Few things gladden my heart like the sight of young women arriving at a festival in Velcro rollers – and not only because I am unshakeably convinced that everyone looks great in them. Velcros are portable, very easy, require no electricity, cause little to no harm and are inextricably linked, for me, with the sense of imminent good times. They lift roots, create volume and give a smoother, more sophisticated look than heatless curls created by those satin-covered bendy rollers so loved on TikTok. They can easily give a more modern shape than the sort of Charlie’s Angels blow-dry one might fear.
Hairdresser Sam McKnight, famed for his love of rollers to create big, bouncy dos, has a kit to make light work of the job. The Big Set (£50) sells out regularly but recently came back into stock. It comprises 18 variously sized Velcro rollers and clips, as well as a retro-futuristic inflatable thermal bonnet with a hose that attaches to your hairdryer, mimicking the sort of heated hood one’s nan or great-grandmother might have sat under with a copy of Women’s Realm for her weekly curl and set. It’s a satisfying and effective piece of kit, but the benefit of plain old Velcro rollers is that they don’t require extended periods of heat exposure, causing less hair damage than other styling tools, so I would recommend you keep things simpler until you’ve nailed the method.
I have a set of six Hershesons Self Grip Rollers (£12), for whenever I’m pushed for time. They work wonders in lifting roots and adding movement to lank, flattened hair.
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If unwashed, Velcroed hair should still be warm – even if from a quick blast with a hairdryer – as it makes it easier to mould. Start at the top with larger rollers, saving any smaller ones for the sides and lengths. Maintaining good tension for the roll is key – nervously winding the hair without tautness is, ironically, what usually causes the rollers to tangle.
It’s also important to leave some hair-free space at either end of the roller to give the Velcro suitable surface grip and stability. When the hair has had a chance to shape and cool completely (the duration of a mug of tea, or the length of time it takes to throw on some makeup, by my reckoning), you can unravel the rollers and gently brush through or arrange with fingers. A mist of hairspray will keep things bouncy. I find Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray (£8.25) hangs firm without shellacking my do.
Model: Alyssa Uberti. Hair, makeup and nails: Sarah Cherry