How to Use Foam Rollers to Curl Your Hair

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Get beautiful curls overnight with this heatless method!
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Hair that’s curly, bouncy, and attention-getting is surprisingly easy to achieve with foam rollers (also known as sponge rollers). Using these spongy cylinders can help create a classic look or amp up the glam factor for special occasions. Plus, it’s completely heat-free! Keep reading to learn how to curl your hair with foam rollers to get gorgeous, bouncy curls.

How do you curl your hair with foam rollers?

  1. Wash and detangle your hair, leaving it damp to style.
  2. Divide your hair into small, even sections.
  3. Place a roller at the end of your hair and roll it up to your scalp.
  4. Go section by section until all of the hair is in curlers.
  5. Leave curlers in overnight for the best results.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Adding the Foam Rollers

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  1. It's best to start this style with clean, damp hair, so shampoo and condition your hair before adding rollers. Once washed, remove any tangles with a wide-tooth comb and detangling spray . Then, let your hair air dry until it’s about 80% dry. [1]
    • Consider adding a setting lotion or mousse to your hair to help it hold the curls later on.
    • If you don’t want to wash your hair before styling it with rollers, no problem! Just be sure to have a spray bottle of water ready, as the curls hold their shape best when the hair is styled damp.
    • If you’re in a rush, speed up the process by blow-drying your hair until it’s damp.
  2. There are many types of foam rollers to choose from. What matters most is the size of your chosen roller, as this will determine the size and bounce of your heatless curls. Here’s a quick guide: [2]
    • For tight, bouncy curls, choose small foam rollers.
    • For loose, soft curls, choose large foam rollers.
    • If you have short hair, opt for small rollers to ensure all of your hair can wrap around the rod.
    • If you have long hair, you can use any size roller (you just may need more of them).

    In this tutorial, we'll be teaching you how to use classic foam rollers . Flexible curling rods are also a foam-adjacent, heatless way to curl your hair. For a tutorial on how to use flexible rods, check out this tutorial .

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  3. Make one section for your bangs (if applicable), one for the top, one for each side, and two sections for the back of your hair. Keep each section separated with hair or claw clips. [3]
  4. The way you wind the rollers determines the type of curl you’re looking for. If you want ringlets, like Shirley Temple, roll the curlers up to your head vertically. For fuller, softer curls with more of a wave, roll the curlers horizontally.
    • To roll vertically, hold a section of your hair straight out from your head at a 90-degree angle. Wrap the ends of your hair around the roller and continue rolling the curler in toward your scalp.
    • To roll horizontally, hold a section of your hair straight down from your head. Wrap the ends of your hair around the roller and continue rolling the curler up to your scalp.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with Foam Rollers
    Unclip a top section of hair. Then, remove a 1 inch (2.5 cm) chunk of hair from the section. Wrap the tips of the hair around the foam roller and continue rolling the hair up until it touches the scalp. Close the roller’s clasp around the hair to keep the roller in place. [5]
    • Be sure to roll the hair and curler as determined in the previous step.
    • The larger the chunk of hair rolled, the looser the curl will be.
    • How big each section is depends on your hair's thickness, density, texture, and length.
    • For more volume, hold your hair up, place the curler at the ends, and roll the hair down to the root. [6]
    • Professional hair stylist Steven Waldman recommends using a styling spray on each subsection before rolling for extra style and support. [7]
  6. Repeat the previous step until every chunk of hair in the section is rolled and secured. Once that section is complete, move on to the side and back sections. Remember to roll the hair as tightly as possible to prevent the rollers from loosening while they set. [8]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with Foam Rollers
    Crimps and dents come from the impression in the hair left by the plastic clasp or closure on the foam roller. To keep this from happening, gently reposition the clasp from the top of the curl to the bottom after the roller has been fastened. [9]
    • So, once you’re done rolling up your hair, check each roller to ensure the clasp is set at the bottom. [10]
    • Anchor the closure with either an aluminum duckbill clip or a bobby pin for extra security.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Removing the Foam Rollers

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  1. How long you keep the foam rollers in is entirely up to you! A general rule of thumb: the longer you wait, the tighter the curls will be. Most foam roller users wait 4 to 8 hours to get classic ringlets. [11]
    • Wrap your curlers up in a silk scarf to keep them from moving around too much at night or look elegant while going about your day. [12]
    • If you don’t have time to wait, consider sitting under a heated hair dryer for at least an hour to help set the curls in place. [13]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with Foam Rollers
    Remove the roller clasp and gently unwind each roller. Avoid yanking or pulling, as this could cause your hair to snag and frizz up the curl. Take your time and be patient. [14]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with Foam Rollers
    Flip your head over and gently shake out your curls. For a carefree, tousled look, lightly rake your fingers through your hair, just enough to loosen the curls. For a fuller, less-defined texture, carefully brush out your hair. [15]
    • Play around with how you style your foam roller curls! You may like how they look straight out of the roller, or you might prefer them brushed out. It’s all about personal preference.
  4. Once your curls are positioned the way you’d like, give them a good dose of hairspray. Hairspray will help lock the style in place while also reducing static and frizz. [16]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it best not to use a cap if sleeping in them?
    Community Answer
    It is actually better to have a cap when sleeping in the rollers, as it keeps the curls in place even if the rollers were to fall out.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 40
  • Question
    Do I have to use mousse?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. If you're doing it with wet hair before bed, it should be fine without mousse. But if you have thick hair, some hairspray might help throughout the day.
    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
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 36
  • Question
    As I try to lock the clasp on the roller, the bottom end of the clasp falls out. What am I doing wrong?
    Community Answer
    You could be using the wrong end to clasp it. The end with the bigger plastic part on it works better than the small one.
    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

      • If your hair dries quickly, lightly spritz individual hair sections with water before wrapping them in foam rollers.
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      • Try twisting the hair before wrapping it on the roller to create a spiral curl.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/RxUfT9SfFXs?t=109
      2. ↑ https://ippodarosalon.com/blogs/from-the-journal/hair-rollers-are-back-how-to-choose-the-best-hair-rollers
      3. ↑ http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/hair-rollers-tips-and-tricks
      4. ↑ Karen Leight. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aF1BA4UPnEs?t=2&feature=share
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7TRr7VtkNrI?t=14&feature=share
      7. ↑ Steven Waldman. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/eJ4qwPVp8KA?t=303
      9. ↑ http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/hair-rollers-tips-and-tricks
      1. ↑ https://tashacouldmakethat.com/2011/09/how-i-do-late-30searly-40s-sponge/
      2. ↑ https://tashacouldmakethat.com/2011/09/how-i-do-late-30searly-40s-sponge/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/eJ4qwPVp8KA?t=349
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7TRr7VtkNrI?t=31&feature=share
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/eJ4qwPVp8KA?t=407
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/eJ4qwPVp8KA?t=426
      7. ↑ http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/hair-rollers-tips-and-tricks

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To curl your hair with foam rollers, start with washed, towel-dried hair. Use a wide tooth comb to work out any tangles, then work some setting lotion or mousse into your hair. Once your hair is about halfway dry, you're ready to start curling. Brush out a length of hair that matches the width of your foam roller. Then, wrap the tips of your hair around the foam roller and roll the roller toward your head. Close the clasp to lock the foam roller in place. Use a bobby pin to secure your roots to the roller. Continue adding rollers to sections of your hair until you've curled all of your hair. Then, leave the rollers in for 8 hours so your curls have time to set. Finally, unclip the rollers and remove them from your hair to reveal your beautiful curls. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to take out the curlers the next day, keep reading the article!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Marsha McGhie

        May 12, 2021

        "I tried and tried to curl my hair with a curling iron. Never worked well. So I went back to my old foam rollers. ..." more
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