Hot Hair Rollers Rollers give your hair optimal volume. Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for TRESemmé

The curl sponge, aka the hair twist sponge, is a hair tool that has holes and grooves which are used to enhance the curls, coils, and twists throughout your mane. They’re typically available in a wide range of shapes, including oval, round, or rectangle and have holes of different sizes. It is also common to find twist sponges that are double-sided with grooves on one side and holes on the other. HOW DO SPONGE CURLS WORK?

HOW LONG SHOULD YOUR HAIR BE?

If you truly want to start out as a beginner, a mini size curl sponge might be the best option for you. If you do it in alternating directions, you might find that instead of curls, your hair is getting more tangled. While the rule of thumb is that your hair should be longer than an inch, there really isn’t a maximum length that could be given to you to follow. If you have short natural hair, then you likely know how much work goes into giving your curls definition. So much so, you may have tried everything from boosting your strands with moisture via the LOC method to trying heatless curl techniques to liven up your texture to no avail. And that’s why the hair sponge should be on your radar. Known to provide short hair lengths with defined curls, a curl sponge makes the process oh so easy. Not familiar with the wonders of sponge curls? No need to fret! Keep reading as we give you the lowdown on the curly hair sponge and how you can use this trendy beauty tool in your styling routine. WHAT IS A CURL HAIR SPONGE?

Because curl sponges come with both a smooth and ridged side and both sides have holes, it can be confusing as to which one to use. Actually, each side provides a slightly different style that gives your curls a different overall effect. Because of the smaller sponge, there are less holes which means you’re working on a smaller area at a time. As long as they aren’t heated rollers it’s perfectly safe for you to sleep with them in your hair. Some advice, however, you may want to opt for something gentle like silk or rubber that you can secure with hair ties or hair grips. Velcro sleep in rollers are fantastic at cutting out the need for any heat, but they can sometimes snag your strands and do damage. It’s also a good idea to invest in a silk pillowcase to ensure smooth results. Best hair rollers to sleep in UK There is no way for your curls to flourish with a tangled mane. Use a wide-tooth comb and gently comb through your hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Repeat until your mane is free of tangles and knots. STEP #4: GRAB A CURL SPONGE

STEP #4: GRAB A CURL SPONGE

If your hair isn’t wet enough before using, it can snag and potentially cause breakage on your curls. Following the proper care routine before using a curl sponge, however, will ensure that this won’t happen. Another con to using curl sponges is that you might find that they won’t work well on your hair if it’s longer. They also come with different-sized holes, which are good if you want to work on just a small area of the hair or your entire head. Essentially, small holes are for tight coils while bigger holes are meant for bigger curls. If you’re totally new to curl sponges, the pros recommend starting with a mini-sized one to gain better control before mastering the technique. But with such a wide variety of options, it's hard to know where to start and which hair curlers to use to get the texture you desire. Don't worry — we got you. We hit up a few hairstylists to find out just how to navigate the wonderful world of curlers, so you don't get lost in the sauce when you're at the beauty supply shop, IRL, or online. Using hair rollers for curls has been a styling method for centuries. While the first heated hair curlers were invented in 1930, there are so many different types of hair rollers these days, you’re sure to find one that fits your time restraints, hair texture, and desired final curl look.

This is different from a hot roller set only in the first step: Instead of having a container that heats the mini barrels, you heat one at a time for just a few seconds over the steamer. Then you roll and set in the same way. When your curls are cool, just let them loose! 5. Flexi-Rod Sponge Hair Rollers Use flexi rods on natural hair to achieve heatless curly styles. A hair sponge brush is a hand-held tool that contains holes or ridges and is used for curling natural hair. For those with short hair, options with smaller holes are best, as they will give you very tight, small coils and/or curls. A larger option will produce larger curls and coils if you have long hair. Once your hair is washed, it’s time to incorporate a leave-in conditioner into your routine. Leave-in conditioners are a staple for natural hair care since they help to provide additional moisture and work to make the detangling process much easier. Grab the L’Oréal Paris EverStrong Break Proof Lotion, which moisturizes, adds slip, and strengthens hair without leaving behind a weighed down feel. Start by parting your hair into sections, re-wet if dry, and apply the product evenly through your hair. STEP #3: DETANGLE YOUR HAIR

Magnetic hair rollers are a great option for those of us who are less coordinated and experienced in the hair roller department. These rollers promise exactly what their title provides: an easy magnetic snap closure that does a lot of the coordinating for you. One caveat: You only get the magnetic effect when your hair is wet. Wet hair is what snaps onto the rollers. 8. Brush Hair Rollers Try creating curls with brush rollers!

Now, it’s time to put your hair twist sponge to work! Starting on slightly damp hair, rub the sponge over your head in circular motions until you reach your desired curly look. Be sure to make your circular motions in the same direction throughout your mane to be left with defined curls that are shaped in one direction. On short hair, this process should only take about five to 10 minutes. If you’ve been wondering which hair roller is right for you, we’ve got the lowdown on our favorite hair rollers and how they work. Learn more about the different types of hair rollers: We’re all about “reclaiming my time,” and that also stands true for when it comes to doing our hair as well!id": "https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/hair-style/hairstyle-trends/hair-curl-sponge-tutorial", Since the curl sponge features many holes, the goal is to curl your natural hair within each hole to achieve a defined texture. By now, you likely know that the best way to achieve a curly mane is to start on damp hair. Once your hair is damp, you’ll need to rub the side of the sponge that's textured and has holes over the top of your mane, moving it in circular motions. As a result, this beauty tool helps you score defined curls in less time, which goes a long way in cutting down your styling routine. Now that’s what we call smart hairstyling! HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A HAIR SPONGE? If your hair is naturally straight, temporarily straight (with a keratin treatment) or permanently straight (with a relaxer), curl sponges will not work on your hair.