Microwave Rollers? From 99p Stores?

Ah, I hear you say, that's why she hasn't blogged much; she's blown her house sky-high by using microwave hair rollers bought at 99p Stores in West Ealing. Fortunately my house is intact, but my health wasn't so great for a while (I won't bore/ick you with why) hence yet more blogging neglect.

Anyyyway, back into the usual cheap stuff, vintage stuff, silly vain stuff that is the mainstay of this blog. Yes, I did by heated rollers from a poundshop. Basically, they are ceramic rollers covered in felt - just your usual clip-in type. They have no heating device though (hence the cheapness) and one must warm them up in the microwave. It may have been the residual cider in my system from the night before but I thought 'what the heck' and bought some.

So, here are the instructions:

Excuse the flash.

The first time I tried them, I must admit His Lordship and I waited, fearful of the impending nuclear style blast, just out of reach of the microwave. There was no blast; although cheap, they have survived several heatings so far I am pleased to report.

Mind you, they almost didn't make it to several uses. The first time I used them was an utter failure; I made a schoolgirl error. I followed the instructions. Everyone knows how garbled these 'as seen on TV' poundland bargain instructions can be, with their ridiculously exaggerated claims of success every time. But I did. I got nothing. If anything, my hair was straighter than usual because they somehow managed to eradicate the natural flick I have when it rains.

So - and mind you listen now and listen good, I am not recommending anyone else do this, hair could be lost, kitchens could be blown up, you hear me?? - I gave it another try, ignoring pretty much everything they told me on the packet.

Behold my mighty equipment!

Firstly, I added ten-to-twenty seconds onto the recommended heating times. Not much but it definitely improved the heat factor. I have asbestos fingers, but even if you don't, the pink edges stay cool. Second, ignored the 'damp or dry' and combed through a whole load of mousse (and have since used setting lotion). This step is needed.

Third, and crucially, I leave them in for at least thirty minutes. In order for the hair to 'hold' it needs to cool in shape- so the claim of '1 or 2 minutes' is nonsense, especially as if they were heated at 350w for ten seconds they'd barely be warm. But there you go. The clips are very secure and although I wouldn't sleep in them they are extremely comfy for up to an hour as they cool. During this time I usually waste time on Twitter and eat Maltesers get my nails and make up ready.

They give a soft, easily styled curl.

So, what is the finish like and how long do the curls last? Unfortunately due to my recent hermit-like state I have no photographic evidence on my new bob, but I did use them for my hair for the Chap Olympiad this year and they worked well. I got a soft, gentle wave which was easy to shape into a daytime style. When styled and sprayed, the shape lasts all day. On days when I have just used these for curls, it very much depends on the weather; to be honest these are ideal 'getting ready in the evening' rollers for a quick change of style: for between-washes curls I would still set my hair on sponge rollers or rag roll them overnight. But, considering I got three packets for £2.97, who can complain? Easy, portable and comfy. You can get them from EBay, too, (just search for 'microwave rollers') if you fear the shop o' pounds' version be cursed...

Would you risk your barnet on a poundshop whim..?