The 7 Best Hot Rollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Ceramic Hot Rollers with Heated Clips

4.8

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What do buyers say? 81 percent of 4,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars and above.

Our number one pick is Conair's Xtreme Instant Heat Rollers. After trying them out firsthand, our testers gave them 5 stars for ease of use and curling ability and 4.5 stars for hold and smoothness.

The set comes with 20 rollers and includes three sizes ranging from 0.75 to 1.25 inches in diameter. While the heat-up time isn't specified in the product description, they took about 10 minutes to get hot. You can choose from 12 heat settings using the old-fashioned dial on the front of the caboodle, though the exact temperatures aren't specified, either.

Each ceramic barrel is covered in velvet flocking, which our testers said helped prevent tension and snaring. Additionally, heated clips ensure no strand is left out of the action, and the plastic tips help you avoid burning your fingers.

All in all, this set was impressive. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of pricier options, our team was satisfied with the design and overall results. They said it gave them bouncy, well-defined, long-lasting curls, plus it works well with various hair types and textures.

Price at time of publish: $45

Material: Ceramic, aluminum | Amount: 20 | Diameter: 0.75, 1, 1.25 inches | Features: Velvet flocking, heated claw clips, 12 heat settings

Best Value

BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 20 Roller Hairsetter

4.8

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We also liked the Nano Titanium from BaBylissPro. Our testers awarded it a 5 for comfort, noting that the rollers didn't put pressure on their scalps and weren't too tight or loose. This set clocked a 5 for curling ability and 4.5 for hold and smoothness, as it didn't cause noticeable damage or change the hair's texture.

It comes with 20 ceramic-titanium rollers ranging from 0.75 to 1.25 inches in diameter. While the clips required a little force to get on, they worked well, were painless to remove, and didn't cause snaring.

Price at time of publish: $75

Material: Ceramic titanium | Amount: 20 | Diameter: 0.75, 1, 1.25 inches | Features: Velvet flocking, butterfly wire clips, infrared heating

Best for Natural Hair

Caruso Ionic Molecular Steam Setter

4.1

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The best option for natural hair is the Caruso Steam Setter, which earned a 4.25 score for curling ability, a 5 for hold, and a 4 for curl smoothness. However, our testers gave it a 3.25 for ease of use, noting that there was a bit of a learning curve.

Once they got the hang of it, they were pleasantly surprised with the frizz-free, crease-free results. The curls were defined and voluptuous, and since the steaming process doesn't use heat, it's less damaging to the hair.

Price at time of publish: $37

Material: Plastic, foam | Amount: 30 | Diameter: 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5 inches | Features: Steaming device

Best for Long Hair

Chi Smart Magnify Ceramic Rollers

4.3

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Long locks? Chi's Smart Magnify Rollers are your best bet. This set clocked a 4 for ease of use and comfort, 4.5 for curling ability and hold, and 4.25 for smoothness.

You'll get nine ceramic barrels in your choice of a 1-inch or 1.25-inch diameter. While they have velvet flockings, our testers noted that the rims get slightly hot to the touch. The rollers hold securely in place with the included claw clips, and when you pull them out, you can expect a classic hot-roller look: not too glam, not too tight, just bouncy and full of body.

Price at time of publish: $110

Material: Ceramic | Amount: 9 | Diameter: 1–1.25 inches | Features: Velvet flocking, claw clips, bacteria-killing LED light

Best for Short Hair

Calista Hot Wavers Heated Rollers Style Set

4.2

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The small size of the Calista Hot Wavers ended up being the best option for achieving kink-free curls on shorter hair. Our testers gave this nostalgia-inducing set a 4.5 for curling ability and 4 stars for ease of use, hold, and smoothness.

We liked that the barrels have grippy teeth, making it super easy to wrap your hair around while ensuring a secure hold until you're ready to take them out. There are two temperature settings, and they heat up in about five minutes. Though the barrels are slightly hot to the touch, our testers said they don't burn your fingers.

Price at time of publish: $30

Material: Plastic | Amount: 12 | Diameter: 1, 1.5 inches | Features: Grippy teeth, two temperature settings

Best for Volume

Remington Ionic Conditioning Hair Setter

4.6

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If it's volume you're after, the Remington Hair Setter has your name on it. Our testers gave this affordable kit a 4.25 for ease of use, a 4.75 for curling ability, a 5 for hold, and a 4.5 for smoothness, noting that there were no kinks in sight.

These ceramic rollers come with color-coordinated metal pins that match the different barrel sizes and offer a super-secure hold. Once they pulled them out, our testers were thoroughly impressed with the long-lasting body and definition.

Price at time of publish: $21

Material: Ceramic | Amount: 20 | Diameter: 0.75, 1, 1.25 inches | Features: Metal J-clips, velvet flocking, cool-touch ends