Crossword Genius

Will it make the poor swimmer’s hair curl? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

roller

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'will' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'it make the poor swimmer's hair curl?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is located in the answer.
'curl?' could be 'roll' ('roll' can be a synonym of 'curl') and 'roll' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'r' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for roller that I've seen before include "Big wave or hair setter" , "Bright bird; cylinder" , "One may be employed to paint" , "Large sea wave and hair-curler" , "Wave; castor; cylinder" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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