best rated travel hot rollers

CONFIDENCE, COMMUNITY, AND JOY

Skincare Ingredients A-Z
Skin Concerns
Hair Removal
Moisturizers
Tools and Techniques
Hair Concerns
Hair Styling
Fashion Trends
What to Wear
Accessories
Clothing and Apparel
Celebrities
Product and Brand News
Trends and Innovation
Amazon Picks
Gift Guides
Product Reviews
Mental Health and Mood
The Byrdie Team
Editorial Guidelines
Editorial Policy
Terms of Use and Policies
Privacy Policy

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Hair Products And Tools

These 7 Best Hot Rollers Gave Us Bouncy Curls That Lasted

Get ready to roll.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
What To Look For
Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

Hot rollers are like regular hair rollers , except they heat up to provide faster, longer-lasting results . The technology isn't anything new—it's been around for nearly 100 years. And while the process might look like something from a 1960s sleepover, it remains one of the best ways to achieve voluminous curls , coils, and waves. The kits can look intimidating, but compared to their unheated counterparts, hot rollers are pretty user-friendly and efficient. Anthony Nader , a celebrity hairstylist and owner of Raw Anthony Nader, says the best hot curlers are ones with velvet lining which causes the least amount of kink (it also doesn't hurt if they're ceramic-lined, aka safer for your hair).

So, which sets stand out from the rest? We researched and tested standout sets that promise efficiency, body, and bounce . After trying them out in The Lab , our New York City testing facility, we asked our team to be brutally honest. We then scored each set of hot rollers based on how easy they were to use, how well they held in hair, and how smooth the removal process went. Then, with the advice of a professional hairstylist, we compiled the rankings and landed on these rollers that will get your hair bouncing in no time.

Best Overall

Babyliss pro 20 roller hairsetter.

Material: Ceramic titanium | Amount: 20 | Diameter: 0.75, 1, 1.25 inches | Features: Velvet flocking, butterfly wire clips, infrared heating

The Nano Titanium from BaBylissPro genuinely stood up to and often surpassed the more expensive options we tested across the categories. It comes with 20 ceramic-titanium rollers ranging from 0.75 to 1.25 inches in diameter, offering a good amount of curl variety . It was the most comfortable set of rollers we tried—the rollers didn't put pressure on scalps and weren't too tight or loose . The rollers didn't snag as we removed them and didn't cause noticeable damage or change the hair's texture. The best part: they left us with perfectly bouncy curls that lasted . While the clips required a little force to get on, they worked well and came out with ease. We just wish the temperature of the curlers was adjustable.

Byrdie / Tamara Staples

Byrdie / Alex Jiang

Best for Damaged Hair

Caruso ionic molecular steam setter.

Material: Plastic, foam | Amount: 30 | Diameter: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5 inches | Features: Steaming device

We love the Caruso Ionic Steam Setter for damaged and/or chemically-treated hair. It relies on a steaming process that doesn't use heat so it's less damaging to the hair . We loved almost everything about this set, from how compact it is and how pretty (and frizz-free ) the results were. That said, there was a bit of a learning curve as it pertains to the fasteners. Once we got the hang of it, though, we were pleasantly surprised with the crease-free results. Our curls looked super defined and voluptuous.

Best for Fine Hair

Remington ionic conditioning hair setter.

Material: Ceramic | Amount: 20 | Diameter: 0.75, 1, 1.25 inches | Features: Metal J-clips, velvet flocking, cool-touch ends

If your hair is on the finer side, or you're after a good boost of volume, the Remington Hair Setter has your name on it. We love this kit, not just because it's one of the most affordable ones we tested, but because it created perfect curls with no kinks in sight . These ceramic rollers come with color-coordinated metal pins that match the different barrel sizes and offer a super-secure hold. You'll see results after the curlers are in for just five minutes. Once we pulled them out, we were thoroughly impressed with our hair's long-lasting body and definition.

Best Splurge

T3 hot rollers.

Material: Ceramic, aluminum | Amount: 8 | Diameter: 1.5, 1.75 inches | Features: Velvet flocking, crease-free clips, cool-touch ends, two heat settings, auto-shutoff

You won't regret investing in a set of T3 Hot Rollers. While it only comes with eight rollers, there's a lot to love about this sleekly-designed, feature-rich kit . The ceramic barrels are coated with velvet flocking to protect your hair, and the ends have a cool-touch grip to prevent burning. The curlers were easy to remove and we didn't notice any damage. After pulling them out, they left large, glammed-up curls in their wake. We loved the modern display stand (especially in comparison to the retro-looking caboodles).

Best for Long Hair

Chi smart magnify ceramic rollers.

Material: Ceramic | Amount: 9 | Diameter: 1–1.25 inches | Features: Velvet flocking, claw clips, bacteria-killing LED light

Chi's Smart Magnify Rollers are made for our friends with longer locks. You'll get nine ceramic barrels in your choice of 1-inch or 1.25-inch diameter. While they have velvet flockings, during testing, we found that the rims get slightly hot to the touch. The rollers hold securely in place with the included claw clips, though. When we pulled them out, we got a classic hot-roller look : not too glam, not too tight, just bouncy hair that's full of body. You can't beat that.

Best for Beginners

Conair infinitipro 20-roller ion generator setter with cord reel.

Material: Ceramic | Amount: 21 | Diameter: 0.75, 1, 1.25 inches | Features: Velvet flocking, plastic clips, 12 heat settings

This 20-piece ceramic roller set from Conair was one of the easiest we've tried . The rollers come in three sizes ranging from 0.75 to 1.25 inches in diameter, so your curls won't feel too uniform. It only takes about 90 seconds to get hot , and then you leave them in for 10 minutes for loose waves and 20 minutes for tighter ringlets. There are a whopping 12 heat settings to choose from ranging from 140F to 230F. Each ceramic barrel is covered in velvet flocking, which we felt really helped prevent tension and snaring. Additionally, we appreciated that the plastic tips kept us from burning our fingers. All in all, this set was impressive. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of pricier options, we loved the design and overall results. We saw bouncy, well-defined, long-lasting curls across a range of hair types and textures.

Best for Travel

Conair multi-size rollers.

Material: Stainless Steel | Amount: 20 | Diameter: 0.75, 1, 1.25 inches | Features: Metal clips, grip rollers

Traveling with hot rollers can be a pain since they take up so much room, but not this kit. Another winner from Conair, this compact set of 20 comes in a case that's about the size of a small purse, so you know it'll fit in your carry-on. But what we love most about it is the roller design—they have little grippers all over to help get your hair into place (and keep it there). It also helps prevent snags and tangles when you take them out. The rollers heat up in just 85 seconds and create big waves in just 10 minutes. We wish it had more than one heat setting, but considering the size and price tag, it's a great product that works exactly as it should.

What to Look For in Hot Rollers

Smooth coverings: According to Nader, the best kinds of hot rollers have soft velvet flocking over the metal barrels. He explains that this prevents kinks, creases, and indentations you'd often get with the kits of decades past. We like the T3 Micro Volumizing Hot Rollers, a set of hot rollers that features ceramic barrels coated with velvet flocking. Plus, the rollers have a cool-touch grip to prevent burning during removal.
Fasteners: It's best to opt for rollers that fasten to the hair with metal pins. "These secure to the hair beautifully compared to using a hair clip with claws," Nader tells Byrdie. On the other hand, claw-style fasteners can be a bit easier to attach, though they don't always offer the most secure hold. The Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter comes with color-coordinated metal pins that match the different barrel sizes and offer a super-secure hold.
Multiple sizes: Nader recommends getting a set of hot rollers that contains at least two sizes of barrels—even better if it's three (we like the Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Ceramic Hot Rollers). This will allow you to create a multitude of looks. "You'll also then have the choice to give your hair extra body by using the smaller rollers if needed," he says.

Wait until the rollers are properly heated and then wrap sections of hair around each one. Leave them in until completely cooled, then use a boar bristle brush to break up curls and give the hair a smooth, sleek, glamorous finish, says Nader.

It varies among sets. Hot rollers usually take at least 10 minutes to work, though it's usually not longer than a half-hour. For the best results, leave them in until they've cooled down entirely.

According to Nader, the rule of thumb is "the smaller the roller, the tighter the result." However, when you've only got a few inches of hair to work with, you won't be able to wrap them completely around a larger barrel. In other words, smaller rollers are generally best for shorter hair.

It ultimately depends on the type of curl you want. Hot rollers are the better option for big, loose curls, while a curling iron is ideal for achieving tighter, smaller curls.

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in beauty. With expertise from a stylist in mind, she compiled our testing insights from The Lab, combed through product specs, pored over user reviews, referenced peer-reviewed studies, and rounded up our top picks. She has tried hot hair tools from multiple brands on this list, including Conair, T3, Remington, and Chi. Theresa covers haircare, skincare, makeup, and wellness products at Byrdie.

Ally Hirschlag is a senior beauty editor on the commerce team with extensive experience using curling tools and rollers, including several on this list.

Experts interviewed:

Anthony Nader is a celebrity hairstylist and the salon owner of Raw Anthony Nader in Sydney, Australia.

The Very Best Hot Rollers

Best for thin hair

Best for short hair
Best for long hair

Hot rollers bring together the best parts of a curling iron and a non-heated roller set . You get that big bouncy curl, and you don’t end up with sore arms or the crick in your neck from holding up a curling tong. “When I think hot rollers , I think Hollywood glamour or goddess,” says Greg Ruggeri , stylist and founder of Salon Ruggeri. “One of the main advantages of hot rollers over other styling devices, such as a round brush or curling iron, is that they can create curls and waves that last longer,” says Maria Elizabeth, founder of Salon deZen . Hot rollers heat hair from the inside out, setting the curl more firmly. “This means that the style can last for days,” Elizabeth adds, “without needing touch-ups.” No matter your hair type, there’s a set of hot rollers for you — but to get the best results, you’ll want to blow out and smooth curly hair before use, says Siobhan Benson, a stylist at CutLoose . Stretching natural, detangled hair before applying a lightweight serum should work, too, if you’re avoiding heat.

They might seem intimidating, so we’ve found a selection of the best sets of hot rollers whether you’re a professional, a beginner, or someone who has dabbled on and off for years. If you know which type of rollers you’re looking for, use the handy links below to jump straight to that section. Otherwise, read on for seven recommendations from nine experts who style with hot rollers both at work and at home.

What we’re looking for

Heat-up time.

Fairly self-explanatory but important: You’ll want to wait only so long for your rollers to reach the right temperature. We’ve outlined each set’s heating time — chances are that the less time they take to heat up, the more convenient you’ll find them. But some materials take a little longer to heat up and leave you with a lasting curl.

Hair-length suitability

A hot roller’s barrel size will better suit certain hair lengths. Larger barrels — over two inches, generally — will work better on longer hair, and vice versa for shorter hair. We have a couple of separate picks tailored to hair length but have noted throughout which sets would typically best curl a particular length. In many cases, a mixture of barrel lengths makes the set suitable for all hair types as well.

Best hot rollers overall

Heat-up time: Two minutes | Hair-length suitability: All hair lengths

These rollers from T3 were recommended by three stylists and by Marcia Rhodes , who has used hot rollers at home for a decade. “I have fine, limp hair and find that hot rollers are the best way to add volume that lasts all day,” she says. After trying several brands, she keeps coming back to T3. Both Lauren Kunijo , stylist and co-owner of Kenna Kunijo salon , and Ruggeri say the T3s are really user-friendly. “Simply turn them on and let them sit for a moment. If you are a bit nervous to use them, take them out when the roller is warm to the touch,” says Ruggeri. With natural and textured hair , it’s easier to wind up to the scalp from the ends of dry, detangled, and sectioned hair. For other hair textures, you can either wind up or wrap your hair around the roller, securing it with a clip or a pin. “Let the rollers cool down for about ten minutes, and there you have it,” Ruggeri says.

Best less expensive hot rollers

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Professional Hot Rollers

Heat-up time: One minute | Hair-length suitability: All hair lengths

Andrew Fitzsimons , a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Madonna and the Kardashians , often uses this less expensive set. The rollers’s titanium plates heat up quickly, and the three barrel sizes offer styling versatility. “With them, you can achieve a standard blowout, beach waves, tight curls, or big ringlets depending on the size of the curlers you use,” he says.

Best hot rollers for beginners

Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Ceramic Hot Rollers

Heat-up time: 75 seconds | Hair-length suitability: All hair lengths

Caleb Backe, a hair expert at Maple Holistics, and Ghanima Abdullah, stylist and beauty consultant at the Right Hairstyles , say that most people initially struggle to get the hang of hot rollers. “There is a learning curve when you’re first starting out,” Abdullah says. For that reason, Fitzsimons also recommends these Conair rollers for first-time users. A plastic cap at either end of each roller protects your fingertips from getting singed. You may need a bit of time and patience to set each roller in place with the clips . And though having 20 rollers in the set may seem like overkill, the variety of sizes will help you try out different looks. “Once you get comfortable with using hot rollers, your options are really limitless,” Fitzsimons adds.

Best hot rollers for professionals

Heat-up time: Three minutes | Hair-length suitability: All hair lengths

Two of our stylists recommended these hot rollers for a professional to keep in their kit . Like the Conair rollers, “this set comes with differently sized rollers so that a stylist can easily use them on short, medium-length, or long hair,” says Abdullah. They heat up fast, and evenly, since they’re made of titanium and ceramic. As a result, Abdullah says, “they hold the heat better and consistently create great curls on different heads of hair.” Elizabeth of Salon deZen agrees and says that the different barrel lengths give you the flexibility to style almost any client.

Heat-up time: Two minutes | Hair-length suitability: Short hair

“This set has five rollers, which makes it just enough to style thin hair, ” says Abdullah. “The rollers are pretty large, at 1.5 inches, so they’re big enough to create current styles with loose curls.” Abdullah also notes that the set’s compact size makes it a solid option for travel (and at under $30, you can’t really argue with the price).

Best hot rollers for short hair

Thanks to the slimline shape, this nine-roller set is a great choice if you have short hair (or, alternatively, if you’re trying to give your longer hair tighter curls). “I’ve been experimenting with a few different hot-roller sets for years now, and these are my secret recipe when I want to create a soft, voluminous, and effortless-looking hairstyle,” says Yvey Valcin, founder and master stylist at Yvey salon .

Best for thick or long hair

Heat-up time: 85 seconds | Hair-length suitability: Long hair

Most personal hot-roller sets contain five barrels, Abdullah says, but this one from Conair goes up to eight to allow for thicker and longer hair : “These are two-inch rollers, so they will still create loose curls on long hair.” Abdullah explains that the flocked nature of the rollers (their velvety coating) allows the hair to be locked in, and that leads to longer-lasting curls.

Our experts

• Ghanima Abdullah, stylist and beauty consultant at the Right Hairstyles • Caleb Backe, hair expert at Maple Holistics • Siobhan Benson , stylist at CutLoose • Maria Elizabeth, stylist and founder of Salon deZen • Andrew Fitzsimons , celebrity hairstylist • Lauren Kunijo , stylist and co-owner of Kenna Kunijo • Marcia Rhodes, VP at Amendola Communications • Greg Ruggeri , stylist and founder of Salon Ruggeri • Yvey Valcin, founder and master stylist at Yvey

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

the strategist
best in class
hair accessories

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

The 18 Very Best Sunscreens for Your Face
The 16 Very Best Protein Powders
Irish Self-Tanners Do It Better
A Huge List of Sales: Tata Harper Tints and $50 Cold Picnic
What Kylie Kelce Can’t Live Without

Today’s Top Clicked

The 8 Best Hot Rollers for Perfect Curls and More Volume in Minutes

Your grandma knows this trick.

supermodel adriana lima with her hair in curlers backstage b

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Best Amazon Hot Roller Set

Babylisspro nano titanium roller hairsetter.

Best for Fine Hair

Caruso professional molecular 30-piece multiple size steam hair setter.

Best for a Budget

Remington hair setter & rollers.

Whether you have fine, thick, curly, or stick-straight hair, you can use hot rollers to achieve more bounce and volume. It all comes down to the barrel size and amount of curlers you use. For thick strands, you may need extra barrels to catch all your hair. Remember, the smaller the barrel size, the tighter the curls. Here, find the eight best hot rollers—tested by our editors or top-reviewed and approved on sites like Sephora and Ulta—that you need to get instant volume.

With 20 rollers in a set, even folks with thick hair will be able to cover a full head in these easy-to-use rollers. They come in small, medium, and large-sized barrels so you can vary the sizes of your curls and look more natural.

Numbers of rollers included : 20

Barrel sizes : .75", 1", 1.25"

Amazon rating : 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says : “These work great. I have so much volume. Would def recommend this item.”

This unique system uses steam to heat rollers individually. Wait for a roller to steam up, take it to a section of hair, clip it, and repeat all over your head. It’s quick and, most importantly, damage-free.

Numbers of rollers included : 30

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says : “I’ve used Caruso Curlers for over 15 years and they’re great. There are 4 roller sizes, which is great for tight or loose curls. The steam heat adds shine and makes the hair soft. Best of all it takes no longer than 15-20 to set the curls. Great product!”

Remington Hair Setter & Rollers

It only takes five minutes to see results from this hot roller set. Because lower heat is distributed evenly over a longer period of time, you’re really locking in a style, so it will last for days.

Numbers of rollers included : 10

Barrel sizes : 1", 1.25"

Amazon rating : 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says : “I think these hot rollers are great! They’re way less damaging than a flat iron, and I think once I learn how to use them properly, they’ll give great volume and that blowout look that is super in right now.”

InfinitiPRO by Conair Ceramic Flocked Hot Roller Set

With 20 rollers, this set is perfect for anyone with a ton of hair who wants bouncy curls. You can be sure that you won’t miss a spot with a set this big.

An Amazon reviewer says : “I really searched for the right hot rollers for a while and thought I’d give these a try. I love that they are sponge and very comfortable to wrap.”

Conair Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter

If you’re looking for a voluminous, slightly wavy look, go for jumbo rollers. The barrel is 1.5” thick, so it’ll yield a ton of body in a flash.

Numbers of rollers included : 12

Barrel size : 1.5"

Ulta Rating : 3.7/5

An Ulta reviewer says : “I was so excited to find these, I absolutely love them. I plug them in the minute I get up so they’ll be nice and hot, roll my hair, leave them in finishing up my morning until I’m ready to leave then take them out. I run my fingers through my hair and they give me the perfect beach waves I was looking for!”

Conair Compact Hairsetter

If you’re looking to try out hot rollers but don’t know what size and aren’t totally committed to the lifestyle, grab this compact variety pack. In this set you get eight medium (3/4 inch), six large (1 inch), and six jumbo (1 1/4 inch) rollers that won’t take up too much space in your bathroom.

An Amazon reviewer says : “I’ve been using this for months and it’s reliable! I love how it curls the hair of my daughter!”

John Frieda Body & Shine Smooth Waves

For mega bounce, this kit comes with five two-inch rollers and clips to make the entire process super easy. The result? Runway-esque waves that offer more volume than you’ve ever seen.

Numbers of rollers included : 5

Barrel size : 2"

Amazon Rating : 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says : “I can honestly say that this is the holy grail of jumbo hot rollers.”

T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers

Lopez is a fan of these rollers because “the velvet flocking doesn’t tug or pull on the hair and also seals in incredible shine.”

Numbers of rollers included : 8

Barrel sizes : 1.5", 1.75"

Sephora Rating : 3.4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewers say : “Do not hesitate to buy these rollers, I had salon-quality results within 30 minutes. I tested the rollers on long, thick hair that hasn’t been washed for a week, and my hair looked SO good that I did not even want to wash my hair!”

Meet the Expert

David Lopez is celebrity hairstylist, beauty educator, and beauty influencer.

How long should you keep in hot rollers to avoid damaging hair?

If you are looking for a low-damage way to style your hair, hot rollers are the solution. “You can’t leave hot rollers in long enough to damage your hair. In terms of heat damage, it’s fool-proof,” Lopez says. “It takes an average of 12 minutes to cool down, although I have seen results after five minutes. For style longevity, leave in the hair for about 15 minutes to get the style retention you’re looking for.”

How do you prep your hair for hot rollers?

Rough-drying your hair to start is key, Lopez suggests. “I like to use the T3 Cura Luxe on low speed and high heat while rough-drying in order to keep the elasticity of the hair,” he says. “Once dry, prep the hair with a medium styling mousse. The heat from the rollers will activate this mousse and give the look a stronger memory. Finally, before I wrap each section around the hot rollers, I spray with hairspray and brush through.” His go-to duo includes Kenra’s Medium Hold Mousse and IGK’s Intern Flexible hairspray.

Can all hair types use hot rollers?

Great news: almost everyone can benefit from hot rollers. “Yes! Although for curly and natural hair types, you want to smooth hair first and then use the hot rollers,” Lopez insists. “The hot rollers won’t straighten or completely smooth out naturally curly hair.”

Any other tips you have for using hot rollers?

“Sometimes, I wrap the hair around the rollers like I would an iron because it can give you more of a loose wave look,” Lopez says. “If you have long hair, pick up a one-inch roller and wrap a section around the roller like a curling iron and clip it vertically. Once cool, release the roller and you will achieve a long, loose curl.”

Are hot rollers better than curling irons?

Hot rollers are a great choice if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add curl and volume to your hair. While curling irons can require a little more skill, you do get more versatility with a curling iron. As for which one is better, it all depends on your personal preference! “With hot rollers, I have greater control over style longevity and bounce of the hair. It’s also extremely gentle on the hair, so it’s great if you’re worried about hair damage : color-treated hair, over-processed hair , etc.,” says Lopez. “Although they are extremely gentle, you still get a big result!”

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.

Hairstyles & Haircuts 2024

13 Keratin Shampoos for Stronger, Shinier Hair

The 10 Best Hair Dryers to Shop on Amazon

How Julianne Goldmark is Embracing Change

We Tested Fenty Hair—It’s for Everyone

The 5 Best Summer Hair Trends to Try ASAP

Women Over 40: Brooke Shields Is Focused On You

The 9 Best Protein Treatments for Healthy Hair

The 14 Best Low Porosity Hair Products

The Best Color-Depositing Conditioners

The Box Dye That Gave My Red Hair New Life

The 7 Best Heated Round Brushes for At-Home Use

The 10 Best Hot Rollers to Buy in 2024

Think hot rollers are a vestige of your mother’s or grandmother’s heyday? Think again. These hair styling tools are still some of the most versatile on the market, as their simple, tried-and-true curling methods deliver results without turning your hair into straw.

While curling irons still lead the pack in terms of popularity, they’re time-intensive, produce curls that don’t hold as well, and run a higher risk of damaging your hair. Hot rollers, on the other hand, are convenient to use and give you some seriously luscious locks without damaging or drying them out.

Type/Length of Hair

Heat settings, 1. best overall hot rollers: caruso c97953 30 molecular steam hairsetter, 2. best budget hot rollers: remington ionic conditioning hair setter, 3. best premium hot rollers: infinitipro by conair ceramic flocked hot roller set, 4. best travel set: conair compact multi-size hot rollers, 5. best jumbo hot rollers: conair xtreme instant heat jumbo-sized hot rollers, 6. best dual-voltage hot rollers: conair instant heat travel hot rollers, 7. fastest-heating hot rollers: remington h9100s pro hair setter, 8. most versatile hot rollers: infinitipro by conair instant heat ceramic flocked rollers, 9. best tourmaline hot rollers: conair instant heat tourmaline ceramic flocked hot rollers, 10. best infrared hot rollers: babylisspro nano titanium roller hairsetter, how often should i use hot rollers, how do i section my hair when setting it, will hot rollers damage my hair, can i use hot rollers on wet or damp hair, how long does it take for hot rollers to curl hair, how long should i heat up my hot rollers before using them, should i use products in my hair with hot rollers, how should i set my hair in the hot rollers, how long should i leave my hot rollers in, a final word on hot rollers, factors to consider when buying hot rollers.

With that being said, it may be tempting to rush over to rush and pick up a set of hot rollers without doing some research first. But before you go and purchase any old hot roller set, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

Different hair textures require different heat settings and roller sizes. Thick, naturally curly hair will get the best results from hot rollers. But that doesn’t mean that those with fine or damaged hair have to miss out on the fun. In fact, some hot rollers are specifically designed to curl fine or damaged hair .

Thick, curly hair – If your mane is on the voluminous side, go with rollers that have a wider diameter. Smaller rollers simply won’t cut it, as their temperature settings and size will produce curls that won’t hold up very well. Furthermore, the thicker and more naturally curly your hair is, the more rollers you’ll need.
Fine, damaged hair – Hair that’s a bit weaker will fare much better with rollers of smaller diameters made from ceramic-infused materials, as their heating technology evenly distributes heat along the hair. This reduces the risk of damage to your already vulnerable tresses. Fine-haired folks will also be happy to know that they’ll need fewer rollers to curl their hair, since the less volume means less hair to roll.
Long hair – Longer hair fares much better with rollers of 1½-inch diameters or larger. You’ll need bigger rollers to wrap the entire length of your locks and heat them adequately. Look for rollers with ionic or infrared technology, as this will assist in even heat distribution.
Short hair – Stick to rollers that are 1-inch or smaller. An added benefit of curling short hair is you don’t need as many rollers to get the job done, and you can play around with different-sized rollers of smaller diameters to get different kinds of curls.

Some hot roller sets include rollers of different sizes. Different-sized hot rollers will, naturally, produce different results. However, stick to roller sets of one size if your hair is all the same length. If your hair is layered, you might want to go with a set that has rollers of multiple sizes, as shorter hair is typically more difficult to curl than longer hair and often requires more rollers of various sizes.

Large-diameter rollers – Ideal for large, loose curls or loose waves. Look for 1½ – 2-inch rollers.
Small-diameter rollers – If you’re trying to achieve small, tight ringlets or corkscrew-style curls, opt for small-diameter rollers. Any rollers 1½-inch or smaller will do the trick.

Gone are the days of cumbersome, soda can-style rollers. Although the curling concept of hot rollers has largely stayed the same, their technology has advanced dramatically in the past fifty years. Nowadays, most hot roller sets are made of one of these materials:

Ceramic or Ceramic-Infused

These hot rollers give your tresses a smooth, shiny, and silky finish. Many hot rollers are also made of a blend of ceramic and tourmaline, which evenly distributes heat across the hair. This is important as heating the hair from the inside will keep the outside intact, and therefore, healthier-looking. Hair that has a lot of split ends or is prone to breakage will benefit the most from these kinds of hot rollers.

Nano-Titanium

Nano-titanium options use infrared and ionic technology to not only heat your hair evenly, but set your curls so well that they don’t require hairspray , which is notorious for drying out your hair. An added benefit of rollers that use this technology is they don’t require as high of a temperature to curl your hair, thereby minimizing the risk of damage .

These types of rollers have been around for quite some time, but they still hold their own in our high-tech era. Foam rollers are more gentle on the hair and heat pretty quickly, making them great for fine-haired folks with busy schedules.

Like curling irons, some hot roller sets come with different temperature settings. This range in temperature will suit some heads of hair more than others.

Single-Heat Setting

Sets with a single-heat setting put the “hot” in hot rollers in the sense that they’re very, very hot. High-heat settings are best for long, thick, unruly hair that’s hard to curl. Longer, thicker hair is also less likely to suffer damage from high heat settings, making it the ideal hair type for hot roller sets of one temperature setting.

Multiple-Heat Settings

If you have layered, short, fine, or damaged hair, opt for a set with multiple heat settings. That way you can curl the shorter, finer pieces at lower heat settings and the longer, thicker pieces at higher temperatures. If your head of hair falls under any of these categories, you’ll maintain its integrity far better with hot roller sets with multiple heat settings.

Let’s take a look at our top ten picks for hot roller sets on the market. While they all achieve the same result more or less, each model comes with its own set of unique features that make it better for some heads over others.

Top 10 Best Hot Rollers 2024

Caruso C97953 30 Molecular Steam Hairsetter

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts:

Material: Foam
Heat Settings: One
Portable: Yes
Best For: All hair types

If you’re more clasic when it comes to curling your hair, then this hot roller set will serve you well. It is an excellent option for fine or thin hair. Unlike the ceramic and ceramic-infused options on this list, these foam hot rollers use steam to curl your hair and may even leave your hair in better condition than it was before. However, the whopping number of rollers in this set–30, to be exact–means you’ll be able to curl longer, thicker hair too.

Like the Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter , the rollers come in various sizes, with six each of petite, small, medium, large, and jumbo. The set itself is also pretty compact, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Furthermore, these rollers heat up quickly, with an average of ten to 15 seconds per roller, which makes them great if you’re tight on time. Just be careful not to steam the rollers for too long, though, as it may make the foam a bit soggy.

Steam heat is gentle on hair
Suitable for all hair types
30 rollers of various sizes
Quick heating time: 10-15 seconds per roller
Steaming rollers for too long may make them soggy

Material: Ceramic
Portable: No
Best For: Fine, thin hair

Fine-haired heads, rejoice! This hot roller set of three different small diameters uses ionic and wax core technology to give you long-lasting curls without frying your hair. Better still, the price is definitely right with this set; the average price hovers around $20. This hot rollers set’s ionic technology ensures smooth, shiny curls while the wax core technology means the rollers will retain the heat for a long time, and therefore will curl your hair more effectively.

The rollers heat quickly and also come with J-clips that fasten the rollers securely in place without creasing the hair, meaning less fiddling overall. Longer-haired folks will still find some success with this set, but given the smaller diameters of the rollers, they’re more likely to get curls at the ends of their longer tresses.

Smaller diameters of rollers make them great for finer, shorter hair
Ionic technology reduces chances of frizz and breakage
Wax core technology produces curls that hold for longer
High value for low cost
Not as effective on longer, thicker hair
Does not have dual-voltage

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Ceramic Flocked Hot Roller Set

Heat Settings: 12
Best For: Short, fine hair

Between 12 different heat settings and 20 small, medium, and large-sized rollers with ionic technology, you’ll get to customize your hot roller experience with our premium pick. More importantly, folks with finer, thinner hair won’t have to worry about jeopardizing their tender tresses. The lavish array of roller sizes and heat settings lets you really experiment with your hair to achieve different types of curls, be it long, loose waves, or short, tight ringlets. The ends of the rollers also stay nice and cool, so they’re easy to handle no matter how long they’ve been heated.

However, there are a couple of things to be wary of. One is the fairly lengthy heating time, which can take up to 15 minutes depending on the heat setting. If time is of the essence, you might want to consider going with another set that heats up more quickly. The other drawback is the clips that come with the rollers. They don’t secure the rollers in place as well as clips in other sets.

20 rollers of various sizes
12 different heat settings
Easy to handle
Long heating time
Clips that come with rollers aren’t super secure

Material: Plastic
Best For: Medium-thick hair that’s average length or shorter

This hot roller set is great for frequent fliers. It’s small and easy to stow in your luggage and features dual-voltage. It’s also perfectly suited for people with hair of average thickness and length or less, as the largest size roller is 1-inch. If your hair is any thicker, you might want to go with a large or jumbo hot roller set, like the Conair Jumbo and Super Jumbo Hot Rollers .

This set also features a “ready” signal light that indicates when your rollers are good to go. But because the rollers are made of plastic, they take longer to heat up than their ceramic and ceramic-infused counterparts (sometimes as long as 15 minutes). The J-clips that are included to hold the rollers in place are also a bit flimsy, so it’s wise to stock up on an extra set or two if you go with this model.

Lightweight, compact design makes it travel-friendly
Dual-voltage for international use
“Ready” signal light that indicates when rollers are hot
Plastic rollers take a long time to heat up compared to other materials
Flimsy J-clips don’t secure the rollers well
Not great for long, thick hair

Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Jumbo-Sized Hot Rollers

Material: Ceramic-infused
Best For: Long, thick hair

Folks with a quick-paced morning routine will have no trouble getting their curls in for the day with this hot roller set. They’re ready in a jiffy with a heating time of just under a minute and a half. Moreover, their ceramic-infused technology will leave hair both bouncing and behaving without damaging it.

With two sizes of jumbo rollers to choose from (eight 1½-inch rollers and four 1-¾-inch rollers), those with longer manes can play around with curl diameter and shape, unlike most hot roller sets.

Unfortunately, there is no auto-shutoff safety feature on this model, so don’t forget to unplug it when you’re done. Another drawback is this set is bulkier than others on the list, so it’s not very travel-friendly.

12 jumbo rollers of two different sizes
Works great on long, thick hair
Very quick heating time
Ceramic-infused technology leaves hair shiny and frizz-free
Not travel-friendly
No auto-shutoff safety feature

This hot roller set is another great option for travelers. Between its dual-voltage feature, compact design, and quick heating time of around two minutes, you’ll definitely find this to be a solid, basic hot roller set. Its ends stay cool to the touch as well, so you won’t have to worry about burning your fingers while setting your curls.

There is a key difference between this travel set and others mentioned here, though. Unlike the Conair Multi-Size Hot Rollers , this set only has five jumbo rollers, which makes them great for longer, thicker hair. Five rollers often aren’t enough for thick-haired heads, though, so you may want to look elsewhere to ensure full curl coverage.

Dual-voltage
Lightweight, compact design
Quick heating time
Ends stay cool to the touch
Only five jumbo rollers of one size
Not suitable for all hair types

Best For: Medium-thick, medium-length hair

Here’s another set that’s great for those who are short on time; these rollers can heat up and be ready to go in 90 seconds. This model is also fairly compact and lightweight so it’s easy to take with you. However, since it doesn’t feature dual-voltage technology, you won’t be able to take it with you abroad.

Even though curls set fast with this model thanks to the dual-heating technology they might not hold without a little extra help. Keep some hairspray on hand should you choose to buy this model.

Unlike some of the other options here, such as the Conair Compact Hot Rollers , this hot roller set does not include a “ready” signal light that indicates when the rollers are hot. Still, though, the ceramic material these rollers are made from will leave your tresses smooth and silky.

Curls set quickly
Relatively small and easy to store
No dual-voltage
Might need to use other hair products to get the best curls
No “ready” signal light to indicate when the rollers are hot

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Instant Heat Ceramic Flocked Rollers

Heat Settings: Two

This set of ionic technology-infused flocked rollers is pretty versatile, as you can experiment with different curl sizes and shapes without sacrificing the integrity of your tresses. This set of hot rollers is friendly to all hair types thanks to the range of roller sizes, and in just 90 seconds your rollers will be ready to go. Should you need the extra heat power simply allow the rollers to heat for a few additional minutes. There’s also a “ready” signal light, and as a bonus gift, a bottle of “One and Only” argan oil is included to add a boost of shine and gloss to your curls or waves.

One minor inconvenience, though, is the roller holders are shaped according to the size of the rollers, so you can’t just put the rollers back in any of the holders.

20 flocked rollers of four different sizes
Ceramic material and ionic technology for frizz-free and static-free results
Ready signal light to indicate when rollers are sufficiently heated
Bonus bottle of “One and Only” argan oil to boost shine and gloss
Rollers have designated holders which makes putting them back a pain
Not very travel-friendly

Conair Instant Heat Tourmaline Ceramic Flocked Hot Rollers

Material: Tourmaline-infused ceramic
Best For: Medium-to-long hair

These eight, 2-inch jumbo rollers are a cut above the rest, as they’re flocked for extra heat protection. Like the Conair Ceramic Flocked Rollers , the flocked rollers provide extra grip when rolling your hair. This set also features ionic technology which eliminates frizz and frying while curling your hair. Since the rollers are so large in diameter, this set is recommended for medium-to-long hair. Just be careful when rolling your hair, as too-large sections of hair will not fasten easily with the included clips.

Moreover, the rollers may emit a strong plastic smell when hot, but this is due to the plastic ends and clips. If you have exceptionally voluminous hair, this set might not have enough rollers to curl your entire head of hair, either, so consider stocking up on some extra rollers to achieve that luxurious, curly mane you’re after.

Flocked rollers provide extra grip and heat protection
Ionic technology enhances shine and cuts down on frizz
Eight jumbo rollers work well on medium to long hair
Rollers emit a plastic smell while heating
Eight rollers may not be enough to curl entire head of thick, voluminous hair
Too-large sections of hair won’t roll easily

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Roller Hairsetter

Material: Nano-titanium ceramic

Last but not least, this set includes five 1½-inch jumbo rollers that are great for longer, thicker hair. The infrared technology means you’ll get lasting shine and bounce without frying your hair to a crisp. It also comes with U-clips and J-clips to hold the rollers securely in place. Unfortunately, like the Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Hot Rollers , five rollers means you might need more jumbo rollers to curl your whole head. Be aware that the lid may be prone to cracking over an extended period, which might compromise your rollers’ heating time.

Infrared technology heats hair without damaging it
Flocked nano-titanium ceramic rollers retain heat for longer and grip hair better
Comes with U and J-clips to secure hair in place
Five jumbo rollers may not be enough to curl voluminous heads of hair entirely
Plastic lid may crack easily

Guide to Buying the Best Hot Rollers for 2024

With so many hot roller sets on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which model to buy. Just as we touched on in our Mini-Buyers Guide , there are a slew of factors to consider when purchasing your hot rollers, such as roller material, heating time, dual-voltage features, and hair type and length, to name a few.

However, there are a few other things you’ll want to keep in mind while shopping around for the perfect hot roller set.

Since hot rollers obviously use heat to curl your hair, you’ll always be at minimal risk of damaging your hair. For this reason, try not to use hot rollers on your hair more than twice a week. However, there are plenty of fabulous options that feature ionic technology or flocked rollers to help mitigate the risks of damage, like the Remington Ionic Hair Setter .

Our best overall pick, the Caruso Steam Hairsetter uses steam to gently curl the hair, which also minimizes the risk of damage.

Sectioning the appropriate amount of hair can make or break your beautiful curls; too much and the section won’t heat up enough to hold a curl, while too little might expose your hair to excessive heat. What you’ll need is a comb or hairpin to neatly divide your hair into sections. A good rule of thumb is to wrap sections of hair that are about two inches wide, but you may need to tweak this a little depending on your hair type and length.

You also might want to use a setting spray before putting your hot rollers in, as this will help with heat protection and setting your curls.

While you need to be careful of any kind of prolonged heat exposure to your hair, hot rollers are gentler on your hair than curling irons. Hot rollers heat your hair at a lower temperature over a longer period, unlike curling irons, which “shock” the hair by curling it at a very high heat for a much shorter time. However, this doesn’t mean using hot rollers every day is a good idea.

In a word, no. Sadly, wet or even slightly damp hair does not hold a curl. Dry, slightly straightened hair is the best candidate for a good curling.

This will depend heavily on the type of hair you have. Naturally, the thicker, longer, or curlier your hair is, the longer it will take to curl it. Most heads of hair can get the great curls they’re after in 20 minutes or so, but fine-haired folks may want to opt for a duration of no longer than 15 minutes, while thick heads of hair should keep the rollers in for at least a half hour.

While some sets on the market boast a quick curl setting time, like the Remington Pro Hair Setter boast a curling time of just five minutes, but in reality, you’ll most likely need to tack on several minutes to achieve the results you want.

While the general time frame for heating up your hot rollers is between five to ten minutes, this time can vary widely depending on the material from which the hot rollers are made. Some hot rollers have an exceptionally short heating time of just a couple of minutes which allows you to wake up, curl your hair, and hit the road.

Keep in mind that you may have to adjust the time according to your hair type and length . This may affect how long your overall curling process takes, since you’ll have to account for the time it takes to heat your rollers, set your hair, and let them work their magic.

Again, the answer to this question depends on the type of product you want to use. Heat protectants are generally okay to use whereas hairsprays are not. Setting sprays are also often grouped with heat protectants, as they protect your hair from the heat and help your hair hold its curls longer.

The reason hairsprays are mostly a no-go is because they dry out the hair and make them more prone to breakage. If your hair is having trouble holding a curl with hot rollers, adding hair products may not be the answer. You may want to reassess the rollers you’re using and see if they’re well-suited to your hair texture and length, rather than add hair products.

The way you set your hair in the hot rollers depends on your hair length and texture . The classic way is to roll your hair from the ends up, which gives you a lovely pile of big, bouncy curls towards the ends.

However, you might not get the best heat distribution this way. If you want a more evenly-heated curl, start in the middle and wrap the ends around the roller first. After that, roll the hair section the rest of the way up and fasten it. This method maximizes your curl potential across the entire hair piece by distributing the heat more evenly.

Patience is indeed a virtue, especially when it comes to coiffing your locks. While hot rollers cut down on the amount of work you have to do (say, compared to a curling iron ), they still need just about as much time to do their thing.

Thinner-haired heads can get away with wearing hot rollers for 15 minutes or so. On the other hand, those whose hair is more like a mane (i.e., thick, curly, and a little unruly) may want to wait a good half hour before removing their hot rollers.

You don’t have to sacrifice loads of time to get beautiful, bouncy curls. No matter what type of hair you have, there’s a hot roller set out there for you. Thankfully, the majority of hot roller sets are pretty affordable, so you won’t have to spend too much cash to get salon-grade curls.

As with anything else, though, make sure to do your research before investing in a hot roller set, as not all sets are created equal. Once you find a set that’s right for you, though, we’re confident you’ll be more than satisfied with your new head of luscious locks.

Subscribe to FREE beauty news

We respect your privacy. We will never send you spam. Unsubscribe any time!

The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams

This is how we roll.

girl with curly hair from using hot rollers

Kinds of Hot Rollers
Number of Hot Rollers

Best Hot Rollers

How to use a hot roller, meet the expert.

Say “hot rollers” and your mind might go straight back to the ‘60s. But over the past few decades, this old-school beauty tool has come a long way on the technology front. The best hot rollers of 2023 are efficient, compact, and, most importantly, user-friendly. Take it from the world’s most uncoordinated person: Hot rollers are far easier to maneuver than a curling iron with a clamp or a round brush . And the results? It doesn’t get much better. “Hot rollers give you a lot of volume, a lift at the root, and bounce,” hairstylist Jennifer Matos from Rita Hazan explains.

Alas, hot rollers aren’t one size fits all. While there are great options for every hair type and texture out there, the size of the barrel and number of rollers required is going to differ from person to person. To get a better idea of what to look for—and shop the best hot rollers on the market—keep scrolling. We’re sharing our editor-approved favorites tools, and sharing a guide on how to use hot rollers, ahead.

Best Overall Hot Roller: Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Ceramic Hot Rollers
Best Hot Rollers for Damaged Hair: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Roller Hairsetter
Best Jumbo Hot Roller: InfinitiPRO By Conair Jumbo Ionic Roller Set
Best Hot Roller For Long Hair: Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Jumbo And Super Jumbo Hot Rollers
Best Hot Roller For Short Hair: Calista Tools Hot Wavers Heated Hair Rollers
Best Budget Hot Roller: Conair Instant Heat Compact Hot Rollers

What Kind of Hot Roller Should I Use?

When looking for a hot roller, there are a few deciding factors: a) What look do you want to achieve? b) What’s your hair type? And c) How long is your hair?

“The smaller the roller, the more of a bounce you’ll get,” explains Matos. “The larger the roller, the less bounce you’ll get. It will be more of a looser curl.”

With that in mind, hair rollers with smaller diameters will typically be preferred for fine hair types, as a tighter curl will last longer. When it comes to length, just make sure to manage expectations. Those with short hair will likely get lift and volume, whereas those with longer hair can expect full-blown curls.

How Many Hot Rollers Do I Need?

At minimum, you’re going to need at least five hot rollers. “If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, you can do a half head of rollers, which would be three on top and two on the sides,” explains Matos.

A full head is going to require about 10 rollers, depending on the length and texture of your hair, though obviously someone with thick, long hair is going to need more hot rollers than someone with a fine bob.

These velvety wonders have it all: A wide circumference for maximum body, cool edges for easy handling, snag-free velvet flocking, and a steady and strong heating element. They're also fairly customizable. While they work across all hair types and textures, you're able to control your heat setting to ensure a damage-free styling session. An added bonus? The set automatically turns off after 90 minutes so you don't have to worry about burning the house down.

Pros: Velvet flocking; 90-minute auto-off; stylish storage case

Cons: Bulky clips, not great for super thick hair

No, this set was not an extra in the film adaptation of Hairspray . What looks rather old-school actually represents effective, modern technology in the form of gentle infrared heat. What does this mean exactly? You're going to get a quicker curl and cause less damage to the hair. This set comes with 20 different sized rollers, so you can add a mixture of tight and loose curls depending on your mood.

Pros: Generates far-infrared heat; ready-to-use indicator light

Cons: Curlers at least 15 minutes to heat up

CHI Smart Magnify Ceramic Rollers on a Platform

There's nothing more frustrating than filling your head with hot rollers only to unravel and discover a crease where your clip sat. That pain point is null and void with this innovative set. Chi created a custom clip that works in tandem with the rollers to leave you with a crease-free, smooth finish. This nine-roller set comes in two different sizes too, so you can decide if you want tight or loose curls.

Pros: Great on all hair types; velvet finish for tangle-free curls

Cons: Bulky clips

If you want to refresh your blowout on the go and don't need to do your entire head, try this set of five rollers from Conair. Each roller is one and a half inches, so you're going to get a bouncy, full finish. This is also a great option for anyone who wants to give their curtain bangs or face-framing layers a little extra oomph.

Pros: Great for travel; easy to use

Cons: Not great for shorter hair; can leave creases; only five rollers in the set

This teeny-tiny kit from Remington holds 14 rollers (five large and five medium) and is guaranteed to fit in your carry-on at only seven inches long. It also promises to heat up in just 90 seconds, so it's great if you're running around on vacation.

Pros: Ionic and ceramic technology reduces static and frizz; great for travel

Cons: No auto shut-off feature; heavy rollers

While some of these other sets are capable of creating a true curl, this set of eight is designed for those who just want body and volume. Each roller has a two-inch barrel, which makes it perfect for adding bounce, movement, and lift to the root. A full head of these babies will mimic a professional blowout—sans the round brush.

Pros: Easy to use; base cools quickly; great for fine hair

Cons: Flimsy clips

Despite their jumbo size, these rollers from Conair heat up in only 85 seconds. We love efficiency! They come in two, large sizes, so your long hair can get a mix of waves and loose curls when all is said and done. The roll up is smooth (no snagging) and the release is always flawless thanks to the ceramic barrel.

Pros: Great for thick hair; even heat transfer; lightweight

Cons: Hair can get caught in slits used to heat the rollers

A whopping 12 heat settings means that you can dial in the temperature that works for your texture, length, and desired end result. That also means it can be a less damaging process for the hair—just keep the temperature as low as possible. This set gets extra points for its ceramic construction and an ionic port system, both of which work to minimize frizz and damage.

Pros: Ready-to-use indicator light

Cons: Not great for fine hair; difficult to get clips on rollers

Tugging and pulling can cause breakage and frizz. But thanks to this set's ceramic composition and anti-tangle design, rolling the hair up—and releasing it—is a smooth, snag-free process that leaves hair feeling and looking as shiny as possible. Seal the deal with some shine spray and you're bound to get stopped on the street.

Pros: Compact case; ceramic technology reduces static and frizz; minimal maintenance

Cons: Not great for short hair; doesn't get very hot

While the whole kit and caboodle may look intense, rest assured that using hot rollers is actually pretty easy:

After giving your rollers a good 10 minutes to heat up, spray your heat protectant and section your hair. “Section in a mohawk section, from mid-eyebrows to the crown of your head. Ideally, there’s three rollers there,” advises Matos.
Then, you’ll want to section out the sides of your hair (two rollers per side is perfect). “For the back, grab whatever hair is left and do it in sections. The number of sections depends on the hair texture, but usually three to four is plenty of sections.” (Pro tip: Always roll away from the face.)
Then let the rollers sit for as long as the instructions suggest, roll ‘em out, and finish off your look with a hairspray.

If you ask Jennifer what she thinks is the key to satisfying her clients, she’ll say “listening”. Jennifer earned her title as a stylist with Rita Hazan after years of extensive training. Her unequivocal talent is matched with the knowledge of her profession, courtesy demeanor, and sweet personality that is loved by all.

Stay In The Know

Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.

Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor , where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar , Makeup.com , Skincare.com , Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.

Jennifer Lawrence wears jelly sandals in new york city with an all white outfit and red hat

She paired the controversial shoe with the easiest summer outfit.

By Halie LeSavage Last updated 27 June 24

“I think we have to hope that this is nothing too serious for Princess Anne.”

By Rachel Burchfield Published 26 June 24

Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince George of Wales during Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace on June 15, 2024 in London, England.

“She had fire to her.”

valentino bella dona intense perfume on a floral background

It's a layerable, floral fragrance.

By Samantha Holender Published 6 June 24

Collage of TikTokers talking about colostrum with graphics of powder and milk in the background

Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.

By Gabrielle Ulubay Published 22 May 24

Charine Cheungg holds up her favorite unsexy beauty products in her bathroom in a collage surrounding her with her favorite unsexy beauty products

There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.

By Halie LeSavage Published 17 May 24

a yellow Fendi baguette perfume in front of a yellow fendi baguette bag on a plain backdrop

It's finally available to shop.

By Halie LeSavage Last updated 20 June 24

an influencer puts on Youthforia's dark foundation to show that it is lacking pigment

This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.

By Halie LeSavage Published 1 May 24

a woman applying rosemary oil to her scalp

The natural remedy went viral, but it's not a miracle worker.

By Gabrielle Ulubay Published 8 March 24

collage of hair growth shampoos including Redken, Kerastase, Shea Moisture

Rapunzel hair, coming right up.

By Gabrielle Ulubay Published 15 February 24

A guest wears Dior sunglasss, a yellow and pink pleated dress, outside Dior, during Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Fall/Winter 2020/2021, on February 25, 2020 in Paris, France.

Fight damage and frizz—rain or shine.

By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated 1 May 24

Contact Future's experts
Advertise Online
Terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Cookies policy

Marie Claire is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

The 10 Best Hot Rollers For Volume and Bounce

We don't know about you, but for us, if we're having a good hair day, it feels like nothing can stop us. It doesn't matter if the look took us hours to achieve or just a few minutes; there's nothing better than a G.H.D. (good hair day).

We love a beachy look done with a curling iron , a fun blowout styled with a blowdryer brush , or even a simple air-dried look that's been made more cohesive with the help of some no-heat hair hacks . However, the days when our hair looks like it belongs to a supermodel and didn't take us longer than twenty minutes to achieve are the days we're most excited. On those days, we almost always used hot rollers.

Hot rollers are great because you can pop them in and multitask. Whether you need to finish your makeup, fire off a work email, or finish cleaning the house before guests come over, they essentially do all the hard work for you, and you don't have to lift a finger. The hair tool has been around forever, but they recently had a resurgence in popularity thanks to hot roller content on TikTok . Not only will they give your hair tons of volume, but the curls they produce will last for hours as well.

There are plenty of different options on the market, and ahead, we're breaking down the best options out there. Whether you're looking for the best hot rollers for long hair or the best hot rollers for damaged hair, we've got you covered. Keep scrolling to check out all of our picks.

Best Hot Rollers For Fine Hair

Caruso Molecular Steam Hairsetter Hot Rollers ($50)

These hot rollers are a little different than your typical set because they use steam to get hot. You have to heat each one up individually, but they're great for fine hair because they're lightweight and don't require clips to keep them in place.

Best Hot Rollers For Thick Hair

BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Professional Hot Rollers ($75)

This hot roller set comes with 20 different rollers, which makes it perfect for anyone who has thick hair. The set can easily cover an entire head and then some. Don't believe us? Check out the over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Best Hot Rollers For Long Hair

Dry Bar The Roller Club Curling Hot Hair Rollers ($129)

These hot rollers are longer rather than wider, so they're perfect for anyone who has long hair and needs to be able to wrap their hair around a roller multiple times.

Best Hot Rollers For Short Hair

Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter ($19)

The Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter comes with a set of skinny hot rollers, which makes it perfect for short hair, especially if you're looking to get tighter curls.

Best Budget Hot Rollers

Conair Ceramic 1 1/2-inch and 1 3/4-inch Hot Rollers ($37)

This Conair hot rollers set is perfect if you're on a budget or if you're a beginner. They're also editor tested — read the full editor experiment here .

Best Splurge Hot Rollers

T3 Luxe Hot Rollers ($140)

If you really want a set of hot rollers that screams luxury, look no further than the T3 Luxe Hot Rollers. They're so good, even Zendaya uses them. Our editor recently tried and loved them — check out the full review of these hot rollers here .

Best Hot Rollers For Damaged Hair

Remington Argan Oil & Keratin Treated Hair Setters ($24)

If you're thinking of using hot rollers because you have damaged hair, we'd suggest testing out the Remington Argan Oil and Keratin Treated Hair Setters. They're like a treatment and a hairstyling tool in one, and will leave your hair looking smoother and silkier.

Best Hot Rollers For Volume

T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers ($20)

If all you're looking for is a little volume at the roots, this set is perfect for you. It comes with two hot rollers that you can use on the front pieces of your hair and the hair at the crown of your head, which will give the area lots of height. They're from T3, which is one of our most trusted haircare brands, and a set of two will only run you twenty bucks.

Best Hot Rollers For Travel

Remington Travel Size Professional 1.25" Compact Ceramic Hot Hair Rollers ($25)

Traveling with lots of hot tools can be a real pain in the ass, but the Remington Travel Size Professional 1.25" Compact Ceramic Hot Hair Rollers makes it simple. They're easy to pack in your suitcase or carry-on bag, and they even come in a nifty travel case.

Best Steam Hot Rollers

InfinitiPro by Conair Gentle Curls Steam Rollers ($40)

If you're looking for steam hot rollers instead of a classic set, we'd suggest trying the Infinitipro by Contair Gentle Curls Steam Rollers. They're gentle on hair, and you can heat four at a time with this set.

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for POPSUGAR. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Beauty Shopping

The 10 Best Hot Rollers and How to Use Them

The girls that get it, get it.

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

When to Use Hot Rollers vs. a Curling Iron

You may be wondering: Why should I invest in hot rollers if I already have a curling iron or curling wand? “I would say that rollers will give you more of a ‘set’ look with big and bouncy curls where an iron can be used for a loose wave or tighter curl and everything in between,” explains Aguirre. “If it’s a bouncy style you’re going after, I would recommend the hot roller set. You can also get more volume with a roller set.” Meanwhile, says the stylist, “If you’re wanting a beachy wave, use a curling iron.”

How to Use Hot Rollers

Don’t worry if you’ve never tried them before. “Hot rollers are pretty straight forward,” according to Aguirre.

Section hair. “With your hair completely dry, start at the top of the head and take section by section as wide as the roller,” says Aguirre.

Start rolling. “Roll the hair to the ends and wrap the roller to the base of the head, starting at the crown and moving forward,” says the stylist. “Then, using horizontal sections, continue on with the sides, then the back.” Remember, the rollers are hot, so be careful!

Top with hairspray. Once the curlers are in place, “You can finish with a light hold spray and let them cool off.”

Remove the rollers. It may take some trial-and-error to figure out how long to leave in the rollers. “Depending on what type of hair you have, you can remove them right away once they’ve cooled, or wait a little while longer if your hair is thicker and coarse.”

Tousle and style. Once the rollers are out, “Lightly brush with your fingers to separate the curls and add bounce.”Now, find out which hot rollers are right for you and your hair.

Conair Jumbo and Super Jumbo Ceramic Hot Rollers

This Tik Tok-favorite set has 12 rollers in various sizes, velvet flocking, clips, and a handy ready indicator so you can get right to work.

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 20 Roller Hairsetter

Aguirre recommends this set, which contains eight large, six medium, and six small rollers, and heats up in just 60 seconds.

T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers LUXE for Volume, Body, and Shine

The hairstylist also likes these hot rollers, which have dual temperature settings and velvet flocking to make them easy to handle.

Conair 20-Roller Compact Setter

If you live in a small space, this tiny roller kit has everything you need, without taking up as much real estate.

Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Hair Rollers

These heat up in just 90 seconds and set hair in just five minutes. Plus, the extra-hold clips are more secure than most that come along with roller kits.

Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Hot Rollers

Large rollers for long hair can be harder to come by, but this set contains eight jumbo and four super-jumbo rollers.

John Frieda Body & Shine Smooth Waves Hair Rollers

This dual-temperature set contains rollers in various sizes, all housed in a sleek container you won’t mind leaving out on your vanity.

Conair Instant Heat Travel Hot Rollers

Once you become a hot roller person, you won’t be able to live without them. This travel-size set contains five 1.5” rollers, so you can bring your bounce and volume on the go.

calista Ion Hot Rollers Short Style Set

Unlike most options, these are heated within the actual rollers themselves, which makes them super-effective (just be sure you take them out in the directed amount of time).

Remington Compact Ceramic Roller Set

With a compact size and both medium and large rollers, this ceramic set works on most hair lengths and fits in nearly in any space.

Hairstyles, Cuts & Color Trends

15 Best Round Brushes For Every Type of Blowout

The 12 Best Hair Perfumes for Summer

The 11 Best Shampoos for Fine Hair

The 11 Best Hair Scissors For Expert-Level Cuts

Fenty Hair by Rihanna Is Now Available to Shop

Here's Exactly How to Get the Slicked-Back Look

6 Gorgeous Summer 2024 Hair Trends to Try Now

The Making of the Dyson Dynasty

jennifer aniston june 2021 photoshoot campaign imagery and video

Jen Aniston Says Rachel Would Use Her New Product

The Best Braiding Hair for Every Protective Style

best shampoos for chlorine removal in 2023

Get Rid of Pool Hair with These Essential Shampoos

When you're traveling, two of the most precious commodities are time and luggage space. That's why in order to find the best hot rollers for travel , you’ll want to consider how fast the rollers heat up and how easy they are to take-on-the-go.

Depending on how much time you have while traveling, you may want to first think about how long it takes for the rollers to heat up. While some options will take as long as five minutes to heat up, others can be ready in as little as 90 seconds, (I’ve included one such pick in my list below). If you like to keep a packed itinerary, you may want the quickest option possible so you don't add any more strain to your schedule.

You’ll also want to be aware of how compact and portable your hot rollers will be. Sets vary in design, from soft pouches to hard cases. Soft pouches are easy to store and carry but may need to be handled with a little extra care. Hard cases, on the other hand, may keep the rollers more protected but the downside is that they're not flexible, so they often take up more room in your luggage.

After researching products and reading through Amazon reviews, I’ve put together a list of the best hot rollers for your hair . My picks range in size and style, but all of them are designed to give you perfect curls anywhere you go. Read on to find the best set for your next trip.

The Overall Best

What's great about it : These Remington compact ceramic rollers check off all the boxes for traveling. Equipped with worldwide voltage, this set is also super compact and affordable. With an impressive 90-second heat-up time, all 10 rollers feature "cool touch" tips for easy handling. They're ideal for large and medium-sized curls, with five 1-and-1/4-inch rollers and five 1-inch rollers. On top of all that, the ceramic and ionic technology allows your hair to stay shiny without any unwanted frizz.

What fans say : "I've used these curlers for years. They work really well and last a long, long time. So happy to find them online. They are excellent for international travel."

The Most Cost-Effective Set

What's great about it : For the price, these Studio 35 Beauty travel curlers are an amazing option. The 10-piece set comes in a soft pouch that's heat-resistant. Like with my previous option, the rollers in this set include 1-inch and 1-and-1/4-inch sizes. Also, they feature "dots" that indicate when they're ready for use, and there's an on/off light to let you know when they're plugged in. The tips of the curlers remain cool, too, so they can be easily handled without burns. The tradeoff: these rollers can take up to five minutes to heat up, and you may need an additional travel adaptor if you're taking them abroad.

What fans say : "Love these. Heat up quickly. Though compact, I use daily. Inexpensive, yet better than my $55 set."

The Best For Smaller Curls

What's great about it : For those who like to have a larger set of rollers, these Conair instant heat compact rollers are a great choice. This set of 12 includes eight 1-inch and four 3/4-inch rollers, for slightly smaller curls than my previous two picks. The rollers use ceramic technology, which allows them to heat up fast and evenly distribute heat throughout your hair. This set features dual voltage, too, and the carrying pouch is soft, making it easy to pack up in your luggage or carry-on.

What fans say : "I've had these for so many years I couldn't even tell you! I would say it's got to be 15 or more years. My curls last for a long time. What I love about this set is you can travel with it easily, it is so small. I keep the curlers in my hair for approximately 15 minutes or longer and then spray my curls with hairspray and they last all day long...my hair is medium thickness. I hope [Conair] always has this curling set because I don't know what I would do without it!"

The Best For Larger Curls

What's great about it : If you prefer your curls a little bigger, these Conair instant travel heat rollers are a great find. The set includes five 1-and-1/2 inch rollers, plus it features dual voltage and will only take about two minutes to heat up. This set features a velvet material around the rollers, which helps add more protection from heat for all hair types. Since the rollers are only one size, it's not ideal for those who like to switch up the size of their curls. Also, this set comes in a hard case instead of a soft pouch, which may take up more room in your suitcase.

What fans say : "This really helped save time in doing my hair in the mornings! It warms up very quickly so it is very warm after I’m done blow drying my hair - I plug it in once I start to blow dry my hair. I do take it with me on travel and it fits into a carry-on [bag] with everything else."

Also Great: This Travel-Friendly Curling Iron Brush

What's great about it: If bringing rollers are too much of a hassle, this SwanMyst curling iron is a great alternative. Although it's a bit pricier, it's a great investment to have while on-the-go. Not only will it be able to give your hair that bouncy curl, but it also straightens and combs. Its design allows it to easily glide through hair, and the ceramic technology helps keep moisture in your curls. On top of that, it's equipped with dual voltage, making it extra travel-friendly.

What fans say: "I have tried several different curling iron brushes over the last 10 years. Some have had the bristles break off. I kept turning off another brand when I was using it and would have to turn it back on and wait for it to heat up again. The SwanMyst curling brush makes my hair smoother and shinier than any of the other brands. It's technology of locking the temperature is a must! I highly recommend this curling iron brush over all the other curling iron brushes on the market!"

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

These Hot Rollers Make Curling Hair So Easy

More of us are swapping our irons for rollers. Here’s why.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Generally, hot rollers create a big, voluminous look that's also back in style. “I tend to reach for them when I want bouncy, glam waves or a big, full '90s blowout,” says celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago .

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Babylisspro nano titanium 20 roller hairsetter.

Best for Frizzy Hair

Remington h1015 compact ceramic worldwide voltage hair setter & rollers.

Best for Volumizing

Kitsch ceramic thermal hair rollers.

Best for Long Hair

Conair xtreme big curls hairsetter.

Best Assortment

Hot tools thermal velcro rollers.

Best for Short Hair

Conair 20-piece hot rollers with clips.

You can find hot rollers in a variety of sizes; a good rule of thumb is the bigger the roller, the looser the curl. The other key tip: Make sure your hair is completely dry before you reach for the hot rollers. "Wrapping a damp or semi-dry head of hair will not deliver curls that last," says celebrity hairstylist Michelle Cleveland . Once your hair is dry, the application is quite simple. Grab a small section, wrap it around the roller, and then pin or clip it in place. "Typically, stylists prefer to wrap away from the face rather than toward it to create a more relaxed, casual look," says Cleveland. You need to leave the hot rollers in only long enough to cool down (about 10 minutes). However, the longer you leave them in your hair, the more your curls set and stay in place, adds Santiago. "To ensure your curls last, apply a texture spray or flexible hairspray." It's also a good idea to prep the hair with a heat protectant before you reach for the rollers. Here, shop for hot rollers that offer perfect results every time.

Why We Love It

What to consider.

With 20 different-size rollers, this set is suitable for all hair lengths. It comes with six small, six medium, and eight large rollers. It also contains 20 butterfly clips and metal clips to hold rollers in place. Transform straight hair to voluminous curls in minutes with this set.

Remington H1015 Compact Ceramic Worldwide Voltage Hair Setter & Rollers

This 10-piece set is compact, making it easy to store or take with you on trips. It contains rollers in two sizes (1-inch and 1.25-inch) and features ionic and ceramic plate technology to help reduce frizz. The J-shaped clips included help minimize creasing.

These Velcro rollers don't come with a heated base; instead, your blow-dryer provides the heat. Wrap the rollers around your hair while it's still slightly damp, and then blow-dry. Or you can follow the same method on dry hair to add volume. This kit comes with eight rollers ranging from 1.5 to 2.25 inches.

When curling long hair, you need to utilize large-size rollers to ensure all strands are securely wrapped. This 12-piece set includes 1.5-inch jumbo rollers to create smooth curls. If you don't have very long hair but like a softer, voluminous wave, you'll also love this set. It comes with 12 plastic and 12 metal pins.

These thermal Velcro rollers are made to be used without clips for an easier styling experience. Instead, wrap hair around the roller and the Velcro holds onto the hair to keep it in place. It's meant to be used with a blow-dryer for the best results. Once your hair is wrapped and in place, blow-dry so that the roller becomes hot, which forms and sets the curl. It comes with an assortment of sizes, from extra small to large, so you can customize your look.

Create loose waves or tight curls with this 20-piece set, which comes with eight extra-large, six medium, and six very small rollers (these are perfect for short hair). The rollers are made with tourmaline and ceramic, so they heat up quickly, saving you time.

Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

preview for Oprah Daily US - Beauty Playlist

10 Hair Products for Menopausal Hair

beautiful afro woman with bright make up

The Best Waterproof Eyeliners to Try This Summer

The Best Makeup Primers for Mature Skin

The Best Self-Tanners for Glowing Skin

The Best Eyebrow Growth Serums

A Dermatologist’s Guide to Peak Sun Season

Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

close up of a young female with red hair and freckles applying white cream on her face laughing with closed eyes isolated on white background

Dermatologist-Approved Face Sunscreens

Clarifying Shampoos for Curly Hair

21 Dermatologist-Approved Face Moisturizers

The Best Acne Treatments, According to Experts

Bridal Makeup
Celebrity Makeup
Makeup Ideas
Mehandi Designs
Basic Hair Care
Dry Hair Care
Hair Care Ideas
Hair Care Solutions
Hair Growth
Hair Treatment
Beauty Secrets
Face Care Tips
Face Packs And Masks
Glowing skin
Homemade Tips
Skin Care Ideas
Skin Care Problems
Bob Hairstyles
Braid Hairstyles
Bridal Hairstyles
Bun Hairstyles
Celebrity Hairstyles
Curly Hairstyles
Different Hairstyles
Hairstyle Trends
Long Hairstyles
Medium Hairstyles
Short Hairstyles
Teen Hairstyles
Updo Hairstyles
Wavy Hairstyles
Health Devices
Healthy Food
Home Remedies
Ingredients And Uses
Weight Loss
Weight Gain
Relationships
Celebrity News
Inspiration
Collaboration
Women Empowerment

Home » Shopping

5 Best Travel-Size Hot Rollers, Recommended By A Cosmetologist (2024)

Style your curls anywhere with travel-sized, easy-to-use, and durable hot rollers.

Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week. She has a private studio and loves to make her clients feel amazing and welcomed. Read full bio of Lindsay Loo

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti

Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products. Read full bio of Aditi Naskar

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Image: StyleCraze Design Team

Are you someone who cannot go without styling your hair in curls? Well, all you need is a travel-size hot roller to keep in your handbag. Conventional rollers are bulky and heavy, and you couldn’t imagine carrying them around. All thanks to technology, now rollers can be a part of your makeup bag, and no matter when you have to head out, they can be carried along, ready for use. If you are looking for the most effective and durable ones, we are here to help you find the best rollers with gentle material for achieving tight or soft curls. Go through our list of 5 compact hot rollers with numerous positive reviews and select the perfect one for your hair.

In This Article

5 Best Travel-Size Hot Rollers For Each Hair Type

1. best lightweight: conair instant heat hair setter.

Achieve gorgeous and long-lasting voluminous waves or loose curls with these instant hot rollers by Conair. This space-saving rollers set consists of five 1.5” jumbo-sized hot rollers, which come along with sturdy clips. They heat up quite quickly in just two minutes. The rollers are also equipped with a velvety surface to ensure heat protection and a cool-to-touch ring that provides added safety. The dual voltage feature makes it convenient for worldwide travel! The 5’ long power cord makes sure your styling is hassle-free. Several reviewers highly recommend the product for a frizz-free blowout look and longer-lasting results.

Specifications

No. Of Rollers: 5
Easy to use
Provides lasting volume
Lightweight
Heats up quickly
Not durable

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 6,486 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

2. Best Quick Heating: Remington H-1015 Compact Ceramic Hair Rollers

This Remington set of 10 heated rollers – 5 large and 5 extra-large – is perfect for creating voluminous curls and lustrous waves for a thicker hair appearance. It is engineered with ceramic technology so you do not have to worry about any heat damage. The rollers also feature a built-in ionic generator, which ensures your hair is smooth and frizz-free . It is a compact and super lightweight curling set, measuring only 9×4×4 inches in dimension. The dual voltage feature makes this hot roller kit convenient for international travel. It also comes with 10 exclusive clips for better hold. The ceramic ribs on the rollers and clips are color-coded, so it is easy to figure out the size. The smart pouch that comes along with this kit holds the rollers while heating and makes it convenient to carry around. Here’s a personal review video of a tester’s experience to help you get a better understanding of the product.

No. Of Rollers: 10
Easy to carry
Comfortable
Clips hold tightly
May not create big curls

3. Best Durable: Studio 35 Beauty 10 Piece Travel Hairsetter

This 10-piece hot roller kit by Studio 35 Beauty consists of five 1 inch rollers and five 1¼ inch rollers for the best on-the-go hair styling. This set features a dot indicator, which lights up when your roller is ready to use. For added safety, each of the rollers is equipped with cool tips. This set is super lightweight and weighs only 1.25 pounds. The travel-friendly curlers also come with 10 clips to keep your rollers secured and a heat-resistant bag for easy storage . Multiple reviewers have recommended this lightweight, quick, and compact curler set as a must buy!

Quick curls
Reasonable price
Not long-lasting curls

4. Best Long-Lasting: Conair Infiniti Pro Hot Roller Set

This versatile hot roller set by Conair contains 20 ceramic flocked hot rollers. It features 3 different sizes – small (¾ inches), medium (1 inch), and large (1¼ inch) rollers for longer as well as shorter hair. The large ones can be used for achieving voluminous, wavy curls, and the smaller ones for tighter curls. The rollers heat up in just two minutes and leave you with long-lasting curls . These ceramic rollers offer a portable heat styling solution and protect your hair from heat damage and eliminate frizz, while the dual ionic feature neutralizes flyaways and boosts shine. Unlike regular hot rollers, this set is equipped with 12 heat settings that can be adjusted according to your convenience. It is also equipped with a retractable cord, which ensures convenient storage.

No. Of Rollers: 20
Easy to store
Eliminates frizz
Long-lasting curls
Does not get hot enough

It has received over 1,179 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.

5. Best For Thin Hair: John Frieda Body And Shine Smooth Waves

This stylish frizz-free waves hot roller set by John Frieda gives you salon-quality results in just a matter of minutes! It contains five jumbo 2” rollers, which create smooth and lustrous waves. Each of these rollers is equipped with a sturdy clip for superior hold so you can achieve tighter curls and flaunt your curly hair all day. The titanium ceramic roller ensures even heat throughout the styling session for well-defined and gorgeous-looking hair. This hot roller set features a high-voltage ionic generator that generates up to 50% more ions than a regular roller. It helps flatten and smoothen your cuticle, thus reducing frizz and leaving your hair shiny. It also comes with two heat settings – high and low. The product’s luxurious and voluminous results have made it a favorite among several reviewers.

Smooth waves
Good drying power
Suitable for thin hair
Clip does not hold well

Wondering what the difference is between travel-size and regular hot rollers ? Find your answer below.

What Are The Differences Between Travel-Size Hot Rollers And Regular Hot Rollers?

The main difference between regular hot rollers and travel-sized hot rollers is the weight and dimensions. Travel-sized sets are lightweight, compact, and convenient to carry around. Another significant difference is that regular rollers run on standard 110 voltage, whereas travel-sized ones are equipped with dual voltage. Also, when you choose to buy regular hot rollers, the more rollers, the better it is. Keep in mind, travel-sized rollers have limited sizes to keep the weight and dimensions compact.

Hot rollers are saviors during office trips and vacations. They are easy to carry and help you style your hair instantly. Here are a few crucial points that you need to keep in mind before purchasing such compact hair styling tools.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Travel Size Hot Roller?

Size Longer hair calls for bigger rollers. Look for hot rollers that are more than 1” thick if you have long hair to ensure optimal results.
Material Hot rollers come in various materials, but the best ones are made of ceramic and tourmaline. The ceramic and tourmaline-infused rollers offer even heat distribution and also aid in de-frizzing your hair during the process. Another good option is titanium! Titanium rollers leave your hair super smooth and minimize static in your hair. They also heat up rapidly and are the best for voluminous hair.
Weight And Dimensions One of the essential features to consider when buying travel-size convenient hot rollers is the dimensions and weight. They must be lightweight and compact, so they can fit effortlessly into your luggage and are easy to carry around. Make sure your set is not more than 1.5 kgs in weight.
Number Of Rollers A travel-sized hot roller set should have a limited number of rollers to ensure that it is lightweight and compact. It is ideal to choose a kit with a maximum of 12 to 15 rollers in at least two different sizes for perfectly styled curls.
Added Features

Ionic technology: Ionic technology gives your hair a frizz-free and sleek look. It works by drawing the moisture from your cuticles and sealing it in your hair strands, giving you an even and shiny hairstyle. It also defines your curls to perfection and gives you salon-quality results!

Cool Tip: It would be horrible if you end up burning your hand during a beautiful vacation. A cool tip or a cool-touch end prevents this from happening! This safety feature ensures that your roller’s side stays cool to the touch.

Temperature You should look for hot rollers that reach a maximum temperature of 370-420°F if you have thick hair. If your hair is less dense or you have finer hair, choose hot rollers that reach a maximum temperature of 350°F. It’s preferable to have adjustable heat settings in your hot rollers as well. This allows you to have control over the styling and minimizes the risk of hair damage, preventing dry hair.
Voltage Last but most important, make sure to choose a hot roller kit with dual voltage. This is an added advantage when you travel outside the country.

Lindsay Loo , an expert cosmetologist says, “When it comes to the setting part of your curls, make sure your hair and the roller is 100% cooled. If not, you will not get the results you were hoping for.”

Infographic: Dos And Don’ts Of Using Travel-Size Hot Rollers

Travel-size hot rollers are an effective way to achieve beautiful curls and voluminous hairstyles while you are on the go. To make the most of them, it is essential to know how to use them properly and safely. Check out the infographic below for more information.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Travel-friendly hair curlers/hot rollers can help you style your hair effortlessly while improving the hair texture and enhancing its body, as you lounge around in your vacation. These rollers can easily be placed in your makeup bag and carried anywhere you want for perfect curls. Try the Conair Instant Heat Hair Setter for its safety feature of a cool-to-touch ring, the Remington H-1015 Compact Ceramic Hair Rollers for superior and even heat distribution, or the Conair Infiniti Pro Hot Roller Set for a frizz-free result and long-lasting curls. There are many durable hot rollers on the market that heat up very quickly and have been made convenient for travel with the help of their dual voltage feature. If you want to style your curls comfortably, travel-friendly hot rollers with dot indicators can help you do so. However, you should steer clear of portable hair curlers or hot rollers if they don’t offer big, long-lasting curls. If you are still confused, consult a hair expert before buying a tool.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is passionate about hair care and styling. She writes product reviews based on her years of experience in the domain. To prepare this list, she also read hundreds of user reviews and feedback available on multiple online platforms. These travel-size hot rollers are great for styling your hair and are durable and convenient to carry.

The 6 Best Heatless Curlers for Travel of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Heatless curlers make hair styling easier while traveling so you can leave the hot tools at home.

In This Article

Our Top Picks
Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

Tips for Buying
Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure/Anna Mejorada

Curling irons are great for creating long-lasting hair styles, but hot tools are notoriously bad for your strands . Heatless curlers provide a damage-free alternative that is especially well-suited for travel. Eliminating the need for voltage adapters and plug converters on international excursions, heatless curlers also expend less weight and real estate in your luggage . Since heatless curlers take just minutes to apply and can be worn overnight, they help you spend less time in front of the bathroom mirror and more time soaking in every moment of your vacation.

We put 23 heatless curlers to the test over the course of two weeks, testing each product at least two or three times, paying careful attention to how it performed in the following categories: ease of use, comfort (including during overnight use), curling ability, hair look and feel, and durability. These are the six heatless curlers that are worth the space in your luggage .

Best Overall

Silke london silk heatless curler.

The gentle silk roller is comfortable for overnight use.

The carrying case is a bit bulky.

In terms of fabrics that’ll come in contact with your hair or skin, silk is an exceptional choice. Not to be confused with satin (which can be produced from silk or other fibers), silk won’t draw moisture from your hair like other fabrics can. It also helps reduce creasing. That’s why this roller set crafted from 100 percent pure mulberry silk tops our list. The high-quality materials help produce bouncy, voluminous waves that look shiny and natural.

In our tests, we found that this product was very comfortable to sleep in — even for a side sleeper. Though this particular team member's naturally straight hair migrated down the rod just a bit overnight, it mostly stayed in place and produced a curly hairstyle that began approximately mid-way down the hair shaft and lasted all day. We found this product to be user-friendly (just as simple as braiding your hair), even for a heatless curler beginner.

The rod is one-size-fits-most and can be used on all hair types. For best results, we recommend starting with slightly damp hair and leaving the curling rod in place until your hair completely dries (or overnight). Though you can use the curler without any additional hair products, a little mousse, curl cream, or setting spray can increase the longevity of your curls.

The Details: 100 percent pure 22 momme grade mulberry silk and foam | Includes one silk curling rod, two silk hair ties, one hair clip, and a carrying case

Travel + Leisure / Riddley Schirm

Best for Volume

Octocurl heatless curler headband.

You won’t have to keep track of any other accessories with this one-piece volumizing curling tool.

It was difficult to achieve a tighter curl pattern.

Don’t be intimidated by this heatless curling device’s unusual shape — we found it surprisingly simple to use, especially after watching tutorials on Octocurl’s Instagram page . In our tests, we thought the cotton poplin headband, which is attached to eight curling rods, was very comfortable to sleep in, since the fabric and interior stuffing were both super soft. The adjustable headband didn’t feel tight or constricting.

Since the curling rods have elastics attached to the bottom, all you need is this one item — making it extra convenient for travel since you don’t have to worry about storing and containing multiple pieces. We love that it’s available in four sizes based on hair length (ranging from seven-inch straps to 17-inch straps), as well as a kid-friendly version with a headband that is one inch smaller.

The Details: Cotton poplin | Includes one curling headband

Travel + Leisure / Irene Richardson

Best for Long Hair

Mane label hair co. original sway heatless curling ribbon.

The 63-inch velour curling ribbon is comfy to sleep in.

It won’t work as well on layered haircuts.

If you have long hair, you’ll appreciate the added length on this 63-inch velour heatless curling wand. Though we experienced a bit of a learning curve when trying to use this product, once we got the hang of it, we were able to wrap our hair in as little as five minutes — much less time than it takes to curl hair with a curling iron. The product (which comes in nine gorgeous color options) was very comfortable to sleep in, making it an excellent choice for overnight use. We also love that this product uses eco-friendly dyes, which do not produce harmful chemicals or environmental pollution.

The Details: Cotton plush velour | Includes one curling ribbon, one claw clip, and two elastics

Travel + Leisure / Hannah Freedman

Most Comfortable to Sleep In

Mermade hair heatless curls kit.

The silk fabric is better for your hair than cotton and comfortable to sleep in.

An anti-frizz serum may help improve the look of the curls.

Heatless curlers that are comfortable to sleep in are ideal for travel since you can wrap your hair in minutes before bed and wake up with a camera-ready hairstyle without taking precious time away from your trip for morning styling. In our tests, this pick by Mermade Hair stood above the rest in terms of overnight comfort and convenience. The 100 percent mulberry silk curling ribbon won’t draw moisture from your hair and helps prevent unwanted creasing. Meanwhile, the included silk scrunchies made it simple to secure our ends, and the claw clip held everything in place while we wrapped our hair.

The Details: 100 percent mulberry silk | Includes one curling ribbon, two silk scrunchies, and one hair clip

Travel + Leisure / Katrina Cossey

Best Budget

The vintage cosmetic company satin heatless hair curler.

This wallet-conscious pick is great for beginners.

The curls may loosen a bit throughout the day.

If you’re a heatless curling beginner and looking for a solid yet budget-friendly product to try, we recommend this satin and foam curling ribbon, which includes two scrunchies made from the same material. (We recommend securing it atop your head with a claw clip, which is not included.) Though not as delicate on your strands as its silk counterparts, we were still able to achieve voluminous curls with this item and especially appreciated it for overnight use. The soft material made it comfortable to sleep in, and therefore, we found it more convenient and luggage-friendly to pack for travel than a traditional hot curling iron.

The Details: Polyester satin and foam | Includes one heatless curling ribbon and two scrunchies

Travel + Leisure / Kristen Geil

Best With Multiple Rods

Kitsch satin-wrapped flexi rods.

The satin rods provide voluminous, beachy waves.

They’re not the most comfortable for overnight use.

For a voluminous, loosely curled hairstyle that resembles bouncy beach waves, try Kitch’s six-piece flexible curling rod kit. Though not quite as comfortable as many of the other options on our list for overnight use, these are perfectly suited for curling your hair during the day. Simply divide your hair into six sections and wrap each around a single rod (if you have thicker hair, you may want to invest in a second pack to make sure all your hair fits in the rods), then twist into place. We liked that the product provides a more voluminous look than a heated curling iron, however, we found that hairspray was helpful to keep the curls in place.

The Details: Vegan satin | Includes six curling rods

Travel + Leisure / Claire O'Halloran

Other Heatless Curlers We Liked

There were a few other heatless curlers that stood out during testing, although they had some setbacks.

Cozy Curlers Short Cozy Curlers : The foam rods were great for creating tight curls, however, they were less comfortable to sleep in than many of our other favorites.

Halo Hair Labs Icy Halo Heatless Curling Kit : Though this was easy to use and caused no issues overnight, we wished the rod had a bit more length to better accommodate long hair.

Invisibobble Heatless Curling Set : This heatless curling set did the trick, but it may not have enough length for people with long and thick hair.

Lilysilk Silk Curling Headband and Scrunchie Set : While this 100 percent silk-lined, 43-inch rod is great for people with long or thick hair, we wished the set included a claw clip to secure hair.

To find the very best heatless curlers in every category, we tested 23 products in a real-world setting over the course of two weeks. Each product was tested at least two or three times during the testing period. We applied them to slightly damp hair, or according to the manufacturer’s directions, and left them in our hair for a minimum of two hours. We paid close attention to ease of use, comfort (including during overnight use), curling ability, hair look and feel, as well as durability. We will continue to test our winners for an additional six months to make sure they hold up and will update the results as needed.

Tips for Buying Heatless Curlers

Consider your hair type.

All hair types can benefit from heatless styling (as opposed to hot tools), but certain types of heatless curlers are better suited for some hair types than others. While people with thicker hair may find foam rollers or flexi-rods provide the most hold, those with fine hair might have better luck with fabric-covered curling ribbons, which you can keep in overnight for longevity.

Watch tutorials first

If you’ve never used heatless curlers before, there can be a bit of a learning curve. We recommend watching tutorials on how to use the specific product you’re considering buying. Make sure you understand the best methodology for getting the desired look with the product, and choose one that you think you'll use the most. Even after you purchase the product, we recommend learning how to use it and testing it out before traveling for best results.

Pick one for your desired hairstyle

Curling ribbons tend to create larger, beachier curls, while individual rods or foam rollers are better at creating a more tightly curled look. Consider your desired hairstyle when choosing the best product. You’ll also want to keep your hair length and thickness in mind, as longer hairstyles may require curling ribbons with added length, and thicker hair may need a greater number of curling rods or rollers to achieve the desired look. If you are planning to curl your hair overnight, we found that curling ribbons are the most comfortable option, while curling rod multi-packs work better for daytime use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Though instructions vary from product to product, in general, it is recommended to start with clean hair that is about 70-80 percent dry. Wrap your hair in the curlers per the product instructions, and leave them in your hair for at least two hours or overnight. (Overnight use is recommended for longevity of your hairstyle.) After unwrapping your curls, you may wish to use hairspray for added staying power. We recommend trying your heatless curlers at home before your trip so you can get a feel for the product and find the best methodology for your specific hair type and length.

In our tests, many of the heatless curlers provided comparable results to curling irons in terms of longevity, especially when used overnight. Depending on how well your natural hair holds a curl, most heatless curlers will create a hairstyle that lasts all day, although a bit of hairspray can help add staying power.

Yes! As opposed to electric curling irons, which can damage your hair with excessive heat , heatless curling irons do not damage your hair at all. Our favorite fabric for heatless curlers is silk, as it does not draw moisture away from your hair (as cotton can), and it helps prevent unwanted creasing. Heatless curlers can safely be used on all hair types.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Talia Ergas pored over Travel + Leisure 's copious notes to understand the pros and cons of each product tested. She combined extensive research into the heatless curler category with her years of experience as a beauty editor to provide a detailed analysis of the best product in every category.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Search Please fill out this field.
Martha's Blog
Newsletters
Sweepstakes

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Hot Rollers Are Making a Comeback—Here are 5 Expert-Approved Sets to Shop Now

These old-school hair tools impart lasting volume and big, bouncy curls.

Audrey is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

As the saying goes, there's nothing new under the sun—and that is certainly true for hot rollers. They have been used for decades to boost volume and create glamorous curls , but like many "old-school" beauty trends, TikTok has given them a resurgence. There are a myriad of reasons why hot rollers have made a comeback, and one of them is versatility. Whitney Eaddy , a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Juices & Botanics , explains that these styling tools are suitable for virtually all hair types, textures, and patterns. "It's really about finding the right roller that best suits your hair," Eaddy notes. StyleSeat hairstylist Kamara Brown agrees and adds that preparing your strands—before introducing rollers into the mix—will ultimately lead to the best result. Ahead, we explain exactly how to use hot rollers and share several expert-approved sets you can purchase right now.

Shop Our Top Hot Roller Picks

T3 Voluminzing Hot Rollers Luxe , $129.99
BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Hot Rollers , $69.99
InfinitiPRO By Conair Jumbo Ionic Roller Set , $49.99
Conair Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter , $34.99
Conair 20-Roller Compact Setter , $19.99

How to Use Hot Rollers

According to Eaddy, it's best to begin with a smooth, blown-out base; those with textured hair or tighter waves or curls, on the other hand, should get strands into a straightened state. From there, part your hair exactly how you're going to wear it. "This makes it so much easier to achieve your desired style without moving the hot rollers," she says. Brown adds that it's more difficult to create a part once you add heat to hair—so be sure to do this first.

Next, apply a heat-protective serum or spray. "Like with any other hot tool, it is easy to experience damage with hot rollers," Eaddy explains. Then, it's time to roll up your strands. Grab a roller and, holding it vertically (doing so results in soft, loose curls, notes Eaddy), roll your hair in the direction you want your waves to fall. Your desired result should inform their placement: The looser the curl, the higher up you'll need to position the rollers.

How to Set Your Curls

It's critical to let the hot rollers sit for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the pieces to fully cool while they are in your hair sets that wave in place . Before you finish with a hairspray, Eaddy suggests pinning the curls with single-prong clips if your hair is still a touch warm post-roller removal. This will further set the look and lead to a longer-lasting style. Now that you know how to use hot rollers, you're likely interested in a brand-new set (the one from your teens probably isn't up to the task). Ahead, we asked Eaddy and Brown to share the best hot rollers on the market—discover their picks below, and you'll quickly realize that today's models have made major strides.

InfinitiPRO By Conair Jumbo Ionic Roller Set

Those with thicker strands should turn to the InfinitiPRO By Conair Jumbo Ionic Roller Set, shares Eaddy; the oversized rollers size hold more hair in place.

T3 Voluminzing Hot Rollers Luxe

"This T3 set is probably the most luxurious one on the market," says Eaddy. Made with the brand's HeatCore technology, the base distributes heat evenly via two temperature settings (opt for the lower one if your hair is fine—it's gentler on your scalp). The set comes with eight rollers in two sizes; each one has cool grips, so you don't have to worry about burning your fingers as you place them in your hair.

Conair Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter

If you're looking for looser curls, try the Conair Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter. "This set creates big curls and waves and smooth volume using soft ceramic-flocked rollers and gentle heat," Eaddy says.

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Hot Rollers

According to Eaddy, the BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Hot Rollers work well on fine hair. And with six rollers in three different sizes (that's 18 pieces total!), you'll be able to create a myriad of looks. Best of all, each roller has a velvet finish, which ultimately adds volume to finer strands, she explains.

Conair 20-Roller Compact Setter

This set boasts 20 rollers and clocks in under $20, making it the ultimate budget option. Brown particularly enjoys this model because the rollers come with coordinating rods, and everything can be organized into a convenient carrying case. You also get three different roller sizes—small, medium, and large—which create a mix of curl patterns. Without a doubt, this is the best value set out there.

More Good Things

Search Please fill out this field.
Manage Your Subscription
Give a Gift Subscription
Newsletters
Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The Best Hot Rollers, According To Our Testing

Achieve bouncy curls and major volume with these hot rollers.

The Bottom Line

Tips for Choosing

Questions and Answers

Why trust southern living.

Southern Living / Eric Brockob

Southerners have used hot rollers for decades to achieve bouncy, voluminous curls that last all day ( even with the humidity ). “Investing in hot rollers can offer a variety of benefits that other styling tools may not be able to provide,” says April Story . “Hot rollers are perfect for creating voluminous curls and waves that can last longer than those created with a curling iron or flat iron. Plus, they are gentle on the hair and can help to minimize heat damage.”

April Story is a multicultural hair stylist at Van Michael Salon in Buckhead, Georgia, and a Fekkai Global Master Stylist.

To come up with our list, we researched the best hot rollers and tested the top picks at home, evaluating them on variety, material, accessories, and heat time, just to name a few.

Best Overall Hot Rollers

T3 hot rollers.

Easy to use for beginners

Dual temperature settings

Cool-touch ends

Auto-shutoff function

Takes up very little counter space

Difficult to tell when the rollers are ready for use

These curlers were easy to use as they heated up quickly, but didn’t get too hot and didn’t feel uncomfortable when we first placed them in our hair. We also appreciated their sleek design and how little counter space they took up when not in use.

The T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers are recommended for all hair types by several professional hair stylists. “These rollers are made with tourmaline technology, which emits negative ions that seal the hair cuticle and eliminate frizz,” says Story.

This pack of eight rollers comes with four 1.75-inch barrels and four 1.5-inch barrels to help you achieve voluminous, soft curls. They heat up in just two to three minutes and have velvet flocking which works to protect hair from damage and ensures it stays in place when styling. The only downside we noticed during testing was that the indicator light to let us know that the rollers were ready to be used never turned on.

“With two heat settings, you can make adjustments for fine or damaged hair,” says Shelly Aguirre , stylist at Maxine Salon. “Its dual temperature setting helps create the volume,” adds Jennifer Korab , owner and hair stylist at Renaissance Salon & Spa.

And, you won’t have to worry too much about burning your fingers when handling the rollers, as they are equipped with CoolGrip technology along the rims. If you plan on taking your hot rollers with you on any upcoming travels, this pack of hot rollers includes a travel case that allows for easy storage and mobility. And the auto-shutoff function will automatically turn the rollers off after an hour so you can have peace of mind when you leave for the day.

Material: Velvet-flocked ceramic | Included Rollers: (4) 1.75-inch rollers, (4) 1.5-inch rollers

Best Budget Hot Rollers

Remington ionic conditioning hair setter.

Produces lasting curls

Includes color-coded J-clips

Variety of sizes

Convenient carrying case

Larger size doesn't work as well on short hair

No storage for J-clips

For less than $25, this set of ceramic hot rollers comes with 20 rollers of varying sizes. There are six large rollers, 10 medium-size rollers, and four small rollers. The roller sizes are differentiated by color (pink = long, purple = medium, white = short), so it’s easy to grab the correct size when styling your hair.

These rollers heated up in just 10 minutes. They were able to produce curls that lasted for four hours (after some hairspray) without tangles. But despite these roller’s ability to successfully curl long hair, we found the 1.25-inch size a bit too large for short hair.

As far as portability goes, we were able to easily carry these hot rollers from room-to-room thanks to its box with lid that makes for an easy carrying experience.

The hot rollers are ready to be used when the ready dot lights up on the setter. What makes these rollers unique is that each one is iconically conditioned and therefore will reduce the amount of frizz that is created once the rollers touch your hair. They are also each made with a thermal wax core that retains heat for maximum styling.

In addition to the 20 velvety rollers, this set also comes with color-coded J-clips to secure the rollers in your hair with minimal creasing, although we wished there was a more secure way to house them outside of the plastic bag they came in. And when it comes time to unravel them, the cool-touch ends will protect your fingers.

Material: Velvet-flocked ceramic | Included Rollers: (6) 1.25-inch rollers, (10) 1-inch rollers, (4) 0.75-inch rollers

Best Hot Rollers for Long Hair

Conair infinitipro luxe volume hair setter.

Large, 2-inch rollers perfect for rolling longer hair

Easy to clean

Heats up quickly

Has a heat-up light signal

No variety of roller sizes

If you have long hair that needs some volume, be sure to check out this set of eight 2-inch hot rollers. “This set is great for long hair since the rollers are larger,” says Aguirre. You’ll be able to curl longer hair using fewer rollers—because we’re all about convenience.

In 85 seconds, these flocked rollers can be heated up to 140°F to 230°F—you’ll know once they’re ready to be used when you see the heat-up signal light up. Each roller is equipped with a soft flocking layer and an aluminum heating core to evenly heat hair.

Hair clips can sometimes be bothersome, but not the two-pronged clips that are included with the set (there are eight to correspond with the eight jumbo rollers). Keep in mind that it is recommended to wait until the rollers are cool to remove them from one’s hair—you wouldn’t want to burn your fingers. You can also use a cloth to clean the unit (and rollers) once it’s cool so it’s polished and ready for your next use.

Material: Velvet-flocked ceramic | Included Rollers: (8) 2-inch rollers

Best Hot Rollers for Short Hair

Chi smart magnify ceramic rollers.

1-inch rollers suited for shorter hair

Lightweight

Has a thermal storage case

Included clips prevent hair creasing

May not be compatible with other kinds of clips

According to Agguire, “this set has smaller rollers suited best for shorter hair.” To heat these velvet-finished, ceramic rollers, simply press them down into the base and wait two to three minutes until the red light signals that they are ready to use (the platform base itself does not get hot). The rollers can stay hot for about 15 minutes, enough time to seal your curls.

It’s important to note that the clips included are customized to fit these rollers, so using another kind may not work as well (and you may end up potentially burning yourself if a roller were to slip). However, these clips prevent hair creasing which you (and your hair) can appreciate. And, these rollers come with a thermal storage case if you need to store them or take them on the go.

Material: Velvet-flocked ceramic | Included Rollers: (9) 1-inch rollers

Most Versatile Hot Rollers

Babyliss pro 20 roller hairsetter.

Come in three different sizes

Heat up quickly

Velvet exterior

Creates lasting curls

Doesn’t have an auto shut-off feature

May cause creasing on thin hair

These hot rollers are a great option if you’re looking for a set that can be used on a variety of hair lengths, as the set consists of six 0.75-inch rollers, six 1-inch rollers, and eight 1.25-inch rollers . “The rollers are coated with a nano titanium and ceramic material that heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, resulting in long-lasting curls,” says Story.

When we tested these velvety hot rollers, they heated evenly in just about five minutes and left us with curls that lasted all day (with the addition of some hairspray).

We can’t forget to mention that we did notice some creasing on the hair on top of the head and around the face when tested on thin hair. However, if you have thicker hair, this likely would not impact you.

In addition to the 20 hot rollers, this set also includes 20 butterfly clips and 20 color-coded metal clips. This set is easy to operate and comes with an on/off indicator light, although we wish it had an automatic-shutoff feature.

Material: Velvet-flocked nano titanium ceramic | Included Rollers: (8) 1.25-inch rollers, (6) 1-inch rollers, (6) 0.75-inch rollers

Best Hot Rollers for Traveling

Conair travel hairsetter with jumbo rollers.

Dual voltage for international travel

Cooling end rings to prevent burns

Rollers are easy to grip

Zippered pouch for portability

Rollers only come in one size

If you’re looking for a set of hot rollers to fit inside your suitcase, consider this set of 1.5-inch ceramic hot rollers from Conair. Since the rollers are fairly large, you’re able to style more hair using fewer rollers—all you have to do is wait 85 seconds for them to heat up (you’ll know when you see the light) and then you’re all good to go.

And, the set won’t take up too much room in your luggage. What’s more, the set features dual voltage, so you can use it on all your international travels as well.

The flocked, velvety and easy-to-grip rollers are equipped with stay-cool rings on the outer edges, so your fingers are protected. The full set includes five jumbo rollers, five clips, a zippered pouch, and a 5-foot power cord.

Material: Velvet-flocked ceramic | Included Rollers: (5) 1.5-inch rollers

Our Best Overall pick is the T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers , as they are suitable for styling a variety of hair types, have dual heat settings, and work to eliminate frizz thanks to their tourmaline technology. Another good and less expensive option is the Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter , which features a variety of sizes for an affordable price point.

Tips for Choosing the Right Hot Rollers

Your hair length and density is going to have an impact on which hot rollers you choose and how you use them. If you have shorter hair, it’s not likely that you are going to need to buy the same size rollers as someone with longer hair. It is also important to note that, “quick-heated rollers are best for longer hair (use thick rollers),” says Fabian Lliguin, hair stylist and co-founder of Rahua . “For shorter hair use thin rollers, for fine hair use thick sections, and for thick hair use regular sections (1 roller should cover 1/8 of hair).”

Number of Rollers

When choosing the right hot rollers, it’s important to consider how many rollers you’re going to need. “The number of rollers you need will depend on your hair type, length, and the style you're trying to achieve,” says Story. “If you have thick, long hair, you may need more rollers to get the desired curl or wave.

On the other hand, if you have shorter hair or thinner hair, you may be able to get away with fewer rollers.” The size of the rollers and the look you’re going for may also impact how many you need. For example, “larger rollers will give you softer, more voluminous curls, while smaller rollers will give you tighter, more defined curls,” says Story.

When it comes to the material of hot rollers, what works best on one person’s hair may not be what works best on another person’s hair. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow regarding material to help prevent heat damage.

“Ceramic and tourmaline are popular choices because they distribute heat evenly and reduce frizz,” says Story. “However, if you have thick or coarse hair, you may prefer titanium rollers for faster and hotter styling.” Both Story and Lliguin agree that velvet-flocked rollers are favorable, as the coating may help prevent additional hair damage.

Accessories

Hair rollers usually come with clips to keep them in place as they’re heating your hair. Safety is key when it comes to using hot rollers and “coverings such as heat-resistant gloves or thermal caps can be used to protect your hands and scalp from the heat,” explains Story.

Although most hot rollers include clips, “some people prefer butterfly clips, while others prefer metal or plastic clips,” says Story. “Sectioning clips can also be useful, especially if you have thick hair.” Thus, you may choose to purchase speciality clips separately depending on your preferences.

Although hairspray isn’t a direct accessory for hot rollers, it can help you achieve big Southern-style curls. “Apply hairspray to the hair prior to rolling and you’ll notice a big difference,” says O’Jemah “OJ” Raiford , hair stylist at Robyn Michelle Salon in Windermere, Florida.

What is the easiest kind of hot roller to use?

This depends, as everyone’s hair is different. However, those with a clip or clamp system are typically easier to use as they “allow you to securely hold your hair in place without having to worry about it slipping out,” says Story. “Additionally, rollers with a ceramic or tourmaline coating tend to heat up evenly and maintain a consistent temperature, resulting in a more efficient styling process.”

Regardless of the type of hair rollers you select, Raiford adds that many people opt to use hot rollers as opposed to other curling products for convenience. “Hot rollers are convenient and keep the hair in place until cool or removed,” says Raiford.

What is the best material for hot rollers?

Ceramic and tourmaline are some of the best materials for hot rollers as they “distribute heat evenly and reduce frizz,” says Story. However, she notes that titanium rollers may be more effective on thicker hair.

Do you need a heat protectant to use hot rollers?

According to Aguirre, “heat protectant is always recommended for any hot tool” including hot rollers. If a heat protectant is not used before applying hair rollers, the risk of developing split ends, dry, and brittle hair increases.

Story says that heat protectant sprays and hair serums are the best heat protectant tools to use on your hair. They “will help keep your hair looking healthy and shiny while also extending the life of your hot rollers.”

How can you keep from damaging your hair while using hot rollers?

This may seem obvious, but not using hot rollers daily is one thing Aguirre recommends to keep from damaging your hair while using hot rollers. Additionally, you also should monitor the amount of time you keep the rollers in your hair and follow the instructions as each set of hot rollers is different. Make sure your hair is completely dry before using hot rollers. “Wet hair is more prone to damage and breakage, so it's important to use a blow dryer or air dry your hair before using hot rollers,” recommends Story. Raiford adds that hot rolling hair in small sections is a best practice to ensure hair safety and efficiency when using hot rollers.

This article was written by Jenna Clark , contributing commerce writer for Southern Living . To develop this list of the best hot rollers, we researched the best hot rollers and tested the top picks at home, evaluating them on the number of rollers included, material, heat time, and accessories.

To learn more about what to consider when shopping for the best hot rollers and for product recommendations, she consulted April Story , a multicultural hair stylist at Van Michael Salon in Buckhead, Georgia, and a Fekkai Global Master Stylist; Fabian Lliguin, hair stylist and co-founder of Rahua ; Shelly Aguirre , stylist at Maxine Salon, Jennifer Korab , owner and hair stylist at Renaissance Salon & Spa, and O’Jemah “OJ” Raiford , hair stylist at Robyn Michelle Salon in Windermere, Florida.

Magic Hair In Motion

Best Hot Rollers Reviews 2021 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Last Updated on January 11, 2021

Table of Contents

1. Infiniti Pro by Conair – Instant Heat Ceramic

2. caruso professional – molecular steam hairsetter, 3. babyliss pro nano titanium – best rated hair rollers, 4. revlon perfect heat longwave – recommended for long hair, 5. paul mitchell neuro cell – premium system, 6. t3 voluminous, 7. conair compact – multi-size hot rollers, 8. vokai labs – best hot rollers for short hair, 9. remington t|studio thermaluxe, 10. calista tools ion hot rollers, your ultimate buying guide, why use a hair roller set.

They also use molecular science to prevent hair from burning under the heat.
Their compact cases make them easy to carry and store.
They also heat up and cool down quickly.

The best hair rollers also come in a variety of price points to fit every budget.

You can use them on thick and thin hair, as well as long and short hair. They can feel a little awkward at first, but it doesn’t take long to get used to having a head full of funky rollers. Unrolling the curlers is the pay off – those big bouncy curls are worth the time and effort.

Whether you are ready to update your old case of hair rollers or you are trying them for the first time, these are the top 10 hair rollers on the market today:

The Best Hot Rollers Reviews – Top Models of 2021

These rollers heat up in just two minutes so you can speed up your beauty routine. The rollers have argon fused into them which helps prevent any troubles with frizz. Conair includes three different sizes: 1 ¼ inch, 1 inch, and ¾ inch. These are perfect for all lengths and types of hair.

One of the biggest benefits of the Infiniti Pro is the fact that the temperature can be set at 12 different settings. These temperature choices make these the best heated hair rollers. This product works so well that your curly hair will last all day. To ensure bouncy, amazing curls, these come with claw-like clips instead of the typical pins to keep the curlers in place. Each claw is specially designed to fit the different sizes of curlers with little teeth to keep the rollers from uncurling. Pros:

12 different heat settings
Claw-like clips
Clips can be hard to use
Two minutes to heat up

Full Review

They use steam to moisturize and condition hair as the curl sets. Once the rollers are put in the hair, curls will set in 5 to 10 minutes; but if you want to speed up the process, a hair dryer helps set the curls in 30 seconds. The blow dryer will evaporate the moisturizing steam quickly.

Caruso has been making hot roller sets for several decades and there are people who still have sets that are 20 years old. The newest model (this model number C97953) includes the latest in curl setting technology that pushes steam molecules into the shaft of the hair to create curls that last for days. This is better for the hair than rollers that heat from the outside in. Caruso includes six petite rollers, small rollers, medium rollers, large rollers, and jumbo rollers. Pros:

Use molecular steam
Works on fine hair that is difficult to curl
One heat setting

These are professional quality made of the Nano Titanium technology that creates heat from the inside of the hair, rather than from the outside. This keeps the hair hydrated and healthy, instead of dry, brittle, and frizzy.

The Nano Titanium set includes 20 sticks in two sizes, ⅜ inch and ½ inch to create small and medium curls. Each stick turns into a circle and the ends come together in a self-closing mechanism. The little curling sticks do not hold much hair, so the curls end up being rather tight and they hold extremely well. These can be purchased online or in beauty supply stores. These curling sticks will curl even the hardest-to-curl fine, thin straight hair. Pros:

Curling sticks
Self-closing
Nano-Titanium Technology
Small diameter sticks create tight curls

The rollers come with hair clips rather than pins to hold them in place. The 12-piece set comes with a storage pouch and a heating piece that has an indicator that turns white when the rollers hit the ideal temperature.

The rollers heat up quickly and they get rather hot. Each roller holds much more hair than the average hot rollers hold, which makes them ideal for long hair. After rolling them in the hair, it usually takes about 15 minutes before they cool down and the hair sets.

Quick to heat
Get very hot
Extra-long rollers for long hair
Made of plastic
Only 12 rollers

Are you short on time but want quick beautiful curls? Do you think that you have to choose between hitting snooze and having a headful of beachy waves? If so, you’re in luck! With the Paul Mitchell Neuro Cell Premium, you don’t have to choose between sleeping in and looking your best! It is quick to heat, heating in as little as seconds. This is a vast improvement on most hairsetter sets on the market today. You can start heating them, brush your teeth, and you’re good to start curling your hair!

But are you worried about if the Paul Mitchell Neuro Cell Premium Hot Roller System will work for your hair type? You don’t have to! This set has options available for every kind of hair out there and makes choosing the right heating option easy as can be.

Choose between four different settings depending on your hair type: Fine, medium, coarse, or, for the most power, max.

This brand has a single minor problem, however. While the rollers heat up quickly, it only comes with six rollers. If you have chunky hair, that might not be enough. Thankfully, the rollers heat so rapidly that you can reuse the rollers without adding much time to your beauty routine!

Because of how quickly they heat, you might save more time than you would lose by doing this. Despite this minor flaw, this product is still an excellent addition to your beauty arsenal. Pros:

Heats very rapidly, in as little as eight seconds.
Four different settings for different hair types. Includes Fine, Medium, Coarse, and Max.
Has a one-hour shutoff feature, for your safety.
Indicator light will change color when rollers are ready.

Only comes with six rollers.

These rollers have velvet flocking on the outside to keep the hair soft, but a tourmaline and ceramic core to heat the hair from the inside out. This protects the hair from frizzing. Tourmaline and ceramic technology actually helps hydrate hair and seals the cuticle.

Your hair will look shinier after setting it than it did before rolling it up. T3 added ionic, infrared heat to keep the hair silky and shiny.

The set comes with eight rollers, four are extra large and the other four are large. It also comes with a charging base and eight spring-loaded clips. The luxurious tote also has a detachable cord and voltage that can be used all over the world. T3 also includes a two-year warranty.

Ceramic-tourmaline technology
Extra-large curlers
Two-year warranty
Only 8 rollers

The tiny footprint is easy enough to tuck away, whether you’re short on counter space or you need something to help you travel in style. Why would you settle for anything less?

With the Conair Compact HairSetter , you don’t ever have to settle again! This hair-setting kit, made by the famous and trustworthy hair-care company, Conair, is a mixture of everything that you want in a set of hair rollers. They are small and come in a compact package, perfect for bathrooms that are lacking in counter space, or for someone who needs to travel frequently and want flawless hair on the road.

The entire set weighs in at just 2.6 pounds, with dimensions of 6 by 7.4 by 12.9 inches; this makes it easy enough to tuck into your bag, or beneath an already-crowded counter.

The Conair Compact HairSetter also offers a variety of roller sizes, so that you’re never without rollers for your hair, regardless of its length or thickness. There are six large, six medium, and eight small rollers to match to your own needs. However, some people with short or thin hair may find it hard to keep the rolls in. Some extra clips may help.

Very small and easily transportable.
Has curlers in varying sizes for all types of curls or waves.
A light that shows when the rollers are ready to be used.
People with thin or short hair may find it difficult to keep the rollers in place.

Do you want beautiful waves or playful curls? Are you tired of frying your hair with a curling iron to get sub-par results? Then you should invest in a good hair setter!

And there are few better hair setters than the Volkai Labs HairSetter. If you are looking for excellence in hair-care, and an all-inclusive option for your hair, then you need look no further!

With this product, you will have access to every hairstyle you could possibly want, via their numerous rollers. To ensure that you have the best results, they come with two different kinds of clips, so that you can feel secure in your rollers.

These include the basic roller clips that come with most sets and butterfly clips for even more hold. For those who have very unruly hair, very thin hair, or even short hair, this is a great perk for a hair roller set to have. If that describes you, or if you’re just looking for a good set, then you should consider the Vokai Lbs Hot Rollers HairSetter .

The only downside that we’ve found is that a slight bad smell can sometimes be detected when the rollers are heating up. This has been compared to the smell of hot plastic. Thankfully, it isn’t there in every case, doesn’t transfer to your hair, and normally goes away after a few uses.

Has a wide variety of roller sizes.
Comes with two kinds of clip, for a more secure hold.
Has a small foot-space, perfect for travel or storage.
Comes with a limited one year warranty.
Can have a plastic smell when heating up, but isn’t found in every item and will dissipate.

It includes 12 large rollers that measure 1 ¼ inches in diameter and 8 medium rollers that measure 1 inch in diameter. These electric curlers are coated with ceramic so they heat the hair from the inside to minimize frizz. It only takes about five minutes for curls to set – this is at least 15 minutes faster than other rollers take.

The Remington Thermaluxe Ceramic Rollers only take 90 seconds to heat up – this is one of the quickest sets on the market today. You will know they are at the maximum temperature because an LED lights up. The curlers are held in place by the specially designed clips.

The set also comes with clips that help with sectioning hair. The pretty pink case holds the rollers in place and the electric cord wraps nicely around the bottom of it.

Ceramic rollers
Attractive case

If you find yourself wanting the best, most beautiful hairstyle in a fraction of the time, then you’ll love the Calista Tools Ion Short Style Set! It’s specially made so that it will heat more rapidly than other sets, meaning you’ll have your dream hair even faster!

It’s the speedy heating that really sets the Calista Tools Ion Short Style Set apart from other similar products. While most hairsetters can take a long while to heat up, and then quickly lose heat once they’re in your hair, the Calista is the opposite.

The rollers will heat very rapidly inside of the base and are specially designed to maintain that heat, even once they’re in your hair.

For women with a lot of hair, this can be great: No more getting half of your hair rolled, then finding the other half has already cooled. Are you perpetually running late in the morning? Then this is for you, too! Save precious time by using the Calista Tools Ion Short Style Set !

The only real downside with this product is that the clips don’t work very well for a thin hair. This can lead to the rollers falling out of your hair, which is more likely because these rollers are a bit heavy. To combat this, you could use extra pins to hold it in place.

Heats very rapidly in the base.
The rollers are designed to maintain the heat.
Is relatively small, so that you can store it easily or travel with your set.
Comes with twelve rollers.
The rollers are a bit heavy.
The clips don’t work as well as others, especially in thin hair.

The hot rollers have similar features. What you choose depends on your hair and the style you want to achieve. If you have hair that is prone to split ends and frizz, it is in your best interest to look for rollers that use a combination of tourmaline and ceramic. These materials work together to heat the hair from the inside, so the outside stays shiny and healthy.

Other materials heat from the outside, so the cuticle of the hair can break resulting in split ends. Another good pairing of features to look for to keep the hair healthy is infrared and ionic technology.

Like ceramic and tourmaline, this feature also heats hair from the inside. The infrared and ionic heat does not have to get as hot as the other types of materials need to be.

The number of rollers in the set can also be a consideration. If you have thick hair, you will want more. Otherwise, you might have to buy two or more sets to curl your hair all at once. If you have long hair, it can be helpful to have rollers that are longer than average.

It is also helpful to look at how many different sizes of hair rollers come in the set. Some will have rollers that are all the same size and other could have three or four different sizes. If you have hair that is all one length, you most likely will want rollers that are all the same size.

Layered hair looks great with different sizes rollers. If your hair is shorter than shoulder length, you will want to have rollers with a small diameter – but longer hair works well with rollers that are at least one inch in diameter.

The best hair rollers should heat up quickly. It is a waste of your time to stand around and wait several minutes for your case of hair rollers to reach their maximum temperature. Some sets will heat up in less than two minutes. Then, you should consider the time it takes for the rollers to cool and set the hair. If you have to wait over 20 minutes, that is a long time.

When it comes to hair rollers, most of the sets have one temperature – hot. However, there are some that actually allow you to set the temperature to different degrees. There are also some that have low, medium, and high settings. These different settings can be helpful for hair that is layered, or for hair that has different textures.

The hottest setting can be too much for fine hair or for hair on children, so a hair roller set with adjustable temperature settings is safer to use. Also, if you have hair that is already treated with color or other chemical processes, lower settings are better to use.

How to Choose the Best Hair Rollers for Your Hair

The best way to choose the best sets for your hair is to consider your hair. If you have thick hair that curls easily, you should be just fine with a hot roller set that has one temperature. If your hair is thin, you will want a set with several heat options. You should also consider the amount of hair you have and buy a set with the necessary number of rollers you will need.

You should also consider the technology that you want to use. If you are only using hair rollers for special occasions, then you can probably get away with a less expensive set that is made of plastic.

However, if you are using them on several times per week, then you will want to buy a set that uses the latest in hair-protecting technology like the ceramic , tourmaline, infrared sets. Also, the length of your hair should make a difference in the set you buy. Long hair needs bigger rollers than short hair.

Of course, the price is always a consideration, so get one that you can afford. If you travel, you should also look for a set that is easy to pack up and transport and comes with an electric cord that works with all voltages.

Hair rollers are one of the most enjoyable types of hair styling tools to use. They work on all hair types and they create beautiful curly hair. One of the best reasons to use a hair roller over a curling iron or a flat iron is because they are safer to use.

Yes, the rollers get hot – quite hot, actually – but they are designed to not burn fingers or other parts of the body. The roller itself is usually covered with a softer material and the ends of the roller stay cool.

If you grab the hot part of the roller, you will feel the heat, but you will not get burned like you would with a hot metal or ceramic curling iron.

Curling irons work well on thick hair, but people with fine, straight hair have difficulty getting curls to stay. Hot rollers will curl all types of hair. Fine pin-straight hair will hold a hair roller set, especially when you given them time to cool down.

They create a luxurious type of curl that just doesn’t happen with curling irons. The pin-up girls from the 1950’s used hair roller sets to achieve those sexy, bouncy curls. The newest technology still allows for those voluminous curls, but they do it in less time and with less damage to the hair.

Curling irons can make the hand, wrist, and arm tired. Since you constantly have to hold the curling iron in place, it is easy to get fatigued. However, with a hot roller, the curlers are held in place with clips or pins. All you have to do is roll up the hair, but the clip in, and wait for the roller and your hair to cool down.

You can do your makeup while you wait. With curling irons, you have to keep working on your hair. If you have a thick head of hair, curling it all with an iron can be exhausting work; but with a set of rollers, you won’t get tired. This is a great reason to invest in a luxurious set of rollers.

A good set of hair rollers can last for decades. They are easy to care for as the rollers themselves are not electrified. You can wash them in water to remove residue from hair products. This is not the case with a curling iron. They are much more difficult to clean, simply because they have an electrical element inside that can be damaged by water.

They come in cute little cases that make them easy to store and easy to take on vacation. Since many of them come with different voltages, you can be use them at home or abroad.

In addition, they are less likely to damage the hair, even as time goes on. Older curling irons made of aluminum frequently burn hair. Since curling irons get so much use, they do not last as long and they can have more problems. Hair rollers in contrast, do not get as hot and they do not stay hot once they are put in the hair.

The newest sets are designed to keep the hair safe from the moment they are placed in the hair until they cool down and are removed. Curling irons can have electrical issues that could create problems while you are styling your hair with them.

Since the individual rollers in the hot set do not have electrical components, only the heating base could have electrical issues. There are no electrical parts that come in contact with the hair with hair rollers – therefore, there are fewer chances of any damage being done to the hair.

The features of these products make them a desirable one. Some of them have clips that can be used with other styling tools. The tourmaline and ceramic technology protects the hair and the infrared and ionic technology actually improves the condition of the hair. There are very few, if any, arguments against buying a set of hair rollers. Even if you use them just a few times a year, you will get your money’s worth.

How to Curl with Hot Rollers Without Damaging the Hair Ends

Use a hair roller that has ceramic, tourmaline, infrared, or ionic technology instead of a hot roller that does not have any combination of those features. All of these features are favorites of professional stylists because they heat hair from inside, rather than from the outside. By doing this, the ends are less likely to split and the hair is less likely to dry out from the heat.

Plug in your set and wait until the indicator system alerts you that they have reached their maximum heat. Prior to rolling up the hair, apply a heat protectant product on the hair, then rolling the hair up from the end to the root. Some systems actually come with Argan oil because it protects the hair very well. Then, roll the hair and clip the rollers in place.

After you have clipped the hair in place, set the rest of the hair by rolling and clipping until you have rolled all of the sections you want to be curled. Then, wait the recommended time until the rollers and your hair has completely cooled down. Your hair will not set until it has cooled.

As always, be sure that your hair is clean and moisturized before you place the rollers on your head. Some will work well with damp hair, but most need to have completely dry hair. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to see if you should have dry or damp hair.

There are also some brands that will heat faster if you use a blow dryer to add more heat. If you do this, do not leave the hair dryer on one section of hair for too long, or you risk doing damage to your hair. And, if you use a blow dryer to help set the hair, once you have use heat for the recommended amount of time, use the cool blast to put the final set on the hair.

Hot rollers are still around and they are still creating amazing curly hair that will last all day and even longer than that. They come with the latest technology with ceramic and tourmaline to protect hair from the heat. They also come with infrared and ionic technology to heat hair from the inside to prevent frizzy split ends.

They are available in a wide variety of prices, so you should be able to find a set that fits your budget. You can be purchase them online, in big box stores, and in beauty speciality stores.

Prior to choosing a set of the best for your hair type, consider what is best for your hair. There are hair roller sets that include between 12 and 30 rollers.

If you have massive hair, you will want more rollers, but if you have thin hair, fewer rollers will do. The type of clip you like should also influence your choice. Claw clips can be used in other ways, but the typical pin clip can only be used with hair rollers.

Once you purchase your set, have fun using them to achieve beautiful curls!

They can be used on all hair types, from long and fine to thick and short and everything in between. Since they come in different diameters and lengths, it is best to use one that can handle your hair type, length, and texture. For example, long thick hair, requires fat rollers that are also long. thin hair that is short will do better with hot rollers for fine hair that are a typical length.

Have fine hair? No matter what the length, you should be sure that you do not overheat your hair. If your hair rollers set has different settings, use medium or low. If you have hard hair, use the highest setting.

They will work on short hair as well as long hair. You should still use a hair protectant and use a quality roller with all of the technology that hydrates the hair. You might need to use a smaller roller, simply because you do not have the length needed to fill the roller. Clip them in place and let the rollers cool, too.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Best heated rollers, tested by the GHI

Here are the curl-creators that performed best on test

This 'best heated rollers' article was updated in May to reflect latest stock levels and discounts.

If you lack the time to spend hours curling your hair , consider investing in some of the best heated rollers to do it for you. Our enthusiastic team of testers have found the top sets for long-lasting, voluminous results that cause minimal damage. These are their winners but keep reading for their full reviews.

Best heated rollers for 2024

Joint best heated rollers

Babyliss boutique salon ceramic rollers.

T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers

Best for big, bouncy curls

Remington proluxe heated rollers.

Good for travel

Nicky clarke heated 25 mm rollers.

BaByliss Pro Heated Ceramic Roller Set

Babyliss Thermo Ceramic Rollers

What are heated rollers.

Heated rollers are a type of hair tool used to create bouncy curls and waves. Some look like traditional velcro rollers while others, known as 'pods', are smaller and made of rubber.

These heat-conducting pods and rollers are stored in a case that warms up when turned on. They often come in different sizes, depending on the type of curl you want to achieve. The smaller the size, the tighter the curl.

Do you use heated rollers on wet or dry hair?

Heated rollers are suitable for use on dry or mostly dry hair . Wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage.

Can heated rollers be used on all hair lengths and types?

Yes, but the results will differ. Heated rollers will add volume to short hair but may struggle to produce a defined curl.

Hair stylists recommend using heated rollers on straight or slightly straight hair to produce a smoother, kink-free finish. If you have curly hair , rollers can help loosen your curls for a softer style.

How do you use heated rollers?

Section your hair into small pieces, before wrapping them around the barrels, once they've heated up. Wind each barrel up towards the head and secure it in place. Most rollers come with clips, while pods pop inwards to stay put.

How long do I keep heated rollers in for?

How long to keep hot rollers in for depends on the look you want to achieve. Unfurl them after 10 minutes for waves or keep them in for up to 30 minutes for tighter corkscrew curls. If in doubt, check the brand’s instructions.

Do heated rollers damage your hair?

Like all heated styling tools, heated rollers can damage your hair if not used correctly. To keep your hair looking and feeling soft and healthy, use a heat protection spray first.

Are heated rollers better than straighteners?

Hot rollers reach high temperatures, but they generally use less heat than straighteners and tongs, making them kinder to your hair.

Fine hair in particular will thank you for reaching for the rollers instead of your curling iron. Rollers can also be more convenient, as you can put on your makeup or paint your nails while they work their magic.

How we test

We asked 50 women to put five sets of heated rollers to the test. They rigorously assessed them, looking at the clarity of the instructions and the ease and speed of use. The design of the rollers was also considered, as was their overall performance and end results.

Score: 71/100

Our testers found these rollers joyfully simple to use — almost all said they didn’t need to look at the instructions before use. The results were equally pleasing – the rollers produced big curls that added volume to hair. This set heats up quickly — in approximately 60 to 90 seconds — and comes with 12 rollers.

Being picky, some testers with longer, thicker hair would have liked more rollers to cover their entire head.

Key specifications

Our top-scoring T3 set of eight rollers impressed us overall, with most testers finding them easy to use. Quick to heat up, many said they added volume and left a bouncy curl.

They gripped the hair well and proved simple to remove, thankfully without any snagging or tangling. The only downside is that the 'on' indicator isn’t clear enough.

Score: 70/100

This set has a mixture of 20 medium and large rollers, which testers felt was enough to cover even thicker hair. Heat-up time was quick (90 seconds) during testing, while hair looked well-styled after use, leaving our panel happy.

Some testers were unsure when to use the rollers, as there was no indication light, and some commented about how hot they got — so be careful!

Editors' picks

These are the heated rollers that are hot on the market right now. We haven't tested them at the GHI yet, but our shopping editors have picked their favourites to give you more choice.

Nicky Clarke is known in the haircare space for his styling expertise, with an OBE to boot. His brand has developed hair straighteners , hairdryers , and hot brushes , many of which we've tested at the GHI.

The brand's rollers are travel-friendly and fit neatly in your bathroom cupboard. They have handy heat-tech, which allows them to change from red to white when they're ready to use, and they also feature the smoothing ionic technology that's so crucial for a non-frizzy finish.

This set of ceramic rollers not only has an attention-grabbing colour scheme, but it offers the most rollers and size varieties of all the other tools on our list.

This 30-piece set also contains smart colour-coded clips to make the whole experience easier, and a handy travel case and multiple temperature settings.

These Babyliss beauties come with 20 soft-touch ceramic rollers, for those with a long, full and healthy mane that they'd like to tame.

The rollers come in three different sizes, and the set also boasts ionic frizz control and a three-year guarantee, so if it doesn't work like you want it to, you can always get your money back.

Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.

With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE , Women’s Fitness , Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com , her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites

Denny is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Beauty at home

The best concealers, tried and tested

The 9 best mascaras, trialled by 180 women

9 best foundations for a flawless base

The best highlighters for 2024

The best blonde hair dyes for 2024

Best bronzers for a sun-kissed glow

12 best heat protect sprays 2024

13 best face oils for firming skin

The best LED face masks, tried and tested

Best facial cleansers

Best microcurrent devices 2024

Hot Rollers

Best Hot Rollers: Reviews Of Our Favorites For All Hair Types

Hot rollers have been around for decades. It’s just that recent technology has made them easier and more convenient to use. These styling tools are capable of creating dimensional results, so they are worth adding to your hair styling arsenal. This article will help you find the best hot rollers that can give you the results you are looking for without putting in too much effort and at a price you can afford.

Table of Contents

Best Hot Rollers Reviews

Without further ado, here are the hot rollers we think you should get your hands on:

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Roller Hairsetter
Remington H1016 Compact Ceramic Worldwide Voltage Hair Setter
INFINITIPRO by Conair Instant Heat Ceramic Flocked Rollers
Conair Compact Multi-Size Hot Rollers

What makes these hot rollers the best?

1. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Roller Hairsetter

Click for Price

This has the most number of rollers in this list. It comes with 20 pieces of rollers, 6 of them are ¾-inch in diameter, 6 have an inch of diameter and 8 of them have a 1-1/4-inch of diameter. The varied sizes and the number of rollers allow you to achieve different curl sizes. More pieces also mean more hair coverage, so if you have thick hair, this should be a good choice for you.

It features nano titanium technology, which effectively heats up hair but without inflicting damage. As a result, you get curly but shiny hair all the time. It is stable even when set to a high temperature setting. It retains its heat, allowing for more effective curling process.

This comes in a neat packaging. You can keep your rollers organized in their size-coded slots. The blue color is also nice to look at, so if you want to display this on your vanity table, that should be no problem.

The velvety flocked rollers do not snag the hair. You can put it on and take it off without damaging or breaking the hair shaft.

It has more rollers, which give you more styling power. If you have thicker hair and you need to separate your hair more, this can accommodate you.

Many people liked the different sizes of rollers as they are able to create more dimension for a more interesting curly look.

It takes a bit of time learning how to use it but it is still easier to use than blow drying your hair and then having to curl it with a curling iron or a flat iron. You can do other things while allowing it to set.

These are gentle on the hair. They are not too hot that they inflict damage but they still get the job done. Take them off and set them with a hair spray and you are great to go. Many said if you use hair styling products, the curls last until the next day.

These rollers heat up fast. No need to wait for a long time, great for those hectic and busy mornings.

It actually makes the hair shiny.

They are a bit more expensive but for the number of rollers you are getting and the price, the price is well worth it.

2. Remington H1016 Compact Ceramic Worldwide Voltage Hair Setter

A full set of rollers might be cumbersome to bring when you are traveling. If you are looking for a compact hair setter that you can bring with you on your numerous travels or you simply want one that doesn’t take up a lot of counter space, this one from Remington is the best choice. One set comes with 10 rollers, 5 of them with 1-1/4 inches of diameter and the rest with an inch of diameter.

It features a combination of ionic and ceramic technology, thereby allowing you to get longer-lasting curls and better volume. These technologies also minimize the appearance of frizz. The rollers are held by a J-Clip with a design that prevents hair creasing.

This is the least expensive one in this list. For those who are on a budget, you will find this a great buy.

It comes with a compact storage case that you can easily stow away in your vanity drawer, bathroom or travel bag. The small size makes this easy to carry. It is also dual voltage so you might not have to bring an adapter.

It reduces the possibility of burning your fingers with its cool-touch ends. This makes handling the hot rollers easier.

It takes only 90 seconds to heat these rollers up. If you often deal with a hectic morning and you don’t have a lot of time to style your hair, the short heating time will help you out.

This product is built to last. There was a customer who forgot to unplug it and it still worked well.

Although it doesn’t heat up too much, it still did a great job curling the hair. A lot of users were surprised at how well these curlers curled up their hair without dealing with a hot head.

It works even when you have long and thick hair. It did a great job curling pin straight hair.

Some said they did not like the clips. They prefer the butterfly cage ones.

3. INFINITIPRO by Conair Instant Heat Ceramic Flocked Rollers

Do you have stubborn hair that refuses to curl no matter what you do? You might find this an ideal choice then. It comes with 12 different temperature settings so it can accommodate the heat styling needs of various hair types. The base has an ionic generator that reduces frizz and allows the curls to set and then hold for a long time.

These rollers have ceramic technology that allows faster heating time and more effective heat distribution. With 20 rollers and 3 different sizes, you can make quick work of styling your hair .

Many people are impressed by its curling benefits. It has excellent heat retention but it doesn’t inflict damage to the hair. They said the curls held up well.

The adjustable heat settings allow users to customize it to their specific needs. If they need the curls to hold much longer, they can set it to a higher temperature setting.

It comes with a retractable cord. Although this isn’t as compact as the previous one, this feature makes it easier to bring when traveling.

The clips that came with it did not leave dents on the hair.

It has a good heating time. It is not too fast that you will be in a hurry to roll your hair around. You have plenty of time to prepare your hair while waiting for the unit to heat up.

It gets rid of frizz. The ceramic technology ensures that you get tight and bouncy curls minus the frizz. You get shiny results all the time.

The clamps that came with it are not that impressive.

4. Conair Compact Multi-Size Hot Rollers

Some hot rollers can get tangled up in your hair because of the material used. This one is the perfect alternative because of its tangle-free design. One set comes with 20 hot rollers with different sizes. 8 of them have half an inch of diameter, 6 of them have ¾-inch of diameter while the rest features an inch of diameter.

These hot rollers have a patented grip design. This ensures a better grip to the hair shaft, for more effective heating. The case is compact and also has dual voltage benefits so you can bring this with you when traveling.

There is a lot of rollers to cover even thicker hair. Many said they did not think there is enough to cover the head but this actually worked.

It creates not just bouncy but also soft and shiny curls. It leaves the hair looking nice and healthy.

The price is great for a set that has more rollers included.

These rollers did not require a long heating time. You can save so much time when using these.

The curls actually held up. You can enjoy healthy and bouncy curls all day long.

You can take out the hot rollers without them getting tangled up in the hair.

Some said the metal clips are a little difficult to put on because they tend to hurt the hands.

Which are the Best Hot Rollers for You?

Great for Thick Hair: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Roller Hairsetter. We think this is great for anyone looking for a quality hot roller set but if you have thick hair, this might be a better choice for you. That is because one set has more rollers compared to the others, so you can separate your hair thinly and still have more rollers to use. These rollers also have varied sizes so you can achieve the volume that you are looking for.

Ideal for Traveling: Remington H1016 Compact Ceramic Worldwide Voltage Hair Setter . Do you need to travel but can’t bring your main hairsetter? Get this one then. It is more compact but does not compromise when it comes to the thickness of the curls. It just has a more compact case, which makes it fitting for travels. In fact, this can be used every day. Many people bought several of these products to use every day because it is affordable.

Comes with Adjustable Heat Settings: INFINITIPRO by Conair Instant Heat Ceramic Flocked Rollers . If you want more options when it comes to heat settings, this can be a good choice. You can set it to a temperature lower or higher, depending on your hair type, hair condition and your personal needs.

Tangle Free Results: Conair Compact Multi-Size Hot Rollers . No need to grapple with these hot rollers if you use these as they will come off seamlessly. For a set that has more rollers, it is quite affordable. It also has a good curl retention. There were a lot of testimonials and rave reviews about how these rollers achieve curls that lasted for a long time.

Now, which of these products is our favorite? We think they are all good but if we are to choose only one, we highly recommend the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Roller Hairsetter . Although this is more expensive than the others, you won’t be disappointed with the curls these hot rollers produce. Everything about this is well-made and have a good quality that will ensure they will last long. The titanium technology also creates soft and frizz-free curls.

Buying Guide: Factors to Keep in Mind When Purchasing Hot Rollers

Before we cap off this article, let us just give you a few more pointers to help you identify the best hot rollers for you.

Number of Rollers. The more rollers there are in the set, the easier it is to style your hair. This is true especially if you have thick hair. If you have thick hair and you only have 10 rollers in there, that might not suffice in covering the head entirely. You might need to do a second batch for the ones that were not covered. That can take more of your time. So, consider how many rollers are included or get a second set if you are satisfied with the product but don’t like how there are only a handful of rollers in there.

Size of Rollers . Some rollers come in three different sizes while others only have 2. It boils down to your needs. We suggest getting those with more sizes because they allow you to have more styling options. Having smaller-sized rollers may be a better option for those with finer hair.

Heating Time . Don’t waste your time waiting for the roller to heat up. Look for those that can heat up the rollers in 10 minutes or less.

Portability . It is a good thing most of the hot rollers you can find today come in compact packages. But look for other portable features such as a retractable cord or a more compact case, so that you can still bring these rollers when you travel.

Aside from hot rollers , we have other recommendations on styling tools you can add to your beauty arsenal. Find reviews of the best hair styling tools here!

Hot Rollers vs Curling Iron: Which Tool Is Better for You?

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

Backchannel
Newsletters
WIRED Insider
WIRED Consulting

Nena Farrell

The Best Travel Strollers for Your Summer Adventures

I love travel strollers. I test strollers as a part of my job , but whenever I'm not testing something new, I switch to these fantastic, lightweight strollers, even if I'm not traveling! They've become my go-to everyday strollers since my kid turned 1 and could face forward on our walks. They're quick to fold and easy to throw in the trunk of my small sedan, and I can carry 'em with one hand while balancing my kid and unlocking the door with the other. They're great for actual travel too. Whether you're on a road trip or a plane ride, these lightweight travel strollers are the ones I love most after weeks of testing.

Be sure to get our tips on how to buy a stroller first. If you're curious about more parenting gear, check out our related guides, including the Best Baby Monitors , Best Breast Pumps , Best Baby Gear , and Best Strollers .

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today .

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Overall

No stroller is as easy to fold as the Nuna TRVL . Just the other day a fellow mom asked me what stroller it was, saying she'd never seen a stroller fold like that before. The 14.6-pound Nuna quickly folds forward onto itself into an upright position, sticking the belly bar in the air for you to grab and go, whether you're in the airport or piling into the car after a day at the zoo. It comes with a travel bag, which you can stuff into the lower storage basket and then use when checking the stroller onto a plane. Speaking of, the storage basket’s sides are a little low, but it was a perfect size to fit my favorite diaper bags .

I really love this stroller for the hand fold. I used to live in an apartment with a staircase between me and the rest of the world (my car! the street! any useable sidewalks!) and having a lightweight, easy-to-fold stroller made getting out of the house or coming home from a walk so much easier. For my next little one, I'm buying Nuna's car seat and using this system from day one, since Nuna's TRVL line is compatible with its car seats . It offers a smooth ride even with the lightweight frame, though you do have to look out for big bumps on the sidewalk.

13.6 pounds without handlebar, 14.6 with the handlebar. Comes with a travel bag.

Best Budget Travel Stroller

The Zoe Tour V2 stroller has a lot of what I like about the Nuna, with a slightly worse fold and not as nice of a finished folding position. But it's $200 cheaper! It also comes with cup holders for both parent and baby, and even a little snack bowl for my kid (these are so often extra upgrades you have to pay for on other strollers). You do have to choose either the belly bar or the kid cup and snack holders—you can't have both. The belly bar is handy to lift the stroller with when folded.

The Tour V2 looks nice, though the materials feel a little rough and the build doesn't feel as sturdy. But the seat was still plenty comfy for my kid, and this compact stroller was easy to maneuver around. It's the lightest stroller I have tested and recommend, though the difference isn't that noticeable compared to other strollers that weigh between 13 to 15 pounds. You can also buy car seat adapters from Zoe to make the Tour V2 compatible with car seats from Graco, Chicco, Nuna, and others.

13.4 pounds. Comes with a parent drink holder, baby drink holder, and baby snack bowl.

Left Side view of a stroller with a black frame and teal canopy with a garage doors in the background. Right Front view...

Best Carry-On Stroller

Most planes will make you check your stroller at the gate. The ones that won't require a stroller within carry-on dimensions; many travel strollers fold too long and wide to fit perfectly. But the Silver Cross Jet 5's folded position looks like a piece of luggage, folding down to 10 x 14.5 x 24.5 inches with a handle sticking straight up like on a traditional carry-on. You can lug it around like luggage when folded, which is super handy when you let your toddler run wild so they nap on the plane. It has a cover to make it look more suitcase-like too. It's still a few inches larger than carry-on luggage—most airlines are looking for 8 or 9 inches by 15 and 22 inches for overhead bin luggage—but the Jet 5 might honestly pass for a carry-on when you wheel it past the flight attendant. You'll need to pop the handle off to fit it in the overhead compartment, which is easy to do.

The build materials are fantastic and the stroller is sturdy, but I did find this one more challenging to unfold than any other stroller I've tested. You have to snap the supports together and while they have handles, my small hands struggled to snap them into place while holding the stroller up. It's easier with two people, but even my husband found it difficult. There’s a seat that reclines into a bassinet-like mode with an included piece of fabric to keep the baby in place, but it didn’t feel secure enough for me to want to use with a newborn.

15.9 pounds. Comes with a travel cover and rain cover.

Best for Infant Travel

Any trip you're taking with an infant will require a car seat. That's true for road trips, air travel, quick Ubers from your hotel, or even just going home to the hospital (baby's first big trip home!). So why deal with a stroller and a car seat when you can have two in one? The Doona Car Seat & Stroller had me kicking myself that I didn't try it sooner. I was so stressed out trying to make a car seat and stroller pair on a budget, and I should have just bought this all-in-one for the early days and then bought a real travel stroller when my kid grew out of it. Another idea for kid number two!

The Doona is 17 pounds, which isn't light once the baby is in there, but it doesn't feel too heavy. It's easy to switch from stroller to car seat mode once you get the motion down to click the legs back up or out again. The Doona's seat and handle are a little low compared to normal strollers, so tall parents might not like it as much, but it's a great pick to go from car to airport to plane and back again without needing more than one gadget. Just remember—infants can't be in a car seat for more than two hours at a time.

17 pounds. Comes with a car seat base.

Side view of a stroller with a black frame and pink partially mesh canopy with bushes behind

Best for Taller Kids

The Bugaboo Butterfly is like the Nuna TRVL with a similarly easy fold, but the seat is a little taller and my 70th-percentile-height 2-year-old has plenty of headroom when he's sitting in it (and room to grow into it too). I like that the extendable canopy is larger, giving my son better coverage when we're on a day trip to the zoo or walking around the park on a sunny afternoon. My kid doesn't like to wear hats, so I'm dependent on my stroller's canopy to protect his poor little head. The Bugaboo's frame doesn't feel as sturdy as the Nuna TRVL though.

It has a slightly shorter, more compact fold than Nuna's strollers, almost perfectly hitting carry-on luggage size. It's still a little wide— 17 inches when carry-on luggage usually can only be 14—but it has a better shot than most other strollers. It's rated to be IATA (International Air Transport Association) compatible, so it should fit in most overhead compartments. Bugaboo also has adapters to make this stroller work with popular infant car seats from Maxi Cosi, Graco, Cybex, and others. The Butterfly has a carry strap rather than a handle when folded, which is fine but not quite as convenient to grab—it often got stuck inside the stroller for me. You can also grab the handle but avoid the center button.

16 pounds. Comes with a rain cover.

★ Easier fold, smaller canopy: The Nuna TRVL LX ($550) also has more headspace for bigger kids like the Bugaboo Butterfly. The Nuna has a softer seat and I find the fold a little easier , but the Bugaboo offers a better canopy and is slightly more compact.

A City Stroller I'd Travel With

This is not a travel stroller. The Thule Shine ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is a city stroller, meaning it's a little more compact than your usual everyday stroller, but still has all the capabilities of a full-size stroller. It has a toddler seat that can face both inward and outward and works with third-party car seats with adapters (sold separately).

That said, I like it for travel since it's much smaller than other traditional strollers, like the Uppababy Vista V2 or the Nuna Mixx Next, while still packing similar features. Thanks to the adjustable handlebar, it wasn't too short for my 6'3" dad, and it folds compact enough to almost pass for a travel stroller. It's super easy for city strolling thanks to its slim size and would be a fun stroller to bring on a longer trip where you'll be walking a lot. I'd happily tote it around Europe for a few weeks if I ever get the guts to take my kid on such a long flight. You'll have to check the Thule Shine and it doesn't come with a travel bag, but Thule sells one ($80) . Thule also has a rider board ($130) for older children to hop onto, letting this stroller easily transform into a double stroller. The rider board can get in the way when folding, but it's easy to remove when you aren't using it.

21.6 pounds. Comes with a rain cover.

Side view of a stroller with a black frame and pink canopy with garage doors in the background

Honorable Mentions

There are a lot of strollers out there. Here are a few more I like but aren't my top recommendations for one reason or another.

Joovy Kooper for $200 : This stroller is the cheapest I've tested, and I like that it comes with a full snack tray—something you won't find in almost any other travel stroller. It folds down flat rather than upright.

Colugo The One for $395 : This is a fine stroller with similar features to the above picks, but I like the Zoe Tour V2 better for the price, or I'd rather pay $50 more for the Nuna TRVL. That said, Colugo has great stroller accessories I've used with non-Colugo strollers.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 for $430 : This is another city stroller like the Thule Shine, but its nearly flat fold reminds me of a travel stroller. It comes with a car seat attachment that works with many popular car seat makers, so it's a great pick if you want something to work with a car seat right away and still has a great, lightweight fold. It has fantastic wheel suspension, similar to a jogging stroller but with much smaller wheels.

Thule Spring for $400 : This stroller reminded me of the Baby Jogger with its three-wheel design and nice suspension, but folds a lot taller and thicker. It does stand up on its own if you put the handle at a middle height, which is nice. It's touted as a compact stroller for a reason—it's not lightweight or travel-friendly like our other picks. But it still has a nice size and handling if you want something more compact for everyday use.

Two strollers upright in a folded position collapsed in front of green bushes

What to Look for in a Travel Stroller

Shopping for a stroller can be intense. They're not a small investment, and you want them to last until your kid grows out of them (usually once they hit 50 to 55 pounds). If you're trying to pick a travel stroller in a pinch, or are feeling overwhelmed by the options, here are some guidelines that can help.

Is there a five-point harness? Five-point harnesses are the standard for securing your baby in the stroller via the straps. Every pick we recommend above has one. This is a feature you want and should be included.
Do you need car seat compatibility? If you're traveling with an infant, you'll either need a bassinet mode or the ability to connect your car seat to the stroller. You can DIY a travel system by pairing any stroller with a compatible car seat. Many strollers we recommend have car seat attachments you can buy that work with popular brands, but some aren't so flexible. (Uppababy's car seats only work with its strollers.)
Do you want a travel pram? A travel pram or bassinet is the lie-down flat mode that allows newborns to lie on their back while you walk. It's a nice mix-up from always being in a car seat—especially since infants can't stay in a car seat for more than two hours at a time. I haven't liked most bassinet modes I've tried on travel strollers since they feel a little flimsy and not as secure as I'd want an infant to be, but we're testing more soon and will update this guide with more recommendations.
Are these umbrella strollers? There's a mixed category of strollers sometimes called lightweight, travel, or even umbrella strollers. Umbrella strollers are less popular and are known for their rounded umbrella-like handle. This guide focuses on more general travel strollers, but we plan to test a few of these.
Do you need a double stroller? If you have two kids, you might be wondering if you're screwed. You're not! If I had two kids, I'd get a stroller I can add a rider board to, like the Thule Shine (if one of my kids is old enough to ride it). If not, the Zoe Twin V2 ($530) is a double stroller version of the Tour V2, and is a great price for two kids (and can still use Zoe's infant car seat attachment).
Can you bring it on the plane? Many major airlines, like American Airlines and British Airways, require you to gate-check strollers, which means you can still use them at the airport, but can't put them in overhead space. Some airlines like United, Emirates, and Virgin Atlantic allow a travel stroller (often called a “collapsible stroller”) as carry-on luggage as long as it fits the size requirements of carry-on luggage, which is usually around 8 x 14 x 22 inches. None of the travel strollers I've tested so far fit into these size constraints, but the Bugaboo Butterfly and Silver Cross Jet 5 have a compact size when folded that gets closer than most (as long as you remove the Jet 5's handle, that is).

Parker Hall

The Best Bikes for Kids of Every Age and Size

Adrienne So

14 Fun Subscription Boxes for Kids of All Ages

Terrence O'Brien

Martin Cizmar

The Barnes and Noble Nook 9-Inch Lenovo Tablet Is Startlingly Affordable

Medea Giordano

WIRED COUPONS

Save $7 To $23 On Turbo Tax Online

20% Off All H&R Block 2024 Tax Software | H&R Block Coupon

Enjoy $15 Off Your Orders With Instacart Coupon When You Spend $50

50% Off Your First Order Of $15+ With Code

Finish Line Coupon $15 Off $150 On Sneakers And More

Groupon Coupon: Extra 15% Off Any Size Order

Best Time to Visit Krasnodar
How To Reach Krasnodar
Events & Festivals in Krasnodar
Restaurants in Krasnodar
Krasnodar Map
Things To Do in Krasnodar
Krasnodar Itineraries
Krasnodar Hotels

How to Reach Krasnodar, Russia

Krasnodar Krai

How to Reach Krasnodar

By Air: Krasnodar International Airport is connected to European cities and countries like Istanbul though regular air planes commuting to and fro.
By Train: Krasnodar-1 and 2 are junction railway stations of North Caucasus Railway, located in Krasnodar, the administrative center of Krasnodar Krai. It is the main railway terminal of the city. From Krasnodar railway station there are trains to all Russian regions and also to Belarus, Ukraine and Abkhazia.
By Car: The city is well connected to all destinations in the region: Rostov-on-Don (5 hours and 30 minutes), Sochi (8 hours), Stavropol (6 hours) and Mineralnye Vody (8 hours).
By Tram: Krasnodar has an extensive system of network that covers almost all the parts of the city. It is convenient and lets you have a glance at the streets, corners and most of the attractions in Krasnodar.
By Trolleybuses and city buses: Travelling by city buses or trolleybuses is the most popular and cheapest way to travel around the city.
By “marshrutkas”: Marshrutkas are private share taxis, widely used in Russia. They will stop for you between their usual stops if you hail them.

IMAGES

9 Best Travel Hot Rollers
Wander in Style with the 5 Best Travel Hot Rollers
The 4 Best Hot Rollers For Travel
The 8 Best Hot Rollers in 2022
4 Best Travel Hot Rollers 2024
The 8 Best Hot Rollers in 2022

VIDEO

My favorite AFFORDABLE Hot Rollers💗
Hot rollers HAVE TO WORK TODAY #shorthair #hotrollers
Conair Compact Travel Hot Rollers
Bouncy Hair With The Ion Hot Rollers From Calista!
Best 5 Foam Roller in 2024
BEST HOT ROLLERS I HAVE EVER USED

COMMENTS

7 Best Hot Rollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
T3 Hot Rollers at Amazon ($140) Jump to Review. Best for Long Hair: Chi Smart Magnify Ceramic Rollers at Amazon ($112) Jump to Review. Best for Beginners: Conair InfinitiPRO 20-Roller Ion Generator Setter With Cord Reel at Samsclub.com ($55) Jump to Review. Best for Travel:
Best Hot Rollers 2024
Best Hot Rollers For Long Hair: Conair Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter. Best Hot Rollers For Short Hair: Conair 20-Roller Compact Setter. Best Hot Rollers For Travel: Conair Instant Heat Compact Hot ...
7 Best Hot-Rollers Sets
Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Ceramic Hot Rollers. $45. Heat-up time: 75 seconds | Hair-length suitability: All hair lengths. Caleb Backe, a hair expert at Maple Holistics, and Ghanima Abdullah ...
8 Best Hot Rollers, Tested & Reviewed for 2024
Lopez is a fan of these rollers because "the velvet flocking doesn't tug or pull on the hair and also seals in incredible shine.". Numbers of rollers included: 8. Barrel sizes: 1.5", 1.75 ...
The 10 Best Hot Rollers to Buy in 2024
2. Best Budget Hot Rollers: Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter; 3. Best Premium Hot Rollers: INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Ceramic Flocked Hot Roller Set; 4. Best Travel Set: Conair Compact Multi-Size Hot Rollers; 5. Best Jumbo Hot Rollers: Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Jumbo-Sized Hot Rollers; 6. Best Dual-Voltage Hot Rollers: Conair Instant Heat ...
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
Best Overall Hot Roller: Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Ceramic Hot Rollers. Best Hot Rollers for Damaged Hair: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Roller Hairsetter. Best Jumbo Hot Roller: InfinitiPRO By ...
10 Best Hot Rollers of 2024
Best Hot Rollers For Thick Hair. BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Professional Hot Rollers ($75) This hot roller set comes with 20 different rollers, which makes it perfect for anyone who has thick hair ...
The 10 Best Hot Rollers of 2023 for All Hair Types
This Tik Tok-favorite set has 12 rollers in various sizes, velvet flocking, clips, and a handy ready indicator so you can get right to work. Now 30% Off. $52 at Ulta Beauty. Aguirre recommends ...
The 4 Best Hot Rollers For Travel
Studio 35 Beauty Travel Curlers. See On Amazon. What's great about it: For the price, these Studio 35 Beauty travel curlers are an amazing option. The 10-piece set comes in a soft pouch that's ...
The 6 Best Hot Roller Sets of 2023 for All hair Types
Create loose waves or tight curls with this 20-piece set, which comes with eight extra-large, six medium, and six very small rollers (these are perfect for short hair). The rollers are made with tourmaline and ceramic, so they heat up quickly, saving you time. $14 at Ulta Beauty $12 at Amazon $14 at Nordstrom. Credit: Kitsch.
5 Best Travel-Size Hot Rollers, As Per A Cosmetologist (2024)
3. Best Durable: Studio 35 Beauty 10 Piece Travel Hairsetter. 4. BUY ON AMAZON | $22.99. This 10-piece hot roller kit by Studio 35 Beauty consists of five 1 inch rollers and five 1¼ inch rollers for the best on-the-go hair styling. This set features a dot indicator, which lights up when your roller is ready to use.
Best hot rollers according to hair stylists and online reviewers
Best Overall. $44.99 Amazon. Not only is the Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Ceramic Hot Rollers with Heated Clips incredibly easy to use, it offers excellent hold and smoothness. The set comes ...
The 6 Best Heatless Curlers for Travel of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
These are the six heatless curlers that are worth the space in your luggage . Our Top Picks. Best Overall: Silke London Silk Heatless Curler at Revolve ($56) Jump to Review. Best for Volume ...
10 Best Hot Rollers For Your Hair (2023)
Explore the best hot rollers to use in 2023 with this ultimate guide of our favorites on the market. ... Conair Instant Heat Travel 1.5-Inch Hot Rollers Price: $17.21 Amazon Customer Reviews ...
The Best Hot Roller Sets on the Market
Shop Our Top Hot Roller Picks. T3 Voluminzing Hot Rollers Luxe, $129.99. BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Hot Rollers, $69.99. InfinitiPRO By Conair Jumbo Ionic Roller Set, $49.99. Conair Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter, $34.99. Conair 20-Roller Compact Setter, $19.99.
The Best Hot Rollers, According To Our Testing
Best Hot Rollers for Long Hair: Conair InfinitiPRO Luxe Volume Hair Setter at Amazon ($54) Jump to Review. Best Hot Rollers for Short Hair: Chi Smart Magnify Ceramic Rollers at Amazon ($112) Jump to Review. Most Versatile Hot Rollers: BaByliss Pro 20 Roller Hairsetter at Amazon ($75) Jump to Review.
5+ Best Hot Rollers (June 2024)
The Best Hot Rollers Reviews - Top Models of 2021. 1. Infiniti Pro by Conair - Instant Heat Ceramic; 2. CARUSO Professional - Molecular Steam Hairsetter; 3. Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium - Best Rated Hair Rollers; 4. Revlon Perfect Heat Longwave - Recommended for Long Hair; 5. Paul Mitchell Neuro Cell - Premium System; 6. T3 Voluminous; 7.
Best heated rollers, tried and tested
Now 25% Off. £45 at Amazon £56 at Robert Dyas £60 at JD Williams UK. Score: 70/100. This set has a mixture of 20 medium and large rollers, which testers felt was enough to cover even thicker ...
Best Hot Rollers: Reviews Of Our Favorites For All Hair Types
1. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Roller Hairsetter. Click for Price. This has the most number of rollers in this list. It comes with 20 pieces of rollers, 6 of them are ¾-inch in diameter, 6 have an inch of diameter and 8 of them have a 1-1/4-inch of diameter.
The Best Travel Strollers for Your Summer Adventures
Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content.
THE BEST Krasnodar Nature & Wildlife Tours (Updated 2023)
Top Krasnodar Nature & Wildlife Tours: See reviews and photos of Nature & Wildlife Tours in Krasnodar, Russia on Tripadvisor.
THE 10 BEST Krasnodar Lodges 2023 (with Prices)
Best Lodges in Krasnodar, Russia: See traveler reviews, candid photos and great deals on lodges in Krasnodar on Tripadvisor.
How to Reach Krasnodar, Russia
GET IN. By Air: Krasnodar International Airport is connected to European cities and countries like Istanbul though regular air planes commuting to and fro. By Train: Krasnodar-1 and 2 are junction railway stations of North Caucasus Railway, located in Krasnodar, the administrative center of Krasnodar Krai. It is the main railway terminal of the city. From Krasnodar railway station there are ...
Novorossiysk Map
Novorossiysk. Novorossiysk is a city in Krasnodar Krai, Russia. It is one of the largest ports on the Black Sea. It is one of the few cities designated by the Soviet Union as a Hero City. Population: 262,293 ; 241,952 ; 232,079 ; 185,938 . Map. Directions. Satellite. Photo Map.

These 7 Best Hot Rollers Gave Us Bouncy Curls That Lasted

Why Trust Byrdie

Best Overall

Best for Damaged Hair

Best for Fine Hair

Best Splurge

Best for Long Hair

Best for Beginners

Best for Travel

What to Look For in Hot Rollers

Related Stories

The Very Best Hot Rollers

In this article

Best for thin hair

What we’re looking for

Hair-length suitability

Best hot rollers overall

Best less expensive hot rollers

Best hot rollers for beginners

Best hot rollers for professionals

Best hot rollers for short hair

Best for thick or long hair

Our experts

Deal of the Day

Today’s Top Clicked

The 8 Best Hot Rollers for Perfect Curls and More Volume in Minutes

Best Amazon Hot Roller Set

Best for Fine Hair

Best for a Budget

Remington Hair Setter & Rollers

InfinitiPRO by Conair Ceramic Flocked Hot Roller Set

Conair Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter

Conair Compact Hairsetter

John Frieda Body & Shine Smooth Waves

T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers

Meet the Expert

How long should you keep in hot rollers to avoid damaging hair?

How do you prep your hair for hot rollers?

Can all hair types use hot rollers?

Any other tips you have for using hot rollers?

Are hot rollers better than curling irons?

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

Hairstyles & Haircuts 2024

The 10 Best Hot Rollers to Buy in 2024

Type/Length of Hair

Ceramic or Ceramic-Infused

Nano-Titanium

Single-Heat Setting

Multiple-Heat Settings

Top 10 Best Hot Rollers 2024

Guide to Buying the Best Hot Rollers for 2024

Subscribe to FREE beauty news

The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams

Best Hot Rollers

What Kind of Hot Roller Should I Use?

How Many Hot Rollers Do I Need?

Stay In The Know

The 10 Best Hot Rollers For Volume and Bounce

Best Hot Rollers For Fine Hair

Best Hot Rollers For Thick Hair

Best Hot Rollers For Long Hair

Best Hot Rollers For Short Hair

Best Budget Hot Rollers

Best Splurge Hot Rollers

Best Hot Rollers For Damaged Hair

Best Hot Rollers For Volume

Best Hot Rollers For Travel

Best Steam Hot Rollers

The 10 Best Hot Rollers and How to Use Them

When to Use Hot Rollers vs. a Curling Iron

How to Use Hot Rollers

Conair Jumbo and Super Jumbo Ceramic Hot Rollers

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 20 Roller Hairsetter

T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers LUXE for Volume, Body, and Shine

Conair 20-Roller Compact Setter

Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic Hair Rollers

Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Hot Rollers

John Frieda Body & Shine Smooth Waves Hair Rollers

Conair Instant Heat Travel Hot Rollers

calista Ion Hot Rollers Short Style Set