divide the hair into three sections
Splitting your hair into sections will help you fix the curlers better and make sure they are all curled well, especially if you have very thick and long hair. Divide them into three sections: one central, one right and one left. You can achieve this by using a comb to create two parts, one on each side of the head, and holding the different sections in place with hair clips.
Step 4. Put the curlers in the middle section
Starting at the front, roll a strand of hair to the first curler. Wrap the hair back towards the head so that the front part of the hair moves away from the forehead and goes over the curler. Stop the curler with a hairpin of the right size. Continue rolling your hair until the entire middle section is complete.
- Roll your hair in different directions if you don't want even curls. Roll some sections of hair forward, others backward. This way the curls will look more natural.
- For small, tight curls, use the smaller curlers. Use medium curlers for classic curls.
Step 5. Put the curlers in the side sections
Start at the top of your head and wrap a strand on a hot curler. Wrap it tightly towards your head so that it stays horizontal just above your forehead, then secure it with an appropriately sized bobby pin. Continue to put the curlers in this section of hair, moving towards the nape of the neck. Repeat with the hair on the other side of the head until all the curlers are fixed.
Step 6. Apply more hairspray and let the curls set
Use a strong hold hairspray and spray your entire head, making sure to cover each curler. This will ensure that the curls remain intact once the curlers are removed. Hold the curlers on your head until they have cooled completely, about 20 minutes.
Step 7. Remove the curlers
Remove the bobby pins and let the curls fall naturally. With your fingers, separate and loosen the curls. For extra hold, spray some hairspray again.
Method 2 of 3: Soft Waves
Step 1. Heat the curlers
To get soft waves use the largest curlers you have. Plug in the container and let them warm up while you prep your hair.
Step 2. Put some mousse in your hair
Rub the mousse between your palms and apply it to dry hair. This will help your hair hold its shape as the curlers work.
Step 3. Separate your hair into sections
The method of creating soft waves is similar to that of creating classic curls. Use a comb to separate your hair into three sections: one center, one right and one left. Hold the three sections in place with hair clips.
Step 4. Put the curlers in the middle part
Roll the hair on the front of the head onto a large curler. Wrap your hair back so that the hair pulls to the opposite side of your forehead and the curler stays horizontal above your head. Use a bobby pin to secure the curler. Continue to wrap the middle section hair until it reaches the nape of the neck.
- For soft waves, try rolling your hair in different directions. Wrap some strands up, others down, so that the waves look soft and natural.
- You can also try using different sized curlers in different places to create different sized waves.
Step 5. Put the curlers in the side sections
Starting to work from the top of the head, wrap a strand of hair in a curler. Secure it, and then continue with the strand right under the curler. Keep wrapping your hair until you have reached the base of the hair. Repeat on the other side of the head. Now all of your hair should be wrapped in curlers.
Step 6. Spray your hair with hairspray and leave the curlers on until completely cool, about 20 minutes
. Use a light hold hairspray to spray your hair.
Step 7. Remove the curlers and brush your hair
Remove the bobby pins from the curlers and let your hair down. Using your fingers or a brush, gently brush the curls turning them into soft waves. Apply mousse to your hair to make the waves last all day.
Method 3 of 3: Ringlets
Step 1. Heat the curlers
For curls, you'll need the smallest curlers you can find. If your set only has large curlers, borrow them from a friend, or buy another pack. Plug in the curler container and let them warm up while you prep your hair for the curls.
Step 2. Spray your hair with hairspray
When your hair is dry, spray it evenly with a good amount of hairspray. This will keep your curls tight while they're wrapped in curlers.
Step 3. Divide your hair into sections
Dividing your hair into three sections will make it easier to create curls. Make a middle section with two side sections. Use a comb to create a parting on both sides of the head and separate the sections, then keep them apart using hair clips.
Step 4. Wrap the core around the rollers
To create curls, wrap your hair vertically instead of horizontally. Grab a small section of hair just above the forehead. Hold the curler near the tip of the hair and wrap it up to the root of the hair, so that the curler stands upright instead of to the side. Repeat with the next strand and continue like this up to the neck. Make as many vertical lines of curlers as needed to roll all the hair.
Step 5. Put the side sections into the curlers
Wrap your hair in vertical lines that extend from the top of your head, behind your ears and down to your neck. Wrap all the hair on one side, then repeat the same operation for the other side. At this point all of your hair should be wrapped in vertical lines.
Step 6. Spray your hair with hairspray and let the curls set
Use strong hold hairspray to spray all of your hair. Hold the curlers until they are completely cool, about 20 minutes.
Step 7. Remove the curlers
Carefully remove the bobby pins holding the curlers in place and let the curls fall out. As you remove the curlers, you will notice that your hair falls out in small shiny curls. Apply some gel with your fingers or spray more hairspray. Don't brush your hair or the curls will come undone.
