How to Use Steam Rollers for Hair

Co-authored by Ashley Adams

Last Updated: October 8, 2021 References

Scientific studies have demonstrated that your hair is one of the first things people notice when they look at you.^{[1]
X
Research source} 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]
X
Research source}

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting Up the Steamer

1
Start with dry hair. You can curl your hair just after you washed it, but it needs to be perfectly dry.^{[3]
X
Research source} 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]
X
Research source}
2
Apply a heat protectant to your hair. 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.

Advertisement
3
Set up the tank. 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
Place the first roller into slot on top of the tank. 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.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Using the Rollers

1
Take a small section of hair from the top of your head. 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.^{[6]
X
Research source} 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.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
2
Wrap your hair around the roller. 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.^{[8]
X
Research source}
3
Place the matching cap onto the steamer for 3 to 5 seconds. This will help make the cap more pliable. It will also help set the style further.^{[9]
X
Research source} 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.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
4
Place the cap over the roller. 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
Continue curling your hair. 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.^{[11]
X
Research source} The smaller rollers will give you tighter curls while the larger ones will give you loose waves and lots of volume.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- 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.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finishing and Setting the Style

1
Leave the rollers in your hair for 20 minutes. 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.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- 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.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
2
Gently remove the rollers. 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.^{[16]
X
Research source}
3
Loosen the curls with your fingers. Do not brush or comb your hair.^{[17]
X
Research source} 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
Apply your favorite finishing product. 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.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- Apply a shine/smoothing serum to the ends of your hair.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
5
Take care of your curls. Gently comb through them with your fingers to detangle them. 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.^{[20]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

Do you use bendy rollers on wet or dry hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

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.
Question

What are steam rollers for hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

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.
Question

How long do you leave Velcro rollers in your hair?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You should apply heat and/or a styling product before using Velcro rollers and leave them in for a minimum of 15 minutes. If you can, leave them for an hour or more to create a stronger, longer-lasting shape.