I Tried These Old School BaByliss Pro Hot Rollers, and Hello Volume

We put the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 20 Roller Hairsetter to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

I’m not the kind of person that uses hot rollers. When I think of them I think of my mom’s hair in the ‘90s. Don’t get me wrong I love a big voluminous blowout or soft loose curls, which I typically achieve by using a curling iron. Needless to say when I tried the BaByliss Pro Hot Rollers, I was going in blind. To assist I asked celeb hairstylist Jessica Elbaum for her pointers. “I love the volume you get with them. They are really nice for fine hair to create bouncy curls that last all day,” assured the pro. Perfect, since my hair is fine and not nearly full enough in my opinion. To see how the old school hot tools worked for me, keep reading.

About My Hair: Fine but full

I’m told that I have thin but full hair. However, I’m always looking for an assist in the volume department. I’m also looking to tame frizz and add shine and smoothness. I like the idea of hot rollers because they’re about giving a soft, relaxed curl. “Hot rollers are a classic easy way to achieve a lot of body and curl without the heat damage,” explained Jessica.

How to Use: Prep and set with hairspray

As someone who’s new to the hot roller game, I’ll be honest: they definitely take a little practice. But once you get it, they’re so easy and quick. I asked Jessica about products. She suggested starting with a fresh blowout and using the rollers on dry hair. “Spray each section with flexible hairspray and roll each section with hot rollers,” she recommended. “After they cool, remove them, brush it out, and finish with the hairspray.” Fair warning: You do have to use hairspray before and after to make sure the style lasts.

The Results: Big volume

Let me tell you right now, I don’t think my hair has ever been so full. The very first time I used these, I went for a classic look by positioning large-sized rollers horizontally, starting from the crown of my head, all the way down to the base of my neck. I left them in for 15 minutes, rolled them out, flipped my hair over, and let it fall. The second time, I tried a center part and used the smallest rollers vertically curled away from my face to see if I could mimic what I do with my curling iron. Same look, just not as tight. Just like with a curling iron, different sizes, along with the direction in which you roll them, will result in different styles of waves.

The Value: Worth their buck

The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 20 Roller Hairsetter is one of your more high-end hot roller sets, and you can certainly find other options for less...but that might also come with less quality. They heat up super fast thanks to the titanium, but the velvet wrapping protects your hair against massive damage. You can’t say the same for a lot of other options out there. You also get 20 rollers total, which is a lot, and the kit comes with metal and butterfly clips—so choose your favorite. If you’ll use them, these are worth investing in. 

Similar Products: Two different contenders

T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers LUXE for Volume, Body, and Shine ($139): These rollers by T3 are on the more expensive side but have glowing reviews. Powered by innovative T3 HeatCore Technology, you’re able to kill three birds with one stone. You’ll get volume, body, and shine all rolled into one. 

Conair Xtreme Big Curls Hairsetter ($34.99): If you’re searching for a lower price point, these rollers are the winner. 12 rollers are more than enough, even for the thickest manes. The ceramic rollers are also flanked in velvet and feature gentle heat to help maintain hair health.