Curling Short Hair: Perfecting The Roller Technique (2025)

Curling short hair with rollers is a great way to get voluminous curls without the need for a curling iron. There are many types of rollers to choose from, including Velcro, hot, and foam rollers, each with its own benefits. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to curl short hair with rollers:

Start with damp, freshly washed hair. If you're using foam rollers, you can also apply styling products like mousse, gel, or hairspray.

Divide your hair into sections. For Velcro and hot rollers, create a centre part and section off the hair above your ears. For foam rollers, you can get creative with the sections to customise the curls to your liking.

Take a small section of hair and place the roller at the end. Start rolling the hair towards the scalp, ensuring the hair wraps smoothly and evenly around the roller. Secure the roller with the built-in clasp or a clip/pin if needed.

Repeat this process for each section of hair until your entire head is rolled.

Let the rollers set. For hot rollers, allow them to cool down before removing. For foam rollers, you can speed up the process by blow-drying or leave them in overnight for longer-lasting curls.

Carefully remove the rollers by sliding them out or unraveling them, being careful not to tug on the hair.

Gently tousle your hair with your fingers to loosen the curls and add some texture. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold the style in place.

Choose the right roller type for your hair length and desired curl style

When curling short hair with rollers, it's important to choose the right roller type for your hair length and desired curl style. Here are some tips to help you select the best rollers for your needs:

Velcro Rollers:

Velcro rollers are a popular choice for those seeking bouncy, voluminous hair without the use of heat. They are typically used on damp or dry hair and can be left in for 10-30 minutes, or until your hair is completely dry. While they can be used on various hair types, they work best on mid-length to short hair, as they provide a stronger hold. When using Velcro rollers, it's important to start with detangled hair and use products like mousse or hairspray to help form and hold the curls. The size of the rollers will also impact the style, with smaller rollers resulting in tighter curls and larger rollers creating looser waves.

Hot Rollers:

Hot rollers are ideal for those seeking more instantaneous results. They use heat to create curls and are perfect for those who don't want to spend a lot of time setting their hair. When using hot rollers, it's important to start with clean, towel-dried hair and apply a heat protectant before rolling. Similar to Velcro rollers, the size of the hot rollers will impact the style, with smaller rollers resulting in tighter curls and larger rollers creating looser waves. It's recommended to leave hot rollers in until they have cooled down to avoid overheating your hair.

Foam Rollers:

Foam rollers are a heat-free option that is comfortable to sleep in, making them ideal for overnight curls. They work on various hair types but are particularly good for fragile hair as they are less likely to cause snagging or damage. When using foam rollers, you can start with dry, untreated hair, but applying products like cream, hairspray, or gel will help enhance the shape and hold of the curls. The size of the foam rollers will determine the curl size and shape, so choose wisely based on your desired style.

Flexi Rods:

Flexi rods are another heat-free option that can achieve stunning curls without the risk of heat damage. They are suitable for all hair types, especially shorter styles, and can be used to stretch out tight curls or add definition to kinky-curly textures. When using flexi rods, start with hair that is about 90% dry and apply a curl cream, gel, or mousse before rolling. The diameter of the flexi rod will impact the curl, with larger diameters stretching out tight curls and smaller diameters creating more defined spirals.

Steam Rollers:

Steam rollers are a favourite of some hairstylists as they provide a gentle and safe type of heat styling. They can create a variety of waves and curl patterns, depending on how you place them in your hair. Placing them at the ends and rolling up towards the scalp will result in tighter curls, while placing them a few inches from the roots and wrapping the hair around will give more body. Steam rollers typically take about 20 minutes to cool, after which you can unravel and rake through your hair for soft, bouncy curls.

Prepare your hair by washing, drying, and sectioning it

Preparing your hair is the first step to achieving beautiful curls with rollers. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your hair by washing, drying, and sectioning it for short hair:

Washing Your Hair

Start by washing your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner. Squeeze out the excess water from your hair and gently towel-dry it. You can also let your hair air-dry until it is slightly damp. If you want tighter curls, it is recommended to wash and condition your hair before using rollers. However, if you are short on time or prefer a more effortless look, you can skip washing your hair and simply spritz it with water.

Drying Your Hair

If you have decided to wash your hair, gently comb through it with a wide-tooth comb to remove any knots and tangles. Apply a leave-in conditioner, serum, or mousse to your hair to prevent frizz and enhance shine. You can also use a heat protectant spray if you plan on using hot rollers or blow-drying your hair.

Sectioning Your Hair

Part your hair at the left and right temples, creating at least three sections: one over each ear and one at the top of your head. You can also create a ""mohawk" section from your forehead to the back of your neck and secure it with a clip. Then, divide the hair on the sides into smaller sections and secure them with clips. The number of sections will depend on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the size of the rollers you are using. Make sure each section is smooth and tangle-free before rolling.

Remember, the key to achieving beautiful curls with rollers is to start with clean, slightly damp hair that has been properly prepped with the right products. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to achieving the desired curls for your short hair!

Apply a styling product to your hair

Applying a styling product to your hair before using rollers can help to create a grip and make it easier to form curls. It can also help to prevent frizz and add shine. Here are some tips on how to apply styling products to your hair before using rollers:

• If you have damp hair, you can apply a mousse, such as the Amika Plus Size Volume & Body Mousse, to help form a grip.
• For dry hair, you can use a brush to apply a product like the Kevin Murphy Blow Dry Ever Lift.
• To prevent frizz, you can apply a serum, such as the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum, throughout your hair.
• For tighter curls, you can apply a curl cream, gel, or mousse, such as the Hair Rules Wavy Mousse, before using flexi rods.
• For overnight curls, you can apply a leave-in conditioner or hair mousse, such as the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Leave-in Conditioner, to help hold the curl pattern.

Roll your hair around the rollers, securing them with pins or clips if necessary

Now that you've sectioned your hair, it's time to roll it around the rollers. If you have straight hair, blow-dry a light mousse into it to give it some grip. Then, grab a section of hair and place the roller at the end, rolling it towards your scalp. Make sure to roll the hair in the direction you want your curls to fall. Roll the hair smoothly and evenly, and make sure you don't roll it too tightly or too loosely. You want the roller to feel secure, but not so tight that it pulls on your hair.

If the roller feels loose, you may have too much hair wrapped around it. If it feels secure, you can move on to the next section. However, if you feel like you need extra hold, you can secure the roller with a pin or clip. Bobby pins work well for this. Repeat this process for each section of hair until your entire head is rolled.

Remove the rollers and style your curls

Now for the fun part: removing the rollers and styling your curls!

If you've used hot rollers, make sure they've cooled down before you take them out. If you've used another type of roller, you can take them out once your hair is dry.

Removing the rollers is simple: hold the roller in one hand and remove any clips with the other. Then, slowly unravel your hair. Don't pull or tug on the roller, as this will ruin the curl.

Once you've removed all the rollers, flip your hair forward and spritz your roots with a little hairspray or dry shampoo. Flip your hair back and tousle it from side to side to enhance root lift and keep the strands elevated.

Next, gently run a wide-tooth comb through your hair, starting just beyond the roots and working down to the mid-lengths. Avoid combing through the ends of your hair, as this will ruin the curls.

If you want more volume, flip your hair upside down and shake your head a few times. Then, gently run your fingers through the curls.

Finish with a spritz of hairspray to ensure your curls last.

Frequently asked questions