How to Use Steam Rollers for Hair

Scientific studies have demonstrated that your hair is one of the first things people notice when they look at you. [1] If you want your hair to look its best, you may be curious about how to use steam rollers. Steam hair rollers are similar to hot rollers in that they use heat to curl your hair. While hot rollers use dry heat, steam rollers use damp heat. They do take longer to use than hot rollers, but they also produce longer-lasting curls. The results are well-worth the extra effort. [2]

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Setting Up the Steamer

  1. You can curl your hair just after you washed it, but it needs to be perfectly dry. [3] Steam rollers will work the best on straight hair, but you can try using them to define curly or wavy hair. If you have natural or kinky hair, however, you will need to start with a blow-out. Otherwise, the curls will not have as much definition. [4] [5]
  2. Even though steam rollers are much gentler on your hair than regular hot rollers, they still use some heat. Apply your favorite heat protectant evenly throughout your hair. If you need to, use a comb to help distribute it.
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  3. Fill the tank with cool to room-temperature water up to fill line and replace the lid. Set it down on a stable surface and plug it in. Turn the tank on and wait for the steam to form. It will take about 1 minute before you start seeing steam come out of the lid.
    • How much water you use depends on the size of the tank.
  4. Wait 3 to 5 seconds for it to soak up the steam. Some manufacturers may recommend up to 7 seconds. It's okay if you go over that time, but be aware that it may take longer for your hair to dry. [6]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Using the Rollers

  1. Grab a 1 to 2-inch (2.54 to 5.08-centimeter) wide, horizontal section of hair. If you are using a smaller hair roller, can use a 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) section of hair. [7] Then, clip the rest of your hair out of the way before using a roller.
    • If your hair is natural or kinky, take a 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) section and smooth your hair with a comb. [8]
    EXPERT TIP

    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

    Match roller size to hair sections for defined curls with steam rollers. With steam rollers, pick ones that match how wide and long your hair sections are, especially for short hair. Before you put in the rollers, make sure your hair doesn't have tangles. Using a setting lotion will help the curls or waves last longer. Roll your hair smoothly towards your scalp so the rollers fit snugly against your head. This gives you defined curls or waves.

  2. [9] Place the roller under the strand of hair, about halfway down. Wrap your hair around the roller, finishing off with the ends. Next, roll the roller downwards, towards your scalp. [10]
  3. This will help make the cap more pliable. It will also help set the style further. [11] Hold the roller in place while you wait for the cap to steam.
    • If your hair is natural or kinky, leave the cap on for 10 seconds. [12]
  4. This will secure the roller to your head and keep it from moving. You are now ready to move onto the next roller and section of hair.
  5. Work your way from the top of your head towards the nap of your neck, then down the sides. Use neat, even rows. You can use the same size of rollers, or you can play around with different sizes. Be sure to use smaller sections of hair for the smaller rollers. [13] [14] The smaller rollers will give you tighter curls while the larger ones will give you loose waves and lots of volume. [15]
    • For natural or kinky hair, continue to use the largest roller size in the kit. If you use the smaller rollers without blowing out your hair first, your hair may turn out frizzy. [16]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Finishing and Setting the Style

  1. If you can't wait that long, you can blow dry your hair using a cold setting for about 1 minute. Your hair must be completely dry and cool before you move on, otherwise the curls may come out. Keep in mind that the longer you leave the rollers in, the tighter the curls will be. [17]
    • For natural or kinky hair, let the rollers sit for 2 hours. You can use a hooded dryer for 20 minutes to speed up the process. [18]
  2. Begin by pulling off the clamp. Unroll your hair to loosen it. Once it is completely loose, you can pull the roller out, and let the strand of hair fall naturally. [19]
  3. Do not brush or comb your hair. [20] If you do, the curls may come out entirely or turn frizzy. The more you run your fingers through the curls, the fluffier and looser they will turn. This will give your hair more body.
  4. Great choices include shine sprays, serums, and holding sprays. Gently scrunch your curls in an upward motion while applying the product. This will help further define them. Set the style with hairspray, if needed. [21]
    • Apply a shine/smoothing serum to the ends of your hair. [22]
  5. Gently comb through them with your fingers to detangle them. [23] Your curls should last a few days as long as your hair does not get wet and it is not too humid outside. If you wash your hair that day, however, the curls will come out. Keep in mind that if you have natural or kinky hair, the curls may not last as long. [24]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How should you use steam rollers on short hair?
    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.
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  • Question
    Do you use bendy rollers on wet or dry hair?
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    What are steam rollers for hair?
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Steam roller kit
      • Water
      • Brush or comb
      • Heat protectant spray
      • Hairspray (optional)
      • Shine serum (optional)
      • Hair clips

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about hair care, check out our in-depth interview with Martha Ellen Mabry .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0738081X88900727
      2. ↑ https://www.today.com/style/how-find-best-hair-rollers-curlers-every-hair-type-t74526
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUX0-jc21L0
      4. ↑ Martha Ellen Mabry. Hairstylist & Salon Owner. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q4nI_ge94I
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plHJCMTlkM
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plHJCMTlkM
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q4nI_ge94I
      9. ↑ Martha Ellen Mabry. Hairstylist & Salon Owner. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plHJCMTlkM
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plHJCMTlkM
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q4nI_ge94I
      4. ↑ Martha Ellen Mabry. Hairstylist & Salon Owner. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plHJCMTlkM
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUX0-jc21L0
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q4nI_ge94I
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plHJCMTlkM
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q4nI_ge94I
      10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plHJCMTlkM
      11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUX0-jc21L0
      12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4plHJCMTlkM
      13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUX0-jc21L0
      14. ↑ Martha Ellen Mabry. Hairstylist & Salon Owner. Expert Interview
      15. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q4nI_ge94I

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Debbie Trujillo

        Feb 17, 2019

        "I got my steam rollers as a hand-me-down from my mom, so this helped me to know exactly how to use them. Thank you ..." more

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