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Do Hot Rollers Damage Your Hair?

If you are thinking about going curly, you have probably heard that hot rollers are a gentler way to curl hair compared to other heated styling tools.

So, you have decided to use hot rollers to achieve those fabulous curls without a curling iron. However, you still want to make sure whether or not hot rollers can damage your hair.

This article will clear up all your confusion regarding hot roller damage.

Can Hot Rollers Damage Hair?

Hot rollers can potentially damage hair, especially if used frequently or at high heat settings.

So if you use hot rollers, or any heat-related hair treatments, without taking the proper steps to protect your hair, you can cause massive damage over time.

However, compared to other alternatives such as a curling iron, they are generally safer. Curl your hair without heat or use Velcro rollers if you are concerned about heat damage.

Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between having perfectly curled hair and healthy locks. If you choose the right rollers and protect your hair correctly, you can minimize the damage. 

Less Damaging Hair Roller Types

Types of Hot Rollers

As with most hair care products, you get what you pay for. Investing in higher-end rollers will keep your hair looking its best in the long run.

Try to find ceramic rollers. These rollers curl your hair under a much lower temperature, and the ceramic coating disperses the heat better.

Ceramic curlers also work wonders on thin hair, which is especially prone to breakage and damage. Your rollers should also be smooth on the outside.

Since you’ll be wrapping your hair around them, you don’t want to opt for rollers with textured edges where hair can catch and break.

Never try to curl wet hair. It’s inefficient and can cause significant damage to your hair. Instead, towel dry your hair fully or let it air dry before applying curlers.

You can also blow-dry your hair in advance if you want, but some people prefer not to.

Protect Your Hair From Heat

Protecting Your Hair From Heat

Additionally, you’ll want to take specific steps to protect your hair from heat. The best rollers in the world won’t do a bit of good if you’re not applying a protectant to your hair from the outset.

Weekly Treatments

Healthy hair stands up to heat far better than fragile hair. If you want the best results, it’s good to opt for weekly treatments.

You can do hot oil treatments, deep conditioning masks, or bonding treatments. It’s all about personal preference and what works best for you.

Ultimately, you just want to make sure that your hair is as healthy as possible.

Pre-Curling Treatments

There are plenty of sprays, lotions, and serums on the market that will protect your hair from heat. Look for products that specifically advertise themselves as heat protectant sprays or styling treatments.

Although you can certainly find higher-end options in salons and specialty stores, good drugstore brands are also available.

How to Use Hot Rollers Without Causing Hair Damage

Using Hot Rollers

This guide will help you to style your hair with hot rollers successfully.

Step One

Plug in your rollers and let them heat completely. Then, right before you apply them, spray your hair with your protectant product.

Step Two

Separate your hair into sections using a clip or a scrunchie to tie up half of it. You will want to start with the lower part of your hair and work your way up. It doesn’t matter which side of your head you start on.

Step Three

Put your rollers in the middle of your hair piece by piece and begin rolling it towards your neck.

Pin the roller, then repeat the process into all of your hair is rolled up. Some people like to use hairspray on the rollers, but you don’t need to. Play around and see what works best for you.

Step Four

Leave the rollers in your hair for 30 to 40 minutes. Don’t leave them in for longer than advised; otherwise, you could risk damaging or scorching your hair.

Removing them too soon will yield weak curls. Take each roller out individually, then run your fingers through your hair to separate them. Spray with hairspray, style, and you’re done!

Watch the following tutorial to learn how to use hot rollers.

Conclusion

Hot rollers can damage hair if not used properly. The heat from the rollers can cause the hair to dry out and break.

While it’s important to be aware of the potential hair damage from heat styling, hot rollers can be a safer alternative to other tools.

With the right technique and precautions, you can enjoy beautiful curls with minimal risk to your hair’s health.