How To Use Velcro Rollers For Perfect, Bouncy Curls

Personal computers, disposable cameras, compact discs, and the world wide web are closely associated with people who came of age during the Baby Boom generation (via Interesting Engineering). Although these tools were hugely influential, you could say that a 1990s beauty trend stands head and shoulders above the rest –- sometimes way above the rest.

It's the Velcro roller -– that hollow, plastic cylinder that's blissfully self-gripping, which means it has no bothersome clips or pins. If you think the rollers have made a comeback, an entire generation of women might beg to differ. They've had the rollers stacked in their makeup cabinet the entire time, like a time capsule.

However, if Velcro rollers are new to you, you'll want to know exactly how to use them so you can create the kind of full, bouncy curls on which they've staked their reputation. They may not create deep curls, but they make up for it in the eye-popping creation of the body (via Sunday Edit).

If you have fine, straight hair or short to mid-length hair, you're an ideal candidate for Velcro rollers. Then you can make good use of the beloved Baby Boomer tool that's enjoying another look in the mirror as it undergoes a renaissance.

Velcro rollers are fun and easy to put in your hair. You simply start by selecting and lining up the rollers you wish to use, though choosing them will get easier after several rounds of experimentation.

For example, just like other rollers, the smaller the Velcro roller is, the tighter the curl; the bigger the roller, the looser the curl (via Luxy Hair). Plus, depending on the length and cut of your hair, you may wish to use only big rollers, only small curlers, or a mix of the two. You really won't know for sure until you see the curls for yourself.

To get started, some general guidelines may help: If your hair is short to chin-length, use small or medium rollers. If your hair is down to your shoulders or longer, use medium to jumbo rollers, at least to start. Whatever rollers you decide to use, section your hair into thirds, dividing it into a top section, mid-section, and bottom section. Sectioning will help ensure that you don't overload each roller (via Cliphair).

Clip the two upper sections to your head to keep them out of the way. Then, dampen one piece of hair at a time. Hold the end of one section, wind it around a roller, and roll it under (not over) toward your scalp. The little Velcro fibers will hold the roller in place, like magic. If the roller slides loose, you have too much hair on each roller. So simply start again.

The question many people ask is, "How long should I leave in Velcro rollers?" This is a fine question and will also require some experimentation, especially if you use the heat of a blow dryer to set the curl (via Terrific Tresses). But the longer you leave in the rollers, the fuller your hair will look.

Consider that a 10-minute wrap may not be long enough and 30 minutes may be too long. So try a 15- to 20-minute wrap. While your hair sets, you could put on makeup, get dressed, or prepare a cup of coffee. When it's time to unroll the Velcro curlers, do so slowly and deliberately. Moving too fast can cause the rollers to get tangled or stuck, and you'll end up pulling and breaking your hair.

Once your hair is free, let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes before you shake it loose or run a wide-tooth comb through it. You should notice right away how full your hair seems. To retain much of this body, style your hair with your fingers before you mist it with hair spray. Then again, some people spray their hair as soon as they're finished rolling it. For extra hold, you may want to spray it twice, though you may wish to be careful about weighing down those fanciful waves. Either way, the rollers should leave you with plenty of bouncy hair action. Prepare to get stuck on them yet.