If You Have Thin, Flat Hair, This Is the Old-School Product I Swear by for '90s Volume

I've had fine, flat hair all my life. It's the kind that slips out of a braid because there's just not enough density to keep it together. It's the kind that won't hold a curl if its life depended on it. And it's the kind that stays smooth against my scalp, despite the best effort of volumising products. I used to hate it, and to be honest, I still do from time to time. Generally, though, I've come to accept it, and a short stint with high-maintenance hair extensions helped me with that.

These days, I rely on a few volume-boosting products, including texturising spray, dry shampoo (I swear nothing lifts my roots quite like dry shampoo) and occasionally one of the best hot brushes. When I really want volume, though—like '90s-style volume—I'll reach for my secret weapon. It's an old-school hair product that gives me the lift and bounce I've always wanted. Think Topanga Lawrence from Boy Meets World level lift and bounce.

While I like the naturally beachy texture, I still style my hair with heat tools to polish it up. Usually, that involves using a hair straightener to perfect my natural waves and smooth out any kinks. When I want big volume, though, I use hot rollers. Yes, that's my secret weapon.

According to Tatum Neill, the creative director of Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute, "Hot Rollers became fashionable in the '60s as women desired salon-quality hairstyles they could do at home. They were a fixture for most fashion-conscious women into the early '90s."

Celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert David Lopez is also a fan of hot rollers. "Most people who use hot rollers are people with very fine hair who are looking to add volume," he says. "Typically, those with straighter hair types tend to reach for hot rollers. I also think it's for people who are looking for something quick and easy to do. Hot rollers give a very effortless feel to the hair and smooth it out."

We've been busy putting some of the most popular hot rollers to the test and are ready to share our thoughts with you. Keep scrolling to see some seriously good before-and-after pictures to prove how good these products are.

The Best Hot Rollers, Tried and Tested

• Best easy-to-use hot rollers: T3 Volumising Hot Rollers
• Best hot rollers for tighter curls: BaByliss Thermo-Ceramic Rollers
• Best hot rollers for bounce: Remington Proluxe Rollers
• Best rollers for natural-looking volume: Hair by Sam McKnight The Big Set

1. T3 Volumising Hot Rollers

Before Using the T3 Hot Rollers

Using the T3 Hot Rollers

After Using the T3 Hot Rollers

The Verdict

These are the ones I now use and swear by (Lopez does too. He says he even keeps them in his kit). I like them because they heat up quickly and evenly, and they don't damage my hair, thanks to the velvet-flocked barrels.

So, how do you use them? It's actually quite intuitive. Just section your hair and roll them up to the scalp, securing them in place with the included clips. "I like to use hot rollers on dry hair a few hours before an event so the hair has time to set in position while you are getting ready with makeup and wardrobe," Neill says.

I must say, this product really made a difference. I mean, I loved hot rollers before, but after trying these, I was even happier with my hair's newfound bounce and body. It wasn't just the ends of my hair that looked bigger and fluffier either—it was also the roots. This lift emphasised the height and movement of the whole style.

Shop the T3 Hot Rollers:

2. BaByliss Thermo-Ceramic Rollers

Before Using the BaByliss Thermo-Ceramic Rollers

Using the BaByliss Thermo-Ceramic Rollers

After Using the BaByliss Thermo-Ceramic Rollers

The Verdict

"These BaByliss heated rollers have three sizes to choose from, so you can tailor them to different sections of your hair," explains Who What Wear UK beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden. "I like to use the smaller ones on the longer lengths of my hair, as I find these tend to drop out first.

"Because these rollers are smaller than my Velcro ones, they give tight curls when first removed. But the advantage of this is that you can manipulate the hair to loosen them out. I like to take some hair spray onto a comb or Wet Brush and brush through to loosen any areas that look a bit too prom 2002. Then I apply a bit of oil in my palms and run through the lengths to add shine before finishing with hair spray."

Shop the BaByliss Thermo-Ceramic Rollers:

3. Remington Proluxe Rollers

Before Using the Remington Rollers

Using the Remington Rollers

After Using the Remington Rollers

The Verdict

"After growing out a very short bob, I’ve spent the past year seeking ways to have a more polished hair look and I think rollers could be the answer," says Who What Wear UK editor-in-chief, Hannah Almassi. "I have a lot of hair but it’s fine and doesn’t like to hold a style for long. As such, I’ve barely ever bothered with curling tongs or blow-dries because they simply don’t last.

"However, I’m pleased to report that the heat of the Remington rollers provides all-day bounce and shape and even provides a good, albeit subtler look the next day. Yes, rollers are a bit of a faff no matter what type you go for. And yes, the look can be a bit too 'done' for my liking on a work day (I think this is partly down to how small some of the rollers are, creating a tighter curl than I personally want), but with a little more practice I think you can make a rollers set work to suit your desired finish."

Shop the Remington Proluxe Rollers:

4. Hair by Sam McKnight The Big Set

Before Using the Hair by Sam McKnight Rollers

Using the Hair by Sam McKnight Rollers

After Using the Hair by Sam McKnight Rollers

The Verdict

Ok, so these rollers aren't technically hot rollers (the barrels themselves are velcro) but they come with a professional hood dryer that you attach to your hairdryer, which places low heat on the hair for a voluminous, blow-dried effect.

"I have such a core memory of my gran going to the hairdressers every week sat underneath the hood dryer, and this is exactly what the Sam McKnight roller set reminds me of, but with a more modern twist that can be done at home," says Who What Wear UK ecom analyst, Sophie Cookson. "I have a difficult relationship with my hair as it lacks any texture so trying to get a curl or any volume is a huge undertaking.

"It took a couple of goes testing out the rollers and hood to get some volume and some curls at the ends of my hair. I saw the most promise when my hair wasn’t freshly washed and it made a big difference when I used the Hair by Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray with a multi-tasking styling mist as it created some texture. I also made the mistake of brushing out the curls which ruined the look, however it did leave behind a nice amount of volume on the crown on my head. I saw the biggest difference on my fringe, which you can definitely see in the before and after photos. If you have hair that has more texture or holds a curl, then I think this product would work nicely for you."

Shop the Hair by Sam McKnight The Big Set

How to Use Hot Rollers

So, you want to give hot rollers a go? We asked the experts how to use them in order to get the most out of the product. "Always use the heated rollers on dry hair and mist each section with Modern Hairspray for heat protection and hold," says top hairstylist and founder, Sam McKnight MBE. "Hot rollers can create a stronger wave over velcro rollers as they heat up. They need to be left to cool completely before removing from the hair."

Lopez also emphasises the importance of prep. "Before you even put a hot roller in your hair, when you dry your hair, use something like a mousse or a foam that's going to give your hair a lot of style memory, and then rough dry your hair, smooth it out, and wrap the hot rollers around. If you want, you can add even more style memory by adding an aerosol heat protectant by adding it to the section, smoothing it through, and wrapping the hot rollers around."

When it comes time to roll your hair, Lopez has a hack. "I would say a lot of people roll it from the end up, but I like to take very clean sections and place the roller in the middle of that section, wrap the ends around first, and then roll the rest of it up towards the scalp and secure. This makes sure you get even heat distribution, meaning the ends aren't getting all of the heat and the mid-lengths aren't getting any heat at all," he says.

Can Hot Rollers Be Used on All Hair Types?

Although we have only tested these hot rollers for the purpose of adding volume into thinner, fine hair, anyone can use them. "I don't think there's anyone who can't use hot rollers," Lopez says. "I've used them on tighter textured hair, but when it's already been blown-out straight. You wouldn't use hot rollers on curly hair in its natural, textured state—it would have to be straightened out first."

Still, he emphasises they can work for anyone, regardless of hair type. "It just depends on what their starting point is. I do love hot rollers for highly textured hair that has a silk press as a great way to refresh the look or add bounce, especially to curly hair that's been blown-out straight."

This story originally appeared onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing U.S.