Hot rollers are one of my absolute favorite hair styling tools because they give me gorgeous curls with so much less damage than a curling iron. So I knew after getting gorgeous curls that were gone by the end of the night, I’d have to figure out how to make curl from my hot rollers last.
I’ve always been hesitant to use too many styling products in my hair because I didn’t want to risk crunchiness and greasiness (and still don’t). But with some research and some (lengthy) trial and error, I’ve figured out how to get hot roller curls to last overnight.
How long your curls last is going to depend on factors outside of your control like the weather and your hair type (thicker hair holds better than fine hair), but adding one or a few of these steps to your styling routine will help. You don’t need to incorporate all of them, but try a few of these the next time you use your hot rollers for some extra hold.
Hair primers offer heat protection and smoother hair, but they also give hair light hold and definition. Apply a hair primer before you put your hot rollers in. It’s best to apply the primer to each section separately before you put it in the roller for the most amount of holding power.
The smaller in size the roller, the tighter the curl…and the longer your curl will last.
You’ll know when it’s time to take out your rollers when they’ve completely cooled down. Heat shapes the curl, so once the heat is gone the process is complete!
It’s tempting to brush out your curls right after taking out the rollers to avoid the Shirley Temple effect, but leaving them in while you do your makeup or get dressed will give your curls a little extra lasting power.
You can spray your hair with some hairspray after you’ve brushed it out, but that will likely leave you hair crunchy and heavy. For some light hold that keeps hair touchable, spray your hairspray onto your hairbrush before brushing it through your hair.
If you still feel you need some extra hold, go with a texturizing spray instead of hairspray. Texturing sprays are lighter and give hair more volume.
If your curls have last until the end of the night, keep your hair party going until tomorrow with some proper bedtime care. Using an heatless hair band overnight will keep your curls intact and you will wake up in the morning with even bouncier curls. If your hair is prone to frizz and tangles, use a satin sleep bonnet over your hair.
This Gisou primer gives you everything you’d want from a primer (protects from heat, strengthens hair, adds volume, and fights frizz) but it also delivers hold and definition for hair as well. I love cream primers as it’s easier to control how much product you use so you don’t end up with too much product in your hair.
If you have fine hair, I love the Eva NYC 10-in-1 Mane Magic Hair Primer.
I have an aversion to pretty much any and all hairsprays after one too many sticky, tangled hair messes, but this one from ColorWow is very lightweight and thus, one of the exceptions. Comb after spraying to avoid any crunch.
Verb has some solid products for such an affordable priced this dry texture spray is one of their best offerings. It gives hair lightweight hold and a slightly tousled texture and it lasts if you brush through the hair after applying.
Heatless curl sets are a godsend for anyone want bouncy curls the next day. Some use a long sock or robe string instead of buying a set, but these sets are pretty inexpensive if you want to buy something tailor-made to see your curls in place.
I wouldn’t recommend trying all of these steps at once, but rather working them into your routine slowly to see if they make a difference. When styling your hair, you always want to use the least amount of product to get a great result without crunchiness or greasiness, but with these tips it can be done!
