Q&A for How to Use Steam Rollers for Hair

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  • Question
    How should you use steam rollers on short hair?
    Martha Ellen Mabry
    Martha Ellen Mabry
    Hairstylist & Salon Owner
    Martha Ellen Mabry is a Hairstylist and the founder of Headchop Hair Studio in Brooklyn, New York. Martha Ellen founded Headchop in 2011 and has been providing high-quality hair styling services in New York ever since. In 2023, Martha Ellen expanded her business to include Lil’ Chop, an express version of Headchop focused on quick and easy in-and-out hair styling. In addition to running two businesses, Martha Ellen's specialties include dry cutting, natural curl and texture, extensions, brow microblading, lamination, freckle tattooing, as well as wedding and event styling. Martha Ellen works exclusively with Great Lengths extensions specializing in changes for length, density, and chemical-free color.
    Martha Ellen Mabry
    Hairstylist & Salon Owner
    Expert Answer
    When using any roller on short hair, it's key that the hair isn't tangled. The section you select should be a bit narrower than the roller and not longer than it. This prevents too much hair on the roller. I suggest finger combing to get rid of tangles and align strands by length. If damp, a brush might work better. Using a setting lotion can make the style last. As you roll, neatly tuck the edges so there's no messy look or crinkles. Roll the hair smoothly back and toward the head until snug to the scalp. The goal is getting each section smooth against the roller.
  • Question
    Do you use bendy rollers on wet or dry hair?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can use bendable rods on either wet or dry hair. On wet hair they will produce a stronger, tighter curl.
  • Question
    What are steam rollers for hair?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Steam rollers work similarly to hot rollers, but they use wet heat. This produces a stronger curl, but it takes slightly longer to set because the hair has to both cool and dry.
  • Question
    How long do you leave Velcro rollers in your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You should apply heat and/or a styling product before using Velcro rollers and leave them in for a minimum of 15 minutes. If you can, leave them for an hour or more to create a stronger, longer-lasting shape.
  • Question
    What are the best hot rollers for long hair?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Larger rollers are better for longer hair. On larger rollers, the hair is wrapped around fewer times and makes more direct contact with the heated base.
  • Question
    Can I use steam curlers on wigs with synthetic hair?
    Snakey006550
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can use steam curlers on synthetic hair wigs, but do so with caution. Steam is safer than direct heat tools like curling irons, as it can reshape synthetic fibers without causing damage.
  • Question
    What is the difference between the ionic setting and the steam setting?
    Snakey006550
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    The ionic setting emits negative ions to reduce frizz and lock in moisture, making hair smoother. The steam setting uses moist heat to hydrate and style hair, which is less damaging than dry heat. Choose the ionic setting for sleek, frizz-free results and the steam setting for moisture and gentle styling.
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