Get rolling with these volume-boosting heroes, and three other ways to add some bounce
If you've long dreamt of getting those luscious, salon-worthy locks without breaking the bank or spending hours in front of the mirror, then we’ve got great news. Velcro rollers are like magic wands for your hair—they're quick, easy, and super effective at giving your hair that extra oomph you’re after. But if using these little wonders seems like a mystery, we're here to unravel the secrets of mastering Velcro rollers like a pro.
What are Velcro rollers?
Think of Velcro rollers are a combo of a regular hair roller and everyone's favorite hook-and-loop fastener. You know, the stuff that makes your sneakers stay on and your jackets stay closed. But instead of securing your shoes, Velcro rollers work their magic by gripping onto your hair, creating volume, curls, and bounce without any heat damage or minimal fuss.
Whether you're prepping for a glam night out or just want to add a little pep to your everyday look, Velcro rollers could be your new favorite tool.
What makes Velcro rollers so great?
First up, they’re convenient. You don’t have to spend hours wielding a curling iron or round brush, potentially burning your hair in the process. You just pop them in your hair, and go about your business while they set.
Velcro rollers are kind of like the Swiss Army knives of hair tools—they can do it all. Want some killer volume? Check. Dreaming of cascading curls? You got it. Need a quick pick-me-up after hitting snooze one too many times? Velcro rollers.
Need more? They’re also reusable, which means you can roll, unroll, then roll them again, which is good for your wallet and the planet. That's right: you can roll, unroll, and roll again to your heart's content, saving both your wallet and the planet one fabulous hair day at a time.
Velcro rollers are clearly a great hair hack for looking put together with minimal effort. Read on for a few easy tips to get you using Velcro rollers like a pro.
How to use Velcro rollers
From prep to set to unrolling, here are the four steps to get the most from your Velcro rollers.
- Prep like a boss: First things first, make sure your hair is clean and slightly damp, then give it a good brush to get out any tangles or knots. Then grab a styling product like a mousse or a volumizing hairspray and distribute it evenly through your strands, and follow that with a few sprays of a heat protectant.
- Roll, baby, roll: Starting at the crown of your head, make a four-inch section. Take the front inch of your hair and wrap it around your first roller, then wind the roller towards your forehead. Get right to the roots and secure the roller with a clip. Continue doing this with the rest of your hair, top down.
- Set it and forget it: Now that you're all rolled up, it’s time for the easy part. Do your skincare routine, put on your makeup, or just take a well-deserved break. You just need to wait until your hair is completely dry. If you’re in a rush and you used a heat protectant, go ahead and hit your rollers with a hair dryer on medium heat.
- Unroll and unleash: Gently unravel each Velcro roller, one by one, in the same direction as you rolled them. Flip your hair forward right away and add some hairspray or dry shampoo right at your roots. Keep flipping it from side to side to amp up the volume, then run a comb through it from just below all the way to the ends.
Can you use Velcro rollers on hair extensions?
Velcro rollers are magic for natural hair, but using them on hair extensions requires a bit of extra caution and TLC. Hair extensions, whether they're clip-ins, tape-ins, or sewn in, are a bit more delicate than natural hair, and Velcro rollers can sometimes tangle or pull on the extensions.
But with a little caution, it's totally possible to use Velcro rollers on hair extensions. Just make sure to be extra gentle when rolling and unrolling, and avoid placing too much tension on the extensions to prevent any pulling.
Pro tip: if you're wearing clip-in extensions, pop them out before rolling and style them separately for maximum versatility.
Other ways to add volume to your hair
If you’re still not sold on Velcro rollers, or you just want to know what your other options are, there are lots of other ways to add volume to your hair. Below are four of our favorites.
Flexirods
Flexirods, as their name suggests, are flexible rods that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They're kind of like bendy straws, but instead of slurping up your favorite beverage, they can add curl and volume to your hair.
Much like you would with Velcro rollers, you wrap sections of your hair around flexirods, twist them up, and let them work their magic overnight. When you wake up, unwrap the rods to reveal curls and added volume.
Flexirods are super versatile. Whether you're aiming for tight ringlets, loose waves, or something in between, there's a flexirod size and technique for every look.
Heatless curls
There are other heat-free ways to get the same results as flexirods, and a lot of them involve things you might already have around your house. These overnight transformations can involve braids, buns, and twists, and the finished product can again vary from tight curls to mermaid waves.
Braiding your hair is a great way to achieve this. Go for lots of super small braids if you want tight curls, or one looser braid if you want softer waves. Either way, wrap your hair in a silk scarf and sleep on a silk pillow case to limit frizz.
TikTok’s favorite heatless curl method involves the belt from your bathrobe. Part damp hair right down the middle, and place your robe belt across the center of your head, with each end hanging down kind of like bunny ears. Then, wrap one side around one side of the belt, and repeat on the other side. Secure both sides with a silk scrunchie and sleep on silk, too.
Hot tools
Hot tools, whether it’s a curling iron, straightening iron or a blow dryer, are definitely the quickest ways to add curls and volume to your hair.
If you’re going with a blow dryer, flip your hair upside down and blast your roots with heat while you gently massage them with your fingers. This will lift your hair at the roots and instantly volumize them. Then, use a round brush to give yourself a salon-worthy blow out, working in sections, directing the heat from the dryer at your roots, and alternating towards and away from your face with the direction you roll the brush.
Next up, the curling iron. The bigger the barrel, the better for maximum volume. Start by curling away from your face, getting as close to your roots as you can. Consider leaving the ends of your hair a bit straighter for a more tousled, natural look.
Hair extensions
If your natural locks just aren't cutting it, you can always turn to extensions. There are lots of different kinds, and depending on your hair type and the look you’re trying to achieve, one will be right for you.
Clip-in extensions will instantly add volume. Simply pop them in wherever you need a little lift, maybe at the crown or along the sides. You can completely customize your look with these ones, adding as many or as few as you want.
Tape-in extensions blend seamlessly into your natural hair while they add that thickness and body. Plus, they're super lightweight, so you can get a voluminous mane without feeling weighed down.
Last but not least, sew-in extensions. These provide a solid base for building up volume and creating the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. Plus, they're totally customizable, so you can play around with different lengths, textures, and colors to achieve the look you want.
Get that volume—your own way
If you do decide to go with Velcro rollers, make sure you pick the right size for the look you’re trying to achieve. If you have short hair, go with small or medium-sized ones, and opt for medium to large if your hair is longer. And while Velcro rollers will add lots of volume, you might not get a curlier finish if that’s what you’re after.
As with any new hair technique, practice makes perfect, so give yourself the time and space to experiment and figure it out. The same goes for all the other volumizing methods we covered. Even if it takes you a bit of time, we guarantee you’ll be able to achieve the bouncy effect you want.
