There’s a popular quip that one ends up resembling their mother, but for countless Southern ladies, this is the ultimate accolade. On the beauty front, it’s quite fitting that their time-honored techniques have stood the test of time, becoming the go-to guide for luscious locks, and that’s especially true for the ever-popular hair tool: the roller.
Throughout the years, countless methods and gadgets have been attempted to achieve the most springy, voluminous style, but none have ever matched the effectiveness of a set of classic Velcro rollers, reminiscent of those used by our grandmothers. I witnessed not one, but two Southern grandmas apply these rollers on countless mornings during my upbringing—and I later applied their wisdom to my own hair.
Embrace these grandmother-endorsed tips to achieve a stunning blowout-inspired, curly look with Velcro rollers.
The key here is to apply the rollers while your hair is still warm from blow-drying or curling. This is when the “setting” process begins.
The most common error people make with rollers, whether hot or Velcro, is not allowing them to sit long enough. Though it may sound trite, you need to keep those hot rollers on while you apply makeup, get dressed, or grab a quick bite before your day ahead. If you’re aiming for lasting volume, my grandmas advise a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour of “setting.” I’ve found that 30 minutes is usually adequate.
Rollers can be used to create a variety of looks by rolling them in different directions. A well-kept secret known only to seasoned roller experts is that by alternating the direction of your rollers, you can achieve significant volume and curls that endure. Essentially, some hair will be rolled downward (the most common method) and some upward, adding depth and body to your blowout.
When you desire a freshly styled appearance but lack the time, there’s no shame in taking a shortcut. The regions around the face and at the crown’s very top are the most crucial. “The back of my hair is not my concern,” one of my grandmas would say.
Use a curling iron or blow-dryer to style these areas, and employ around five rollers to set the top and face-framing sections. These are the most impactful, and you can achieve the look swiftly. (For me, this is a go-to for trips or destination weddings when I only want to bring a few rollers.)
Admitting it stings, but there is indeed such a thing as too much hairspray. My grandmas are advocates for a few light spritzes but caution against overuse. Choose one spray session and stick to it. The most common times to spray are while the rollers are in place or immediately after removing them.
According to my grandmas’ advice, I’ve found that spraying your hair while it’s in the rollers is the best way to ensure they stay in place. It might make them a bit trickier to remove, but it seems to offer the longest-lasting hold.
While Velcro rollers are often used for a bouncy blowout look when blow-drying, second-day hair actually holds volume and curls better. In this case, you’ll want to use a curling iron before placing each hair piece into a roller, or you can blast each section with a blow-dryer before rolling.
There are numerous additional grandmother beauty tips worth noting.
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When asked about an enduring old-school makeup trend that remains as flattering as ever, the responses were consistent.
