Hot Curler How-to

I’ve always been a huge fan of hot curlers. They’re super easy to use, inexpensive, and make you look like you spent a lot of time on your hair, when in reality, you totally didn’t.

Hair curled with hot curlers

One thing I’ve noticed is that all hot curlers are pretty similar, but what you want to look for is a set that will heat up quickly and contains a decent amount of large and medium curlers –they work well for most types of hair. Also make sure that the curlers are textured and have little spikes on them that you’ll use to comb the hair as you put the roller in. The ones without texture don’t hold quite as well.

Here are the hot curlers I’ve been using:

Conair hot curlers

The Conair Travel Set from Amazon– only $20.

I’m not a stylist or anything like that, but my madre is, and she’s shared a lot of her knowledge with me over the years. These are just some tips that have helped me, since I’ve been using these for so long. If you’re new to hot curlers, please be careful, turn them off with your done, and please don’t fry your hair off or anything like that and then be mad at me, mmm k?

Tips for Using Hot Curlers

-Always make sure the curlers aren’t too hot. If you can comfortably hold them in your hand, they should be ok.

-Worried about heat damage? Don’t use the curlers every day, make sure to let your hair air dry as much as possible, and if you’d like, try using a thermal protector spray before adding the curlers to your hair

-Make sure your hair is totally dry before curling

Tips for Fine Hair to Make the Curl Hold

-Use the curlers on freshly-washed hair and spray with a light coat of hairspray before and/or after curling as necessary

-You may need to leave the curlers in a little longer to make sure that the hair holds the curl. Play with it and see what time works best for you

-Medium-sized curlers will probably work best, as the large ones may not hold as well

Tips for Thick, Dry Hair (like mine) That Holds Curls Well

-You can use the curlers on freshly-washed hair, or hair that was washed yesterday. If it’s freshly washed, you won’t need to leave the curlers in as long (maybe 3-5 minutes, as opposed to 10 minutes or so)

-If your hair gets too curly, curl at night and try sleeping on it, or if you’re about to leave, put your hair in a low ponytail and remove when you get where you’re going

-Try using the large curlers, or a mix of large and medium

Here’s a hot curler video that I put together the other night while I was getting ready for the squadron party,

Hot Curler Tutorial

It’s goofy, but I hope it will help those of you who have been curious about hot curlers, because they really are easy to use.

Have a great night <3

Gina

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67 Comments

  1. Amanda on October 26, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    I love this post! I have always wanted to curl my hair, but I’ve had a hard time using standard curling irons and wasn’t sure how to use hot curlers. I’m going to order those on Amazon and give it a try! Thank you, thank you!

  2. Mara @ What's For Dinner? on October 26, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Now i’m wishing I hadn’t just hacked 6″ off my hair!!! Thanks for this 🙂

  3. Dori on October 26, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    This is awesome and so helpful, thank you! I’ve always wanted to get my hair all bouncy but felt so lost about how!

  4. Sana on October 26, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    How does Bella get her curls????

    • Fitnessista on October 26, 2011 at 9:06 pm

      i’ve been trying to get her to share her secrets for years, but she won’t tell me

      • Sana on October 30, 2011 at 2:42 pm

        Anddd, I showed my mom this video, and we totally just bought them!

  5. Johanna on October 26, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    Thanks Gina! I actually have that set as well. My hair seems to fall out whenever I try to clip it but I guess I’ll practice some more.

  6. Shayla @ The Good Life on October 26, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    Yaaaaay thanks so much Gina for the hot curler how to video and post!! The tips and the video are so very helpful…I’ve always wondered how to get it right and now I can finally try it – love love the look of it (super sexy and chic) and love how easy it is to do!

    And can I say again how gorgeous and adorable you are – you’ve got to be the cutest pregnant lady ever 🙂

  7. Dynamics on October 26, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    Bella did an awesome job! Extra treats for her.

  8. Chloe@LightOnMyFeet on October 26, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    Your hair is gorgeous! It seems impossible for my hair to hold a curl but I will definitely have to try this. Thank you! 🙂

  9. Claire on October 26, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    I am a big curler gal too! My mom got me hooked on them because growing up I always watched her do her curlers! 🙂

  10. CheezyK on October 26, 2011 at 9:01 pm

    Soooooo jealous, not even the hairdressers can get curls to stay in my hair!

  11. Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness) on October 26, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    Thanks! I’m not so great with the hot rollers but my friend always travels with them. I’ll have to start stealing hers and practicing! 😉

    You look really pretty, btw! I love the white top you have on, looks great with your dark hair!

  12. Natalie on October 26, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    Do you have any tips, products, vitamins, etc., that you would recommend to make hair healthier/grow?

    • Fitnessista on October 26, 2011 at 9:11 pm

      do you take a multivitamin? taking a prenatal has helped my hair a lot, and so do: healthy fats, getting it trimmed regularly, hair masks (i’ll do banana, egg and avocado), not heat styling it so much (i’m guilty of this one), and brushing to stimulate hair growth

      • Natalie on October 27, 2011 at 9:13 am

        Awesome- thank you for the suggestions! I do take a multivitamin (Prenatal) and Fish Oils. I need to start doing masks and avoiding heat styling. I have heard the Moroccan Oil masks are pretty amazing- the oil is great! Maybe we just need to have a baby. so my hair can be Kardashian length too 😉 Your ‘family’ posts are just so freakin adorable, they really make me excited to start a family with my husband. Love it.

  13. Kim on October 26, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    great video! I haven’t used hot rollers in years, but think I will pull them out and give them a try! You are absolutely glowing!

  14. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga on October 26, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    Thanks for the hot roller 411. I have a friend who can put 5 hot rollers in her hair in about 3 mins, leaves them in for about 10-20 mins, give or take, and when she takes them out, she looks like a Pantene model. I try the same thing…and I wind up with random curls, some “kinked” parts that aren’t smooth and like they’ve been crimped by the rollers (not pretty) and just an overall really haphazard look. I will try all your tips…thanks, Gina 🙂

  15. chrissy on October 26, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    i just saw T3 has hot rollers now!!! i love my T3 dryer………sigh. i have icky fine hair, but curls/waves stay intact after a night out with my GHD or Sultra Bombshell. I have hair down to my bra strap and it only takes me 15 mins to do it with either! However I wouldn’t mind a good set of rollers for large loose curls….I”m a hair styling tool hoarder:)

  16. Kristin on October 26, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    Thank you!!!!! U deff made it look very easy! 🙂

  17. kathleen @ the daily crumb on October 26, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    thanks for this tutorial! i am envious of that hair that looks like it took HOURS… can’t wait to try the curlers!

  18. Cristin on October 26, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    haha love that this was filmed by Bella!

  19. Amanda on October 26, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    Your belly is so cute!! You look awesome!

  20. Katheryn on October 26, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Thanks for the tutorial. And great job to Bella. She should really explore the filming industry.

  21. Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine on October 26, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    Yay thanks for this! I’m gonna give it a try. Your top is so cute, BTW!

  22. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie on October 26, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    You seriously have the most gorgeous hair! And its crazy that you are seven months pregnant and when you turned with your back to the camera you couldn’t even telll! Girl pregnancy looks good on you!

  23. Emily on October 26, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    Thank you! I’ll be making a Target run soon to pick up some curlers!

  24. kirsten on October 26, 2011 at 9:59 pm

    Thanks for the tips! I’m going to pick up some hot curlers 🙂

  25. Suz on October 26, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    Love the video! It’s fun to see you talking and moving and come to life (since we all read your words most of the time.) 🙂

    Awesome filming job, Bella! <3

  26. Kailey (SnackFace) on October 26, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    Oh my goodness, you are too adorable and your hair looks fab! I love my hot rollers, too! I don’t use them nearly enough. I end up with a 40s/50s-ish ‘do when I use them!

  27. Gina on October 26, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    Thank you SO much for posting this video! I can’t wait to get some myself and try it out; I love the way your hair looks. Oh, and by the way, you look SO gorgeous. Seriously, you are always pretty, but you look so beautiful pregnant!

  28. Electra @ vanillabeanlean.com on October 26, 2011 at 11:02 pm

    LOVE that picture of your hair – it’s beautiful lady!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your beauty secrets!!

  29. Madre on October 26, 2011 at 11:07 pm

    Great Video Girls!! Wow your hair is amazing! All natural too, no need for extensions here! May I add 2 cents? Any time you plan on using a blow dryer or heated appliance on hair (this includes flat irons, curling irons, hot rollers, crimpers etc.), use a thermal protectant product. Picture trying to flip an egg with out spraying the pan with cooking spray, the egg sticks and peels like the hair shaft does without protection. Also try to start in a different place each time so that the same quadrant of hair isn’t always the longest exposed to the 1st curler. And finally for fine haired beauties, try using the plastic jaw-like clamps to hold the rollers in your hair rather than the wire clip that comes in most sets. I’m just saying… Love you! Madre

  30. Alexa on October 26, 2011 at 11:13 pm

    Thanks to this tutorial I just ordered this set on Amazon. Thanks so much for the tips!

  31. Anna on October 26, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    You’re hair is SO thick. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen hair like that before. Thanks for the post (bookmarked)

  32. AJ on October 26, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    Thank you! Can’t wait to try this tomorrow! 🙂

  33. Anna Crouch on October 27, 2011 at 12:34 am

    I want your belly….. Just being honest 🙂

  34. Heather on October 27, 2011 at 12:45 am

    I loooooooove my hot rollers. My aunt introduced me to them when I was getting ready for my first beauty pageant and I’ve been hooked ever since (I usually use two full sets of rollers (about 30) when I do my hair). I love going out and people asking me how long it took me to do my hair 🙂

    hot rollers are basically a secret ninja weapon.

  35. Lynnlee on October 27, 2011 at 2:38 am

    Thank you so much for the video tutorial for hot rollers. I try to use them every couple of months but I always end up with weird-frizzy ends. I can’t wait to try your tips and see how it turns out!

  36. Susanne on October 27, 2011 at 6:33 am

    I have the same roller set. I have two of them. My hair is very long and thick and hot rollers are the easiest way for me to style it in a short amount of time, yet I look like I spent hours curling it. I’ve been using them since junior high school. I honestly don’t know what I would do without them.

  37. RachelG on October 27, 2011 at 8:07 am

    love this! everytime i’ve had my (thick, thick, thick) hair curled it’s ended up frizzy and the curls fall. Over the years it’s miraculously gotten a little thinner, so I might take your hairspray advice. 🙂

  38. Kari on October 27, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Thanks for the video, but I would like to say HOW AWESOME IS YOUR BELLY??!! OMG so adorable I can’t handle it hahaa.

    • Fitnessista on October 27, 2011 at 10:54 am

      aww, thanks girl!

  39. Michaela on October 27, 2011 at 9:06 am

    love your hair!
    and the jewelry stand (that tree things) looks fab! I want that, too 🙂

    • Fitnessista on October 27, 2011 at 10:54 am

      thank you! target 🙂

  40. Erika on October 27, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Gina you are SO PRETTY! I just love your hair! Your little girly is going to be just precious between you and your handsome hubby Pilot :-D.

    Ditto on the tree stand jewelry holder, I desperately need to organize all my jewelry! I go a little overboard at The Limited.

  41. Jacquelyn on October 27, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    my hair is way too short for curlers but I’m currently in a growing-stage (I grow for a little, cut, grow again, cut, etc.) so maybe it will get long enough to curl! btw, we have the same necklace tree!

  42. Jen Correa @ Mom's Gotta Run on October 27, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    Great job Bella! Oh, and Gina too! 🙂 Thanks for video. I may get me some curlers.

  43. Laurie on October 27, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    Thank you for the tutorial!! I’ve been doing it all wrong!

  44. Meredith on October 27, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    That’s it…I’m buying a set and trying this out! No matter what I do, my hair gets frizzy after I blow-dry. Maybe this will help. Awesome video. Your curls are gorgeous!

  45. Jen on October 28, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    Would you mind doing a post on how to wear tights? I am completely clueless.

    • Fitnessista on October 28, 2011 at 5:42 pm

      sure 🙂

  46. Kath on October 29, 2011 at 9:06 am

    I used to hot curl my hair EVERY SINGLE MORNING for about 10 years. Then straight hair came back in style! I still love doing it though and still think I look better with curls

  47. Emily on October 29, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    Thanks for sharing this!!! I recently bought hot curlers, tried them, and they have been hanging out under my sink ever since…I used WAY too many curlers-I realize that now after watching your video! It was a disaster…so I am going to try again now before a date with my husband!

    • Fitnessista on October 29, 2011 at 8:26 pm

      let me know how it goes!

  48. Anne @strawberryjampackedlife.com on October 30, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    I love hot rollers. Since I have fine hair, they give my hair so much volume. The only tip that I wanted to add was (now this only works when it’s cool/cold outside): once you take your hair out of the curlers, run outside and make your hair cold really quickly (I look like an idiot flipping my head upside down on my porch), but the cold sets the hair. TA DA!! Better (and less smelly) than hairspray!

    • Fitnessista on October 30, 2011 at 7:51 pm

      wow, awesome tip!

  49. Sana on November 5, 2011 at 1:36 pm
    • Fitnessista on November 5, 2011 at 3:54 pm

      your hair looks gorgeous!!!

  50. Di on December 23, 2011 at 12:29 am

    Great video!!! Loved your dress – you look beautiful! I laughed at the end when it said filmed by Bella – how cute!

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