Wearing Rollers in Public

[TracyT]

Hi all, As someone who has enjoyed having my hair set in rollers, and setting my hair, since high school, I have always enjoyed being in rollers in public--something that 98% of US women would never do, to say nothing of men. I don't do it much anymore (other than in the salon), just because I have a family and I don't really have the time or space to do so. On Friday I had both so I went out to run some errands in my rollers.
It was a very hot day here in northern California. I had set my hair on small rollers (my hair is in a chin-length bob and I usually use big and medium rollers, but they will not fit under a bandana :o ). I had on blue capri tights from J.Jill with Dr. Scholl's sandals (white strap, natch), an aqua woman's v-neck t-shirt with a sports bra underneath (showing), a purple bandana over my rollers, my toenails painted coral pink and my usual daily makeup.
It's funny: I dress like that every day and don't even think of it as "cross-dressing" per se. But with my hair in rollers it felt very, very feminine and out there.
I went to Whole Foods, Target, and Beauty Brands to shop for nail polish (I actually didn't need nail polish; I just like going into Beauty Brands en femme.) At Whole Foods I sat in the cafe for a while and did some work online. I chatted with 2 of the cashiers there for a few minutes and they did not bat an eye at my rollers. (Which, I should add, were obvious regardless of being covered.) I definitely got some 2nd looks, mainly from the working-class men lunching at WF, but no obvious stares and a couple of nice smiles from women in the cafe. I did get one comment, from one of the girls at Beauty Brands, who said, "Your rollers are so cute!"
I said "Thanks, it's embarrassing to be out in them."
"I think it's great. Good for you!"
And that was it. I left the rollers in till my wife got home in the evening and took them out, and I had a super-curly Marilyn Monroe bob, which lasted through the weekend. I don't plan on making it a regular thing but I definitely enjoyed being out with my hair in rollers for an afternoon.
Have a great weekend!

[Tracii G]

I have had mine in and had to go to the 7-11 one time and the girls at the store asked if I had a hot date lined up?

[sometimes_miss]

Whatever floats your boat. My mom and sister wouldn't dare go out of the house in curlers, so I kind of feel like it's something not to be done, unless of course your house is on fire.

[lingerieLiz]

Back a half century ago girls went out in beer can rollers. Today with heated rollers there is no need.

[Beauty Parlor Bev]

I too have this wonderful infatuation, some say fetish, with rollers. They are the ultimate expression of femininity for me and I truly cherish my time in the chair and under the dryer. In fact, I enjoy my dryer time so much, I bought a vintage salon dryer chair and have it in my home salon and use it for deep conditioning, color treatments, and roller sets. Some of my friends have even gotten to experience the bliss of a session under the hood! While most will never understand the joy of a roller set, those of us who do can continue to experience the pleasure. I also love the atmosphere of a traditional roller set and rinse type of Beauty Shop, too bad they are a vanishing breed! The modern chain type of salon is an abomination to me!

I have been out in rollers a few times, but not often enough apparently. A couple of times I had sets at the Beauty Shop in the early morning and was sent home still in my rollers to be taken out later for an evening event. My Beautician always netted and scarved me with instructions to return her rollers on my next appointment, and I was always happy to have a reason to return. A few times I have had to run errands while in rollers and it is always a thrill. You have inspired me to do it again soon!

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