If you think Velcro curlers are a hair accessory relegated to grandma's heirlooms and used only in old movies under a hairdresser's helmet, think again. With more than 40 million views on TikTok and fans like Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, and Kate Middleton, Velcro curlers—especially the maxi ones—are now a cult item. They are used for achieving those voluminous 90s hairstyles trending on social media or classic beach waves.
These simple, affordable rollers are often more effective than the latest high-tech tools. Top hairstylists, like Priscilla Valles (who works with Hailey Bieber and ) and Chris Appleton (who styles Jennifer Lopez), swear by them. Valles uses Velcro curlers for a "soft 90s glam" look, while Appleton creates the "JLo Barbie" style with them.
Velcro rollers are a democratic tool—anyone can use them to create voluminous, bouncy hairstyles at home. To achieve the best results, opt for large-diameter rollers rather than the smaller ones typically used for tight . It is essential, to learn how to use them: for newbies, they can be a bit intimidating.
To help, we consulted Dominic Keller, a renowned German hairstylist and owner of Blow Dry Bar in Berlin. At his , clients often achieve flawless hairstyles with the simple help of Velcro rollers. "Curlers never actually went out of fashion," the German stylist tells us.
“We hair stylists have always continued to use them, even backstage at fashion shows. They are practical and low-cos.