How to Get the Perfect Curls

by Victoria Stanell
Published Mar 10, 2012

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Ready to roll? Whether you want bouncy waves, soft ringlets, or coiled curlicues, your perfect twisted hairstyle is a fold away! We asked celebrity hairstylist John D—clients include Natalie Portman, Selena Gomez, and Maya Rudolph—to break down popular rolling tools and techniques so you can get any curl you crave.

TYPES OF ROLLERS

John notes electric irons and wands are the fastest way to get a quick curl, but he still uses four main types of physical hair rollers on clients. Thin, flexible rod-style rollers create spiral-shaped coils. Thermal rollers, which are heated before application, lock in a wave pattern as they cool. Soft foam rollers are used to create soft, bouncy curls. "These are the comfiest rollers to sleep in—just protect your set with a light scarf while you snooze!" advises John. Lastly, velcro rollers add volume, luster, and a swooping bend at the ends.

WHICH ROLLER TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR HAIR

The roller you select depends on your natural hair texture and the type of hairstyle you're after. If you want to give naturally curly hair a more consistent wave pattern, choose a pliable rod-style roller. For softer coils, hot rollers or foam rollers are the ideal option. And for extra polish and bounce, use velcro rollers after your blowout. "Typically, you can use all types of rollers on dry hair, but rod-style rollers will also work when hair is damp as well," says John. Wrap no more than one-inch sections around each roller to get a proper curl. Remember: the bigger the section, the looser the curl.

EXTRA ROLLLING TIPS

SPLIT IT UP

Create symmetrical curls on each side of your head by evenly sectioning off your hair before you begin to roll. Separate your scalp into five sections with a comb and roll section-by-section, starting with the bottom up.

TICK, TOCK

Whether hot or dry, rollers need ample time to set their curl in your stands. Allow at least an hour of roll time for the proper shape.

MIRROR IMAGE

Problems rolling the back of your hair? Bring in a second mirror to tackle trouble spots. "Use both mirrors to set up your point of reference and the process will go a lot smoother!" says John.

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Comments

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Aug 04, 2012

Audrey S.

where can you get these? are there any quality ones that aren't too expensive?

Mar 29, 2012

Fancie B.

I'm a huge fan of flexi rods!! They are quick and easy to use! Plus, you could create spirals, bouncy curls and waves! They're comfy to sleep in and can be used on wet and dry hair

Mar 15, 2012

Kathleen W.

I have a ? for the ladies who use flexi-rods-About how many do you need for hair that grazes my shoulder & what size should I buy-EX:do you vary the amount of sizes you use? I appreciate any help/tips on this product usage-there isn't very much info regarding these rollers

Mar 25, 2012

Latia C.

With flexi-rods, it depends on how tight you want your curl, how thick your hair is, etc. I personally use the gray and orange flexi-rods and my hair is about shoulder length. I bought two packs each of the orange and gray flexi-rods and that seems to work the best for me. My advice would be, the longer your hair is, the thicker your flexi-rods need to be. I hope this helps!

Mar 14, 2012

Munirah C.

Sponge rollers are my besties! Occasionally, I sleep with them. I love how the curls looked the next morning (especially when I rolled my hair up when its damp)!

Elite

Mar 12, 2012

Althea N.

I used to live for flexi rods! I sleep with them in and a bonnet over my head and my curls last alll day! Something that does not happen with hot curling wands!!

Elite

Mar 11, 2012

Jasmine P.

I used sponge rollers all the time and I love them! I want to try hot rollers, but I have pretty short hair. I need to wait for it to grow out more!

Mar 11, 2012

Christina P.

I have always been a fan of hot rollers they always seem to work the best on my hair. Sometimes I use soft rollers. I take a shower and put them in my damp hair and sleep with them in and in the morning l have really nice curly hair.

Mar 10, 2012

Jessica F.

I use the soft hair rollers and they are very comfortable to sleep in and its really easy to take them of in the morning its way easier than curling ur hair with an iron if your in a rush :3

Mar 10, 2012

Conney W.

Perfect curls? I just wash my hair and let it air-dry and TA-DA ~ curls :'D

Mar 10, 2012

Gena l.

youre lucky
ever since i dyed my har red it doesnt curl like that anymore
especially on the top layer where its the worst

Mar 10, 2012

Naomi V.

I had totally the same experience when I dyed my hair red - I loved it that colour, but I think it basically destroyed my naturally blonde locks! Back to normal now, though my hair is wavy rather than straight:)

Mar 10, 2012

Tyni R.

So in Beyonce's Irreplaceable music video, her bouncy voluminous "swooping-bend-at-the-ends" hair was really from the Velcro rollers she was also seen wearing in the video? :D I wish someone would make a tutorial vid on how to achieve that kind of hair with Velcro rollers and a blow dryer <3