10 Best Hot Rollers Review and Buying Guide

Long before the advancement of curling irons and wands, hot rollers are at the forefront of curling games. After decades of high-tech hair innovations, we had almost forgotten that rollers do exist.

But make no mistake, we are not talking about those traditional rollers you may have seen your granny slept on.  Pioneered in the 1930s, electrically-heated hot rollers are making a comeback as more women are looking for more bounce and longevity to their curls and stylists on ways to make styling more convenient.

Even though our lives cannot be perfect, your hair can always be. The glamorous feeling that a curled hair provides you is undeniably awesome. A good-looking hair is every girl’s dream and getting a hot roller is here to make it a reality. We are going to provide you the best hot rollers for any type of hair – may it be thick or thin hair and so on.

Read also related articles: Best rotating curling irons, best hot air brush, best hair cutting shears, best brush for curly hair, best mousse for curly hair, and titanium vs ceramic flat iron.

Top 10 Best Hot Rollers of 2020

Because this is what you came here for, without further ado. The following is a review of the best hot rollers available right now.

1. Caruso Professional Molecular Steam Rollers with Shields

This hot roller is recommended for all types of hair. The patented roller and pink color are screaming “girl power”. The shield and foam of the roller provide tighter curls and faster evaporation. The foam is soft and has steamed gentle moisture for better curls. It doesn’t matter if you have thick or thin hair because it will still create luscious curls.

The unique feature of these Caruso hot rollers is the shield. Its job is to lock-in your hair and makes sure that strands will not pop out while it is in the process. This ensures that every piece of your hair is being curled. This item is also available in five different sizes: medium, small, petite, and jumbo hot roller.

2. T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers

This item is great hot rollers for long hair. T3’s creations are a favorite for beauty addicts and hair stylists for celebrities. Their products aim to provide good-looking hair while keeping it healthy and shiny. The rollers heats in three minutes to provide the shine, the volume, and the shape for your hair. It is also an awesome product for thick hair.

These hot rollers for long hair include two butterfly clips. Its job is to securely hold the rollers in place. It provides soft waves and a volume finish for a great looking hair.

The T3 hot rollers use a cutting-edge technology for incredible shine and voluptuous curls or waves. This advanced technology helps your hair to achieve the movement, shape, volume, and shine that you love. This feature makes it one of the best-selling hot rollers in Amazon.

It is also uses a ceramic core and Tourmaline technology. Its job is to seal your hair cuticles and prevent frizz. It also has infrared heat to carefully infiltrate the hair shaft and secrete maximum ionic. The surface of the roller has a velvet flocking which improves the results of Tourmaline technology, creating a natural shiny hair.

In order to use this, place the rollers on the charging base. The charging base is not included in the package and you might need to buy it separately. There is a red light on the rollers that serves as an indicator when it is ready. The red light will turn to white and you can start curling or rolling your hair.

The T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers won two awards last 2014; the Elle Genius Award and the Allure Best of Beauty Award. In 2013 it also won an award in Martha Stewart’s Big Day Beauty. These awards only prove that T3’s creation is a must-have for all the girls who wants a soft curls or waves.

3. Calista Tools Ion Hot Rollers Short Style Set 12 Base

This Calista product is perfect for short hair. It uses ion technology to prevent your hair from getting frizzy and dry while in the process of curling. The ion technology also immerses mineral powders into the roller when it is being used. These rollers are designed to provide soft curls or waves in a short period of time. It is also perfect for people who have fine hair.

This set has 12 rollers and includes a base that is requested by most customers. It is lightweight and perfect to carry when traveling. This roller heats up quickly which is ideal if you are in a hurry but you still want to look gorgeous. It is hot enough to give you the right curls that can stay for hours. The heat it provides will not burn your scalp and hands when it is touched. It also includes clips that you can use to hold the rollers in place.

It is cheaper for a set of 12 rollers. People who used the product loved how it provides a natural shine to their hair. According to some they have been using it for quite some time but it is not drying their hair as other product does. They love how it works perfectly for shoulder length hair or shorter hair. People who have fine hair said it worked flawlessly on them.

Calista also has their recommendations on how to use the product properly. First, plug the base and then put the rollers in. You will see a red dot on top of the rollers. You have to wait for four to five minutes until the red dot turns dark; this indicates that the roller is ready for use. You can start parting your hair into sections, start rolling them, and then use the clip to hold them in place.

4. Infiniti Pro by Conair Instant Heat Ceramic Flocked Rollers with Cord Reel

This is a recommended product for shorter hairstyles. It heats up in two minutes, which is perfect if you are in a hurry. The set includes 20 flocked rollers to ensure that all your hair will be properly curled. This Infiniti Pro product also has 12 different temperature settings, which allow you to choose what will be the style that you want for today.
It is available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The best thing about this hot roller is it includes a bottle of argan oil. It helps in conditioning your hair and in preventing it from getting frizzy.

The unit can get really hot so it would be better to be careful. However, it really curls your hair to provide a long lasting effect. This hair roller is a perfect substitute to curling irons that may damage your hair.

It automatically shuts off after one hour for your safety. The base does not heat up, only the roller. The cord is also retractable which is convenient when you want to store it. The clips may not hold your hair if it is not used properly. Since it has a big case, it may not be your best choice for traveling.

Consumers who bought the Infiniti Pro Flocked Rollers loved that it does not damage their hair. Compared to other products, it has a lot of features and benefits for your hair. It can be a little expensive but it is worth it if you are going to think about the features that it can provide. People are happy with the results, but some of them didn’t like how the clips work.

5. Conair Compact Multi-Size Hot Rollers in Pink

These compact multi-size hot rollers are perfect for styling your hair. It includes 20 different sizes of rollers: 8 small, 6 medium, and 6 large rollers. This help you create and style you hair in a lot of fabulous ways. There is also a light indicator that tells you when the rollers are ready. The ready signal is in the color red.

The set also includes clips which is color coded. You can store them easily inside the plastic hair setter. It is great for beginners because of its patented design. This one grips your hair securely and fast which makes curling easier. This product is lightweight and has a small container which makes it perfect for traveling.

According to some reviews, it is a great hot curler compared to other rollers. The curlers stayed on their hair and it is not falling out. The metal clips also don’t give your hair a crease when curling. The clip can be a little tricky to use but if you will use it properly, it would not give you any problem. This roller is very affordable for a set of small, medium, and jumbo hot roller.

You might need to be cautious when using this. Make sure that you turn it off after the indicator is ready. Or you can just turn it off after you finished using the large rollers to avoid overheating. Since it made of plastic, there is a high possibility that it might overheat. Well, it wouldn’t happen as long as you remember to turn it off while you are styling your hair.

6. Conair HS18WR Hot Sticks Hairsetter Flexible Rollers

This is a set of 14 rollers that comes in two sizes; small and large. It helps you achieve those big and bouncy curls or cute and small curls. You can also combine them if you want to achieve better results. The curl loop outline of the roller makes it easier to use. It is perfect for beginners and all hair types.

The unit quickly heats up so you can style your hair swiftly. The rollers are soft and flexible, which makes them easy to use. It has a Tourmaline ceramic feature that prevents your hair from getting frizzy. It is lightweight and small which makes it great for traveling. The curler has been around for a long time now but people still love how it works wonders for them.

It is a great hot roller for thick hair according to one review. The customer said, she used curling irons on hair before but since she has thick hair it would take a lot of time. It is not a good thing for her but then she found these hot rollers. She recommends this product for all the girls who have full and thick hair. This set of rollers will not disappoint you when it comes to providing a great style for your hair.

It is also great for fine hair and its curl will last for hours. You can also buy additional rollers for both sizes at a minimum price. The product’s durability and longevity is undeniably amazing. One of the consumers said her mother has the product for almost 20 years now and it is still working. It is a product that you can buy at an affordable price but still provides you with great and quality results. Read also – Natural hair curlers.

7. Conair Instant Heat Travel Hot Rollers in White

This is one of the best-selling products of Conair. The jumbo roller can perfectly to create those luscious and big waves that every long-haired girl wants. The set has five pieces of jumbo hot rollers. It has a flocked velvet surface that provides a smooth finish without any frizz. The super clips that are included in the set help your hair to stay in place while curling.

The set is compact but it doesn’t mean that it cannot provide a good lift for the hair. One of its features is the dual voltage capability which is useful when you are traveling. It is also easy to store, since it doesn’t require a lot of space in your drawer. It should fit perfectly inside your suitcase or bag whenever that you are traveling.

The unit heats up quickly in two minutes so you don’t have to wait a long time. It also provides curls that will stay all throughout the day. The super clips add extra protection for your hair. It is to ensure that strands of hair will not pop out while in the process. It has end rings to make sure that your hands are safe from the heat.

This is a product for people who just started using hot rollers. You can easily remove and apply it without putting too much effort. The power cord is six inches long which is an added benefit for consumers. People loved how it worked for their long hair and some of them even bought another set. They said that it heats up quickly and it does not damage your hair.

8. Remington H5600D 20-Piece Multi-Sized Roller Set

This multi-sized set has twenty rollers in three sizes: large, small, and medium. This helps you achieve a variety of glamorous looks that you want for your hair. Heating up doesn’t take a long time as it is done in two minutes. It also uses ionic technology to prevent your hair from getting frizzy. The ionic conditioning lessens the static to provide a healthy-looking finish.

On top of every roller, there is a red dot that acts as an indicator if the roller is ready to use. Another feature that it has is the cool touch ends. This will put your mind at ease, knowing that your hand will not be burned while curling your hair. It protects your hands from the heat that is coming out of the velvety rollers. It also includes comfort clips to secure your hair.

These clips are color-coded so that it can easily match the sizes of the hot rollers. It helps you accomplish a gorgeous curl in no time. The storage case is small and lightweight and can easily fit in your suitcase so it is great for traveling. It’s a hot roller that can be easily used and would fit people who wants to try hot rollers.

Some consumers usually wait for ten minutes before using it. They also have to make sure that the lid is closed to ensure that the roller is hot before rolling them to their hair. Baby fine hair also rolls with its curlers easily. There may be times that your hands will get burned because it gets really hot but it is nothing too severe. It is part of the process of being beautiful and achieving fabulous curls.

The set also includes a booklet that provides the steps on how to style your hair in different ways. Once you have mastered the basic way to curl your hair, you can start rolling them up in your own different styles. You’d be surprised how it will help you achieve glam-looking curls all the time.

9. Remington H1015 Compact Ceramic Worldwide Voltage Hair Setter

This is another great product by Remington which is perfect for long, thin hair. It provides volume and bounce for thin hair, and also does a great job when it comes to curling it. There are two sizes in this 10-piece roller set: medium and large. Like other Remington products, it also uses ionic conditioning technology to prevent hair from getting frizzy. It also helps your hair to have a healthy and shiny finish.

The set includes its exclusive j-clips, which is specially designed to hold your hair in place without leaving a mark or dents when removed. These metal clips are also color-coded to ensure convenience styling.

The rollers are made out of ceramic which helps the unit heat fast and remains consistent. The product isn’t too big and it is perfect for small storage spaces. It is also a perfect travel buddy since it is lightweight and it will fit in your suitcase.

The cool-touch ends also protect your hands from being burnt. It is a great roller to use if you want a frizz-free finish for your hair.

10. Conair Instant Heat Compact Hot Rollers in Pink

These multi-sized hot rollers set to come in three different sizes: 3 jumbos, 3 large, and 4 medium. It also has its own clips for convenient use. The dual voltage feature makes it a perfect roller for traveling. The unit heats up instantly in ninety seconds for a faster result. The pouch that holds the roller is soft zippered and available in two design prints: pink and zebra.

It is a perfect roller for people who have thicker hair. The clips hold your hair perfectly to reduce strands popping out when curling. A lot of people love this roller as it is their go-to buddy when it comes to traveling. The heat of the roller is enough to curl your hair but it wouldn’t hurt your hands. It is a great heat compact roller to achieve perfect everyday curls.

What are hot rollers and how do they work?

Hot rollers or hair setters as what they are dubbed are handy devices used for curling hair. Just like the classic velcro rollers, they work by twisting the hair around the tube. The only difference is, as the name suggests, they are heated. As such, they work in just a fraction of time as compared to their vintage counterparts.

Hot rollers are packaged in a set. They come in with a post you can insert to heat them up. The heating container itself is powered by electricity you can plug into an outlet and leave for about 10 minutes to warm up.

Some hot rollers have an indicator light that turns on or switch colors, indicating when the rollers are ready to use. Other models may also include temperature settings so you can customize the heating temp to your liking.

More to the venerable set are clips to keep the rollers in place and pins to section your hair.

Why hot rollers out of all the styling tools?

With all the infinite array of trendy hair curlers to choose from, it is easy to overlook at hot rollers and consider them outdated.  But these old-school beauty tools are still in vogue for reasons.

Voluminous Curls

The finished look provides more height and body to curls than any existing beauty arsenals can. The curls are also more natural-looking as compared to a curl styled by a curling iron. In addition, they are also a-go to curling device for ladies whose stubborn tresses barely coax curls.

Hair-Friendly

Hot rollers may take longer than other curling tools but that’s because they use less heat, minimizing damage and preserving its overall structure. In fact, some rollers are equipped with heating technology that generates even heat distribution to protect’s hair natural moisture.

Hand-Free Styling

Doing makeup while styling hair is something you cannot envision with those curling wands. But with hot rollers setting on your hair, your hands are free. This means you can literally do anything you want while you’re at it, maybe even make a few phone calls or enjoy a cup of tea!

Faster Curling

Okay, they might not be the fastest among the curling hot tools. Still, hot rollers are definitely an upgrade to those traditional rollers that take hours to achieve results. These automatic hot rollers do their job in just a matter of minutes.

No More Burns And Scalds

We all have our fair share of accidentally smacking our hands and wrists with our beauty tools. After all, maneuvering your hair around the hot barrel takes a lot of skills and its easy to get burnt.  But hot rollers are a lifesaver. They do the work without us even lifting a finger. Just be careful of touching them while they are on as they are still hot.

Styling Versatility

When it comes to curling precisions, hot rollers are also competitive. Depending on their size, how long you leave them on and the way they are placed, they offer different types of curling patterns; from big bouncy waves to tighter smaller ringlets or even accented curls or flips– you are in for a treat! But more to the curls are hairstyles. Remember those classic bouffants of the 1960s? Yes, they were all styled using hot rollers too!

More Reasons to Love Hot Rollers: They are easy to handle!

Mastering those highly coveted, stunning curls with a curling iron requires skills and long, painstaking wrist maneuvering, not to mentions those unavoidable burns. That’s where hot rollers come in handy. With just very little effort, you can achieve those curls of your dreams.

Of course, ways on how to use hot rollers are relevant to the intended look you are aiming for. As mentioned, there are different levels of curls hot rollers can create. But with the right application and control, you’ll be able to achieve the precise style that you really want. For starters, here’s a quick guide on how to use rollers on your hair.

• Warm up the rollers

It is important to heat the rollers minutes before styling so as not to play the waiting game. To do so, plug them into their heating unit one by one. They are normally ready after 10 to 15 minutes. Some rollers requıre a special operation for it to work so it is important to always read the manufacturer’s manuals for instructions.

• Prep your hair

Remember, hot rollers only don’t work on damp or wet hair. So it is important to ensure your hair is dry prior.  Also, make sure your hair is tangle-free by brushing them unless you want wonky bent waves. Apply a setting spray or a mousse. This will define your curls even more as the rollers do its work later on.

• Section hair

You will need a comb or a pin for the accurate division. To secure each section in place, use the clippers until you are ready to set in the rollers. Smaller defined curls normally require smaller divisions (which means more hair sectioning) than bigger loose curls. Sectioning hair also depends if you want full coverage or not.

• Start rolling

There are different ways you can roll the tubes. How you roll them can produce different results. You can play around with the following techniques to see which look you like the best.

• Starting at the end, horizontally roll them up by the side section away or towards the face.
• In the vertical direction, work your way up to the top of your head or midway towards your shoulder.
• If you want to start from the roots, wrap each hair section around the tube as you would with a curling iron.
• You can also play with outward or inward rolling as they produce different results.

If your rollers use clips or snaps, fasten them to set it in place. Continue rolling until you have rolled all the sections you want to curl. It is important to be consistent in the way you roll and section your hair to produce uniform-looking curls.

1. Mist your head with firm-hold spray. This step is optional but necessary if you want the curls to be longer-lasting.
2. Wait for the rollers to cool down. Normally, it would take an average of 12 minutes for the rollers to cool down while some take about 20 minutes. It really depends on the temperature you heat them on.
3. Remove the rollers. Start by loosening the clips. Then gently unroll the tubes one by one.
4. Polish your look.  If waves are what you are after, run your fingers from the roots to ends or leave it as it is for bigger curls. For a tidier look use a paddle or wide-tooth comb. For added hold, you can give another round of spray or mousse to secure the bouncy waves in place. Just make sure not to over not to apply too much hair products as can they easily weigh down your curls.

How do I choose the best hot rollers for me?

Hot rollers, as simple as they may seem also comes in variations. While in the hunt for one, you may encounter different designs that may overwhelm you. Apart from these, there are few variables that needed to be considered, like your hair type and what you really want out of the tool. To make it easier for you, we made a buying guide on how to look for the right rollers for you.

HEATING STYLE

Dry Heat Rollers: Much like rechargeable batteries, this type of heat rollers works by “charging” them in their heating unit that can be plugged into an electrical outlet.  Normally the container where they rest is made of metal which has a good heating conductivity to make the rollers hot enough (but not to the touch).

Steam Rollers: This wet hot rollers (as they are normally called) uses steam as a source of heat. They work like those standard hair steamers in salons but much portable. The rollers are made of foam. Because they are generated by steam gas, they are less damaging to hair than the dry heat rollers. It even moisturizes the hair as it curls.

Wax Core Rollers: Wax-filled rollers can either generate heat or steam. What makes them special is the presence of wax in the center of the roller. This allows them to retain heat longer. They are suitable to use for curls that are hard to tame

HOT ROLLERS ACCORDING TO MATERIALS USED

• Foam Rollers: This is normally the choice for steam models. They are made of foam or sponge and are less damaging to hair. Foam rollers come in shape variations, like those of cylinder and round rollers. Since the material used is soft, some people sleep on them as well.
• Plastic Rollers: Hot rollers made of plastic heats up fast. They are also cheaper as well. They are not ideal for daily use, however, since plastic is touted to be damaging to hair.

HOW YOU WANT YOUR HAIR TO BE GRIPPED

Ribbed Rollers: Thes are the most common type. They don’t feature extra layer but are defined by a ribbed or spiked surface that generates friction with your tresses, holding them securely in place. They are ideal for fine and straight hair since they offer good resistance.

Flocked Rollers: Modern models of flocked rollers feature a layer of smooth material which function to grip the hair gently. The curls they produce are larger than ribbed rollers. They are taunted to have a better grip that you won’t need too many clips to secure them in place. The only downside, they are harder to remove.

Smooth Rollers: Some hot rollers available offer a smooth surface. They are much easier to roll on hair but doesn’t have the best grip. You will need to pin more clips to keep them in place. Smooth rollers are recommended for hairs that are naturally curly or one that is prone to damage since they have a smoother surface.

HEATING TECHNOLOGY

Ceramic Rollers: The surface can either be infused or coated with ceramic. Ceramic rollers run on far-infrared heat and emit negative ions, thus, gentler on hair. As such, they are safe to use by damaged and fragile hair. But because they don’t use aggressive heat, curling thick hair will take more time.

Tourmaline Rollers: Just like ceramic rollers, tourmaline rollers uses ceramic and ionic technology. They emit more negative ions as compared to ceramic, however. This cuts down curling time. But because tourmaline is a rare gem, rollers that have such will cost you more.

Titanium-Infused Rollers: Less often, titanium is incorporated onto rollers because of their great heat conductivity. It heats up the fastest and is more durable. But for some people, the heat is too much, a reason why some rollers are only infused with such and not made entirely.

HOT ROLLERS ACCORDING TO SIZE

Thin Rollers: The slender width of thin rollers produce tight curls. To use them, you can either section hair with more portion for more voluminous curls or small sections of hair if you bouncy curls are your intention.

Jumbo Rollers: Rollers with bigger width creates loose waves. They also work well with long hair.

Short Rollers: With these rollers, it’s easier to wrap short hair.

Long Rollers: For the same obvious reason, long rollers are a go-to for long hairs.

SET TYPE

Full-Set: The set can have 25 to 30 pieces but also depends if the roller set consists of different sizes. For instance, if the roller includes jumbo sizes, they may have lower counts. Since the set normally includes rollers with a variety of sizes, it will give you more styling options. It also features a big heating unit that warms all the rollers at the same time. However, since the components are normally bulky,  they are the most ideal for traveling.

Compact Set:  Compacts can have 10 pieces of rollers although some can have more or less depending on the size of the rollers. The heating unit is normally small and can only heat one or a few rollers at a time. Nonetheless, advanced models feature a heating unit that allows rollers to heat up faster. The compact set is much portable and then the full set version, making it easier to carry around.

HEAT SETTINGS

Multiple Settings: A wide range of heat adjustments on the heating unit allow more styling precisions. With the temperature customization, they are also ideal for fine and thin hair who can only handle less amount of heat.

One Heat Setting: Some hot rollers restrict heat selections and they can get really hot. They are ideal to use on thick, coarse hair.

Verdict

To wrap it all up, the best hot rollers would be the Infiniti Pro flocked roller for shorter hairstyles. I love to style my short hair and I have used different curling irons that damaged my hair in the past. The Infiniti Pro really works like magic and it doesn’t damage my hair, which I think is the most important factor to these.

For longer hairstyles, I recommend the T3 Voluminous Hot Rollers. It’s a favorite for beauty bloggers and celebrity hair stylists. Their reviews say a lot of good feedbacks regarding the rollers. This is enough proof that it’s the best roller for your thick and long hair.