How to Use Velcro Rollers to Give Your Hair More Body

Step-by-step directions and a few awesome tips
By Julyne Derrick
 
I feel like I've seen an inordinate amount of celebrities on TV with their hair wound up in Velcro rollers. They are usually sitting in a chair on their cell phones while someone valiantly attempts to do their makeup.

So what's the big deal with Velcro rollers? Why would one use them?

Rollers are the secret to adding volume and body to hair, especially around the crown area.

"Many hairstylists set their clients' hair in curlers no matter what style they're going for, from updos to long waves," says says pro stylist Garren in InStyle magazine. "They give the hair a lush fullness you can't get otherwise."

You can use those old-fashioned hot rollers you probably have stored away in the back of your bathroom closet, but Velcro rollers are the hot tools of choice. And the bigger the size of the roller, the better, otherwise you can end up with curls, when what you are really going after is body.

You don't need long hair to use rollers. Because Velcro rollers come in all sizes, you can use smaller ones for shorter hair.

To ensure a strong set, spritz hairspray or a setting spray to sections of hair before wrapping them around a roller. And rollers work best on hair that's been blow-dried. Any moisture in your hair and it won't keep a curl.
 
The best thing is you don't have to roll your entire head to get the desired effect. For optimal volume for little effort, simply roll the top section of hair. You can also just roll your bangs if you choose, or even your entire head.

Step-by-Step DirectionsHere's how to properly use Velcro or hot rollers to give your hair more body:

1. I usually skip this step, but some women swear by it. Separate your hair into sections. To do this, first separate your hair horizontally into a top section and a bottom section by taking your thumbs and running them through your hair from the top of your ears to the back. Then separate the top and bottom sections into 3 sections. Your sections should be about 2- to 3-inches and never wider than the roller.
2. Starting with the top middle section, spritz hair with product then wind hair up or under (it's up to you). Secure.
3. Continue wrapping hair all around the head. If you have a lot of hair (I have a ton of fine hair), you may need to do more sections than if you don't have much hair.
4. Blast your curled hair with a blowdryer.
5. Let set for at least 10 minutes. I recommend doing your makeup while your hair sets.
6. Remove the rollers carefully, hair can easily tangle in a Velcro roller.
7. Finger comb hair and end with a spritz of hairspray. Don't go overboard with the spray, you want hair to move.

How to Use Hot Rollers to Give Hair VolumeIf you are using hot rollers, it's best to use ones with a metal core. The heat transmits much more effectively. Hot rollers can make hair too curly. To combat this, try leaving out the ends of your hair, says stylist Eva Scrivo in her book Eva Scrivo on Beauty. To do this, position the roller 1 to 2 inches from the end of your hair and roll toward the head, leaving the ends out. Scrivo recommends palming a dab of pomade or wax through hair to give it that "sexy, slept-in look."