How to Curl Hair with Foam Rollers

Co-authored by Karen Leight and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: October 26, 2023 References

Hair that's curly, bouncy, and attention-getting is surprisingly easy to achieve with foam rollers. Using these spongy cylinders can help create a signature look, or amp up the glam factor for special occasions. It also gives your locks a healthy break from hot rollers or the curling iron. Put foam rollers in damp, one-inch (2.54-cm) sections of hair, and allow them to set for eight hours before removing them for a beautiful, damage-free style.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Adding the Foam Rollers

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The size of the roller will affect the size and shape of the curl. If you want tight, bouncy curls, choose small foam rollers. Or, choose large rollers for loose, soft curls. Generally, smaller rollers are better for shorter hair, while any size roller can be used for longer hair. ^{[1]
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^{[2]
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Expert Source

Karen Leight
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.} 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 them separated with claw clips. ^{[3]
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3
Position rollers vertically or horizontally. The way you wind the rollers determines the type of curl. If you want ringlets, like Shirley Temple, roll the curlers vertically. For fuller, softer curls with more of a wave, roll the curlers horizontally. ^{[4]
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- To roll them 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 them 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.
4
Start rolling the top section. Choose a one-inch (2.54-cm) section of hair at the crown of your head. Wrap the tips of the hair around the foam roller and continue to roll the hair up until it touches the scalp. Close the clasp to keep the roller in place.
- The larger the section of hair, the looser the curl will be.
- How big each section is depends on your hair's thickness, density, texture, and length.
After finishing the top section of hair, move on to the sides and then the back, using one-inch (2.54-cm) sections of hair for each roller. Roll the hair as tight as possible to prevent the rollers from loosening while they set or while you sleep.
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Clasp the rollers on the bottom to prevent unsightly crimps or dents. 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. ^{[5]
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- Anchor the closure with either an aluminum duckbill clip or a bobby pin.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Removing the Foam Rollers

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1
Wait eight hours before removing the rollers. In order for your hair to dry completely and the curls to set, you need to wait at least eight hours before removing the rollers. Many people choose to put the rollers in before going to sleep, then remove them in the morning.
- If you can't wait eight hours, sit under a heated hair dryer for at least one hour.
Remove the clasp and gently unwind each roller. Don't yank or pull, or your hair can get snagged in the foam which will ruin the curl. Take your time and be patient.
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. ^{[6]
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Hairspray will help set your style as well as reduce static and frizz. Spritz a light-hold hairspray several inches away from your hair. ^{[7]
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Part 3

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Washing, Drying, and Adding Product to Your Hair

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It's best to start this style with clean, damp hair, so cleanse and condition your hair before adding rollers. You may want to do this around bedtime so that there will be plenty of time overnight for your rolled tresses to dry completely. When drying your hair, gently squeeze excess moisture from your hair with a clean, soft towel. Don't rub your hair or twist it up in the towel, as this can cause breakage. ^{[8]
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Rather than using a brush, remove tangles with a wide tooth comb only, so as not to break the hair or split the ends. You can also use a detangling spray before combing to remove any snarls. ^{[9]
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Add a styling product to your tresses. Prep your wet hair with setting lotion or mousse. Place a small amount the product in your palm and rub your hands together. Use your fingers to run the product through the length of your hair, from roots to tips. ^{[10]
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- How much product you use may depend on what type of hair you have. Thick and curly hair may need more product while fine hair may need less.
- If you've got frizzy hair, apply an anti-frizz serum or spray before adding the rollers.
Allow your hair to air dry until it loses about half of its moisture. You want it damp enough to style, yet not so wet that it can't dry out in the foam rollers and hold curls. ^{[11]
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Tips

Make sure you divide your hair into small, even sections. Otherwise, your hair may not curl. ^{[12]
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Expert Source

Karen Leight
Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Interview. 13 November 2020.}

Thanks
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If your hair dries quickly, lightly spritz the individual hair sections with water before wrapping them in foam rollers.

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You can also twist the hair before wrapping it on the foam roller for a spiral curl.

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How to Curl Hair with Foam Rollers

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Adding the Foam Rollers

Removing the Foam Rollers

Washing, Drying, and Adding Product to Your Hair

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