I Have Thin, Flat Hair, But This Old-School Product Gives Me '90s Volume

Photo:

@kaitlyn_mclintock

While I like the naturally beachy texture, I still style my hair with heat tools to polish it up. Usually, that involves using a flat iron to perfect my natural waves and smooth out any kinks. When I want big volume, though, I use hot rollers. Yes, that's my secret weapon. 

According to Tatum Neill, the creative director of Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute, "Hot Rollers became fashionable in the '60s as women desired salon-quality hairstyles they could do at home. They were a fixture for most fashion-conscious women into the early '90s."

Celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert David Lopez is also a fan of hot rollers. "Most people who use hot rollers are people with very fine hair who are looking to add volume," he says. "Typically, those with straighter hair types tend to reach for hot rollers. I also think it's for people who are looking for something quick and easy to do. Hot rollers give a very effortless feel to the hair and smooth it out." 

Photo:

@kaitlyn_mclintock

Lopez also emphasises the importance of prep. "Before you even put a hot roller in your hair, when you dry your hair, use something like a mousse or a foam that's going to give your hair a lot of style memory, and then rough dry your hair, smooth it out, and wrap the hot rollers around. If you want, you can add even more style memory by adding an aerosol heat protectant by adding it to the section, smoothing it through, and wrapping the hot rollers around."

When it comes time to roll your hair, Lopez has a hack. "I would say a lot of people roll it from the end up, but I like to take very clean sections and place the roller in the middle of that section, wrap the ends around first, and then roll the rest of it up towards the scalp and secure. This makes sure you get even heat distribution, meaning the ends aren't getting all of the heat and the mid-lengths aren't getting any heat at all," he says.

Photo:

@kaitlyn_mclintock

I followed all of the stylists' tips (save for the mousse since I didn't have one on hand). I must say, they really made a difference. I mean, I loved hot rollers before, but after following their advice, I was even happier with my hair's newfound bounce and body. Topanga Lawrence, who?

Photo:

@kaitlyn_mclintock

It wasn't just the ends of my hair that looked bigger and fluffier—it was also the roots. As you can see here, my hair was slightly lifted off my scalp. This emphasised the height and movement of the whole style. 

The best part about hot rollers is that anyone can use them (not just people who have naturally straight hair). "I don't think there's anyone who can't use hot rollers," Lopez says. "I've used them on tighter textured hair, but when it's already been blown-out straight. You wouldn't use hot rollers on curly hair in its natural, textured state—it would have to be straightened out first."

Still, he emphasises they can work for anyone, regardless of hair type. "It just depends on what their starting point is. I do love hot rollers for highly textured hair that has a silk press as a great way to refresh the look or add bounce, especially to curly hair that's been blown-out straight."