According to celebrity hair stylist Harry Josh, we’ve been shying away from voluptuous hair in favor of the natural, limp-looking tousled hairstyle. However, when considering Kate Upton and Kate Middleton, the more voluminous look is back, meaning hot rollers are also back. However, for those that travel, hot rollers can be a struggle to pack and manage.
Choosing the right set will keep you looking glamorous on the go. It is important to consider what to look for from voltage to size, from casing to weight, so here are some tips for how to decide on your brand of hot rollers for travel.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Travel Hot Rollers
- OUR TOP PICK: Remington H1015 Compact Hair Rollers
- RUNNER-UP: Conair Instant Heat Travel Hot Rollers
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Calista Tools Ion Hot Rollers
Comparison of the Best Travel Hot Rollers
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Why Not Just Take a Curling Iron?
Curling irons may seem like a far more convenient tool to use on the go. A curling iron, with its long, thin shape, can usually fit more conveniently into a side pocket or snugly into your suitcase than a hot roller set.
While this is the case, curling irons have high, direct heat that when placed straight on the hair, can do a great deal of damage. Frequent use of a curling iron will cause the moisture in the hair to evaporate, leading to brittle and damaged hair that appears frizzy or breaks off.
Hot rollers do heat the hair but they do not apply direct metallic or ceramic heat. This means that they do not create the scorching effects of curling irons, protecting the hair from damage. Sofia Vergara’s stylist Ward Stegerhoek points out that hot rollers can create far more variance in style than curling irons can.
On the go, if you're looking for big bouncy curls, tight ringlets, or a little volume with straighter styles, hot rollers can achieve this far more easily than a curling iron can. This means you only have to take one tool traveling rather than a variety of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and brushes, saving space in the long run.
What to Look for in Travel Hot Rollers
When looking for a hot roller set, there are a few features that you want to keep an eye out for to make sure you are getting a great deal and an excellent product. Firstly, as you are searching for a travel item, make sure that they have dual or universal voltage.
If they do not have this feature, you may not be able to use your hot roller set abroad, unless you know that the country you’re traveling to using the same voltage as you use at home.
The second aspect you want to consider is versatility. When traveling, you will want to create varying styles with your hair. So try to find travel hot roller sets that feature differentiating sizes of rollers. This will enable you to create a plethora of styles from extra-bouncy curls to small, tight ringlets. Make sure that each set has at least 8 rollers; otherwise it will take you far longer to style your hair if you have to switch rollers out.
In terms of size and weight, you should be looking for a set of hot rollers that is lightweight and compact. Bear in mind the casing when you consider this, as the rollers themselves may be lightweight and small, but the case that holds them can take up a lot of room.
Consider the shape of your luggage, as you may find that a squarer casing is more suitable than a longer, thinner rectangle, or vice versa. Try to look for something that fits inside a vanity case, about 4-5 inches in size.
Review of the Best Travel Hot Rollers
Now let’s get into some of the best travel hot rollers on the market today.
Best Overall:
Remington H1015 Compact Hair Rollers
PROS
CONS
Featuring 10 rollers in two sizes, this color-coded set of travel rollers features worldwide voltage and a conveniently flexible carry case, making them easy to travel with anywhere around the globe. The kit weighs 1.2 pounds.
Runner-up:
Conair Instant Heat Travel Hot Rollers
PROS
CONS
Designed to create voluminous, bold curls, these extra-large heated rollers come in a carry case with dual-voltage for traveling abroad. The kit weighs 1.9 pounds.
Best for the Money:
Calista Tools Ion Hot Rollers
PROS
CONS
This varying-sized set of 12 heat rollers is a versatile tool. It features adjustable temperature, heat-protection technology, and a convenient carry case.
4. Conair Compact Multi-Size Hot Rollers
PROS
CONS
This set features 20 tangle-free rollers in three different sizes. It also has color-coded clips and a compact case. The rollers are 8.4 inches and the entire kit weighs 2.9 pounds.
5. Bed Head Roll Call Bubble Hairsetter
PROS
CONS
Designed to create looser, more natural looking curls, this bubble-design heated roller set features ten color-coded rollers in a convenient, flexible carry case. The set weighs 1.7 pounds.
Some Tips and Tricks
When traveling with hot rollers abroad, it is important to remember to bring your plug adapter. This will ensure you can use them wherever you are. To make sure you're not taking up too much space, try to find the correct adapter for the country rather than using a big, bulky, universal adapter.
Most brands of hot rollers are international, so if they break while you are away, you can usually find a place to return them or replace them. However, to do this you must be carrying your warranty card. Pack this inside the case of your hot rollers so you do not forget it.
For quicker curling on the go, try carrying some form of styling spray with you. If you use a heat protection spray which doubles up as a holding spray, you will find that you need to carry fewer products, giving you more room for carrying your hot roller set.
Conclusion
Using hot rollers can be a kinder way to curl your hair, as they do less damage than the direct heat that your hair is exposed to when using curling irons or flat irons. When traveling, hot rollers provide the versatile styling opportunities that mean you do not need to bring a huge variety of tools.
However, making sure to choose a set that has capabilities to be used abroad and takes up as minimal space as possible will make you a far more effective traveler who can style on the go.