Style

This Retro Throwback Is The Easiest Way To Curl Short Hair

by Emily Estep

While short hair is a lot easier to maintain if you tend to let it dry naturally, it can actually be a lot trickier to style, especially if curls are your thing. But with the best hot rollers for short hair, you can create curls of any size with minimal effort — and almost no heat damage.

Of course, hot rollers have been around for decades, but now, they're more advanced than ever. Ionic, tourmaline barrels not only protect your hair from the heat, but also create shiny, frizz-free curls, and the latest heating docks warm up in just a matter of minutes. Hot rollers are, in general, much easier to use than curling irons and wands, which actually require some level of technique to master.

With shorter lengths, you'll want to look for smaller barrels that your hair can actually wrap around, and the smaller the barrel means the tighter the curl. If you want uniform curls, look for a set with a bunch of the same-sized barrels. If you like to switch things up, get a set with barrels that come in a variety of sizes.

The hot rollers on this list come in sets of both different and identical-sized barrels to suit your preferences, with various protective coatings that ensure minimal damage. Whether you're a curling novice or seasoned styling expert, these top-rated hot rollers, below, will make producing everything from waves to tight coils a breeze.

1

These Budget-Friendly Hot Rollers For Loose Waves And Bouncy Curls

Remington Ceramic Hair Rollers, $15, Amazon

These affordable hair rollers come in two barrel sizes — 1-inch and 1.5-inch — allowing you to create big, bouncy curls or loose waves. The ceramic rollers are ionically conditioned to keep your hair smooth and prevent split ends, and the set comes with color-coded clips to help you style. Plus, it includes a convenient travel bag that helps you store and carry the rollers wherever you go.

2

These Hot Rollers That Come In A Variety Of Small Sizes And Are Perfect For Tight Curls

Conair Compact Multi-Size Hot Rollers, $20, Amazon

With 20 rollers in various small sizes — 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch — you can use this hot roller set to create a diverse array of curls, no matter how short your hair is. The 1/2-inch curlers produce tight coils that'll get looser as the barrel size progresses. The whole thing is compact and easy to store, with a light-up button that lets you know whenever your hot rollers are ready to use.

3

These Ionic 1-Inch Hot Rollers That Protect Your Hair

Campbell Mcauley Hot Rollers Set, $34, Amazon

This professional-tier set of hot rollers comes with 12 one-inch barrels and a clever heating system that allows each one to hit the desired temperature fast. The ionic, tourmaline barrels are gentle on hair and reduce frizz, and the cool-tip ends ensure you never burn your fingers, either. The set also comes with a blow dry primer and an instructional style guide that teaches you how to use the rollers with short hair.

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