11.08.2012

How To: Curls Without Hot Rollers

Do you own a set of hot rollers? I've owned the same set since the 90s--is that weird? Hot roller sets are great because you can set your curl, get longer-lasting curls, tighter curls, and you can leave the rollers in while you do your makeup/house errands. But sometimes hot rollers come across as dated, or not user-friendly. Not true! For those not in the market for a set, or you just want to practice before you get your own set, you can fake it at home. Here's how to get curls without hot rollers:


T O O L S
  • Curling iron (the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl)
  • Clips 
  • Hairspray
  • Heat protectant
  • Brush/comb
  • Optional: heat protectant glove
M E T H O D

Brush hair and apply heat protectant. Plug in and turn on curling iron. I'm going for the same size of curl, but if you'd like different-sized curls, then you'll need more than one size of iron.

Divide hair into 3 sections: left side, middle, right side. You can always divide your hair however you'd like.


Take about a 1 to 2 inch section of hair and roll under in the curling iron from ends to root.

Hold about 10 seconds.


Ok, this is kind of the tricky part. You need to slide the curl off of the iron while maintaining the curl shape. I'm using one of the clips, but if you have a glove, like ones included with curling wands, this step will be much easier. 

{invisible rollers in place + curls}

As you catch the hot curl carefully, pin it into place. It should look like there's an invisible roller in your hair.

Repeat on the rest of your hair. I like to start at the top of my section and move down. Spray with hairspray to set, if desired.

Allow to cool and set for 5-15 minutes. Visiting my blog: optional.

Remove the pins and break up the curls with your fingers to style. Spray again if needed/desired.

{settled down curls}

T I P S
  • Hot rollers do work better, as they trap the heat, but this technique is a great way to fake the look.
  • If you have a hard time sliding the hot curl off the iron, don't worry! Simply roll the curl around your fingers and clip.
  • I used "duck bill" clips here, but bobby pins work in a pinch.
  • The curling iron I used is 1 inch, but 1.5 inch will give looser curls.
  • If your curls end up too curly (not a bad thing!), simply pull the curled sections.
  • If you're looking for more volume with your curls, try velcro rollers and these tutorials:
PS: I have a giveaway for the ENTIRE OWN RENEWING Skincare Line!

40 comments:

  1. Great tips, I really dislike the long process of curling my hair lol, xoxo.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Another creative tip, Elle:) And seriously, I've said it before....you should totally do a hair commercial!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You're reminding me I need to find good hot rollers. Thanks for the tip about using a curling iron!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really needed this tutorial, thanks so much Elle, I've been struggling with my curling iron, for some reason, my hair cannot hold a curl...I will try the clipping part, looks like it will work!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your hair is BEAUTIFUL! What a great tutorial!

    My hair is so straight it never stays curled. But I'll have to try this...I'm sure it would help a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love this technique! I'm usually so impatient- just curling around my head and not pinning as I go, which means the curls often fall on one side by the time I'm done curling the other side. Definitely need to try this. :)

    -Ashley
    http://lerougestylo.blog.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. GORGEOUS hair!!! the curls came out superb!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great idea! I've been meaning to get some hot rollers but in the meantime I will be using this tip, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful curls! I wish I had the patience to do this!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I do still have hot rollers but havent used them in forever. The rollers are just too small so I always get ringlets which I think I'm a little old for :) Your hair turned out lovely

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great post. I have hot curler but I don't use them often. Also don't use my curling iron either.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I used old toilet paper rolls.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I didn't even think about using clips to keep the curls in while I curled the rest of my hair. I usually just end up loading up my hair with hairspray to get it to hold.... the downside of super straight, fine hair lol. Thanks for this tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  14. You look glamourous! Such a great idea. xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. I still use hot rollers from time to time, but these are great tips for great curls without them! Thanks

    Rebecca
    www.winnipegstyle.ca

    ReplyDelete
  16. I do something similar to that but I curl after I blow dry each strand of hair

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your hair looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing how you did it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ohhh, lovely, I'm going to use these tips for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Who would have known?! You are like a wealth of knowledge!!! Love this!
    xoAmy
    www.dreamingincashmere.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Elle, you have such beautiful hair. I keep telling myself that I need to get a hot iron. I should just just do it so I can define my curls.
    XO
    Zhanna
    www.lifeandbows.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. You have gorgeous hair! I've never used a curler before but I think i should give it a go

    ReplyDelete
  22. Stunning DIY, thank you for making this so easy with step by step instructions! There's a new post up on my blog and I'd love to hear what you think of it, so feel free to stop by!

    ♡ veena | seveninchstilettos.com
    twitter/instagram: @veenamccoole

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lovely curls, and that necklace is so pretty! Hope you're having a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a great tutorial! I love my hot rollers but they're so clunky for travelling, I usually just leave them at home and suffer... I had no idea I could do the same style of curls this way!
    xox,
    Cee

    ReplyDelete
  25. You make it look so easy!!! I have the hardest time curling with a curling iron!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your hair looks great! I sometimes use my hair straightener to curl.

    LUXESSED

    ReplyDelete
  27. This tutorial is absolutely amazing, thank you so much for sharing! Your hair looks gorgeous.

    xoxo, Meera
    www.momentswithmeera.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. These curls look beautiful!

    <3 Melissa
    wildflwrchild.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Your hair looks fantastic! Definitely going to give my curling iron another try!
    Lexi @ Glitter, Inc.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I NEED a curler!! I have actually put it on my santa's list... hehe... fingers crossed ;) x

    ReplyDelete
  31. I've had the hardest time finding a small curling iron - not a small barrel but a small compact one. The big ones are just too difficult for me to use! :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. GORGEOUS!!!! I do something similar with the curling iron and then I immediately put in Velcro rollers. That is more volume, but I like this for more defined curls. Thanks for sharing pretty girl!

    ReplyDelete

I respond to comments via email, so make sure I can respond!
For a faster response, please use Twitter or email: elleseesyou@gmail.com

More ways to keep up with me: Bloglovin, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram , Youtube or email: elleseesyou@gmail.com

You made my day by visiting! See ya tomorrow :)