If you’ve ever wanted hair that looks like it stepped straight out of a fashion magazine, you’re not alone. Many of us, inspired by icons like Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Aniston, often dream of achieving that lush blowout. If you find your own hair frustratingly flat, and styling with a traditional hairdryer and hot brush tricky, there’s a simpler way to get those glamorous locks without all the fuss.
I recently discovered Sam McKnight’s The Big Set, a revolutionary kit that combines velcro rollers with a nostalgic blow-dry hood. This product has gained popularity for its effectiveness in achieving stunning blowouts effortlessly.
Created by celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight MBE, this kit has styling credentials that include working with icons like Princess Diana and Naomi Campbell. It has become a sensation in the beauty world, hailed for offering salon-quality results at home. Creative director of John Frieda Salons, Zoë Irwin describes it as a technique that incorporates the effect of 18 round brushes, which helps maintain curls in place.
The Big Set comes with 18 velcro rollers in various sizes, a set of convenient pink clips, and a striking gold dryer hood, all inspired by the essentials Sam McKnight relies on during fashion shows.
How does it work?
As Zoë explains, the heat from the rollers sets the hair into stylish curls as it cools down, resulting in a voluminous look that lasts for days.
What is it like to use?
If you’re new to velcro rollers, the initial try may take a little practice to perfect the wrapping technique — but it’s ultimately simpler than battling with a dryer and brush. Start with small sections of hair, and you’ll quickly master the method.
I began by utilizing the smallest rollers for the lower sections of my hair, progressively moving up to the larger rollers at the crown for added height. My initial attempt took about 15 minutes, but with practice, I could easily cut that time down.
The rollers are the most work you’ll need to put in
Once the rollers are in place, adding a spritz of heat protectant and hairspray is a smart step. Then you simply place the oversized hood over your head, adjusting it comfortably with straps to keep it in place.
Attach your hairdryer to the hood’s trunk, set it on a warm, moderate speed to inflate the hood, and let it work its magic for 20 minutes.
The hood inflates, gently warming the rollers
This step doubles as quality “me time” — you can use the 20-minute wait to perfect your makeup or, like me, enjoy some guilt-free scrolling on your phone.
The results
When 20 minutes passed, I followed up with a short blast of cool air to help set my style, leaving the curlers in for an additional 10 minutes to cool completely.
Taking my time to gently unwind the curlers, I was pleasantly surprised to find bouncy curls, with a remarkable amount of volume. Definitely an improvement compared to my usual flat mane!
Barely any volume in Zara’s hair before
A stunning transformation with bouncy curls!
The transformation was impressive: what started as flat hair now radiated with volume and bounce, resembling a coveted Hollywood style. Best of all, at a price of £30, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to regular salon visits that you can use repeatedly.
Although my fine hair didn’t hold the curls as well overnight, the volume endured. The next day, my hair felt noticeably bouncier. This product is perfect for those special occasions when you want to ensure your hair looks fabulous for more extended periods.
There’s also a certain charm to using this retro tool. Not only does it make you feel like an extra in *Grease*, but it showcases the timeless nature of effective hair styling methods.
Conclusion
Achieving fabulous hair doesn’t have to be complex. With innovative tools like Sam McKnight’s The Big Set, you can create a stunning blowout from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to look your best daily, this kit simplifies the process while delivering professional results. Embrace the nostalgia of classic hair styling with modern efficiency and enjoy fabulous, voluminous hair.
