The ultimate guide on how to use hair rollers

In decades gone by, velcro or heated rollers were an absolute essential for creating volume.

While this year's beauty advent calendarsare brimming with the best products in the biz for getting your hair looking voluminous, healthy and shiny, rollers are also a surefire way to give your hair that added oomph. We've spoken to some of the country's best hairdressers for their top tips on how to use hair rollers. Whether you swear by hair rollers but want to switch from heated to velcro rollers or the other way round, or you've never tried them but always wanted to, the experts are here to help!

Nowadays, many people are put off trying hair rollers. The technique is seen as old-fashioned and very time-consuming. However, we'd encourage those of you with this mentality to give this hair trend a chance!

Using heat and velcro rollers could actually save you some time and money. Not to mention improve the condition of over-styled and over-heated locks.

If you worry about your hair's health, rollers are also a great option because they do less damage than blowdrying your hair with a barrel brush, or using heated curling wands, but create the same desired affect.

Plus, this hair styling technique won't break the bank either. An average size pack of eight Velcro rollers with clips included should cost no more than £10. And if looked after, they should last for lots of uses.

Rollers can help create effortless style, which when left overnight leave you with the appearance of a bouncy blow dry, worth of the hours in the salon. Whether you're sleeping, applying make-up, or running errands, if you love to multi-task, hair rollers are for you.

Plus, who doesn't want to re-create a royal blowdry at home? TheDuchess of Cambridge is always showing off luscious, bouncy locks, and getting the same style yourself is easier than you think.

Hair rollers are especially good for people with long face shapes, as the volume gives the appearance of wider features. Rollers are most popular with people who have long hair but those with short hair can also get in on the act!

After all, who can forget Marilyn Monroe's iconic look, which was achieved using rollers?

How to use hair rollers: velcro or heated rollers?

Richard Ward, hairdresser to the royals and celebrities, including the Duchess of Cambridge, Susanna Reid and Sarah Lancashire, says velcro hair rollers are the best choice for most hair types.

He said," Velcro is definitely my favourite type of roller, but they always need to be secured with a clip otherwise they move around!"

Who doesn't want to recreate Susanna's flawless morning hair?

If you are looking to add volume to your hair in a hurry, heated rollers are ideal. Not only does the desired look last longer, you get a more dramatic finish and it takes a fraction of the time.

How to use hair rollers

If you have short hair go for a roller that your hair length can wrap around. For longer hair it is important to section out your hair into smaller more manageable amounts. Hair sections should be no wider than the size of the roller and no thicker than an inch.Use large rollers to add volume to your hair and smaller ones for movement.

Craig Taylor, creative director for Hari's hairdressers in London, says where you place the rollers is important depending on the desired look.

He says, "If you already have volume at your roots and are using the rollers for movement, drag the roller back slightly so it's not as close to your head and this will give your mid-lengths and end sections a soft wave. If you have flat hair and lack volume at the roots, make sure the roller is placed as close to the head as possible, for maximum lift at the roots."

How to use velcro hair rollers

1. Section out your hair

2. Pull the hair tight and roll it up - using rollers that come with a clip will keep the hair in place but use a bobby pin if needed

3. Leave the rollers in for as long as possible, as the hair drys it sets

4. Lightly mist the rollers with hairspray before removing them to help hold the look

For more tips, take a look at these quick tutorials for adding bounce tocaucasian and afro hair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBpT_R0G0q0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbUcPURGBrc

How to use heated rollers

Understandably, not everyone has the time to wait around for their hair to dry naturally and sleeping inn rollers is too uncomfortable for some. If so, you might want to give heated rollers a go!

Jennifer Garner is one A-list star who's road tested heated rollers recently, following tips from fellow showbiz chum Reese Witherspoon.

We spoke to Jodie from Cloud Nine - which provide a range of hairstyling tools designed to reduce hair damage - who explained how heated rollers work.

"Heated rollers apply heat to the hair wrapped around them. The heat makes the hair able to hold onto a new shape," said Jodie.

Continuing, she added, "It is important to allow the rollers to heat and cool down properly.This heating up and cooling down process is entirely how the rollers work so make sure you give them time for the best results."

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Turn on your heated rollers and wait for them to reach full heat - you should choose a smaller heated roller compared to the size velcro one you would use

2. Section out your hair, ensuring it is completely dry

3.Pull the hair tight and roll it up towards the head, secure with a clip

4. One your full head of hair is up in rollers wait for them to cool. This should take around seven to 10 minutes

5. Remove the rollers and spritz with a holding spray

Will you be giving hair rollers a go or have they always been a staple part of your hair regime? Join the conversation on our Facebook page.