Some women put them in while their hair was still damp and allowed the hair to dry naturally. Others wore them for several hours or even overnight.
The process required patience, but the result could be a carefully styled head of hair without the need for modern heated appliances.
From Metal Rollers to Plastic Designs
Hair rollers have changed considerably over the decades.
Early versions included metal designs that were secured with pins or clips. Later, lighter materials and different shapes made rollers easier and more comfortable to use.
According to the original article, different generations saw changes in roller design, with lighter and more practical versions becoming increasingly common during the middle of the 20th century.
By the 1970s and 1980s, rollers were closely associated with popular hairstyles and the widespread use of perms and voluminous looks.
Eventually, electric styling tools became more popular and began replacing traditional rollers for many people.
Why Did Women Spend So Much Time Using Them?
Today, creating curls can take only a few minutes with the right styling tool.
For previous generations, hairstyling often required considerably more time.
Putting rollers into the hair meant carefully separating sections, wrapping each one, securing it, and then waiting for the hair to set.