Make sure to begin with completely dry, clean hair, since any moisture or oil at the scalp will cause the rollers to sizzle and burn your hair. Apply a heat protectant spray to guard from any heat damage and make sure hair is detangled. “Starting at the crown and using your fingers, section hair in a rectangle about the width of the roller,” Rivera says. “On each section, place the roller underneath the section of hair and a few inches from the ends.” Avoid taking in too much hair at once, as it’ll make the curl fall flat.

For maximum volume, be mindful of the direction in which you apply the hot rollers. For extra lift, roll hair in the opposite direction it will fall. The length of the hair usually determines which size rollers you’ll use, as longer locks require a larger size, but in general the larger size roller you use the more volume you’ll achieve. A great tip for face-framing pieces is to roll the hair away and back to get the most natural look. Each roller set typically comes with crease-free pins or clips, so use them to fasten each section tightly and securely for the best results. 

“The biggest mistake is to remove the rollers too soon,” Rivera says. “You need to allow the rollers to get cold before you remove them. You can keep them in as long you want, as the longer you leave the rollers on, the longer the style will last.” After you’ve removed all of the hot rollers, use your fingers to gently break up the curls. “Using your fingers is the best way to style to prevent the hair from falling flat,” Rivera explains. “It’s preferable to spray strong hairspray for better results.” You’ll be left with major volume and body that will last for days.