Classic Hot Hair Roller Sets Saw Pop-Culture Moment
A viral video featuring Oprah Winfrey and Thando Dlomo has renewed interest in the vintage styling tool.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Home Cleaning
Live Poll
Do you still find value in using older, traditional household tools in your daily routine?
Oprah Winfrey shared a video on Instagram showing actress and producer Thando Dlomo encountering a white and teal hot hair roller set. The interaction highlighted the resurgence of these styling tools, which were once staples in households during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Why it matters
The re-emergence of these vintage tools invites homeowners to revisit long-forgotten vanity storage and beauty organization habits. It marks a shift as younger generations like Dlomo, a graduate of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, explore classic styling methods.
The styling tools featured were a white and teal hot hair roller set, a design common in the 1960s through 1980s. Oprah Winfrey, 72, demonstrated their use while Dlomo assisted with the process.
The players
Oprah Winfrey
A veteran media mogul and host whose lifestyle recommendations often influence consumer trends in home and beauty.
Thando Dlomo
An Emmy-winning producer and actress who graduated from the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
The details
The process involves heating individual plastic rollers to a high temperature before winding sections of hair around them to create curls. Users must manage the heat levels carefully to avoid damaging hair or burning the scalp during the setting process. Once the rollers have cooled completely, they are carefully unwound to reveal the styled hair.
Timeline
1960s-1980s: Hot roller sets served as common household styling tools.
October 11, 2026: Oprah Winfrey posted the video of the interaction on Instagram.
The Home Front
The renewed popularity of hot roller sets aligns with a cyclical trend of revisiting beauty appliances from the 1970s. This resurgence often leads to increased interest in vintage storage solutions and bathroom organization systems tailored for legacy beauty tools.
If you are digging out vintage styling tools from storage, check the cords and heating elements for any signs of wear or damage before use. Ensure you have a heat-resistant surface in your bathroom to safely manage the rollers while they heat up.
The takeaway
Trends in home styling often recycle older, proven technologies, making it a good time to check your own bathroom cabinets for quality legacy tools. Before using any older electric appliance, always inspect the plug and cord for fraying or exposed wires.
Further reading
Learn more about decluttering and organizing your vanity space in the Home Cleaning section.
Live Poll
Do you still find value in using older, traditional household tools in your daily routine?
