How to curl your own hair without heat
There are increasingly popular methods for curling your hair without heat. On social media, you'll find many videos showcasing various techniques to create heatless curls, waves, or bends in your hair. We've looked into them for you and discuss a few of these methods in this blog.
Why curl without heat?
Curls are usually created using styling tools. But using heat tools like curling irons, straighteners, or blow dryers to style curls can cause significant damage to your hair. The high temperatures—sometimes as high as 250°C—evaporate moisture, break keratin bonds, and damage the protective cuticle layer.
A heat protection spray, cream, or emulsion does not completely protect your hair. Not every product works equally well, and unfortunately, it’s impossible to apply the product evenly everywhere. However, if you use heat tools, you should at least use a protective product, such as Argan Silk. While this won't fully protect your hair, it helps reduce damage. Occasional use isn’t a big problem, but if you use heat tools regularly, your hair is likely to become frizzy, dull, and dry. Additionally, hair dye will lose its colour vibrancy more quickly. All the more reason to try one of the popular heatless methods mentioned above if you want curls!
Curling your hair without heat tools
Probably for these reasons, new methods for curling your hair have been trending on platforms like TikTok for some time now. Often, these are actually old techniques reimagined and made popular again thanks to TikTok. As a child, your hair was probably braided at some point, or you might have done it yourself. When you took out the braids after a night or even a few days, you were left with soft waves or, with one or two braids, looser curls in your hair!
Most of these relatively new methods work in a similar way: you wrap your dry or almost dry hair around something in various ways, allowing it to dry overnight into curls or waves. Some methods are less comfortable to sleep with, especially if you prefer sleeping on your stomach or side. Keep this in mind when choosing which method to try.
For the best results with any method, part your hair beforehand where it naturally falls. This ensures your curls will look their best. Also, make sure the sections of hair you create are relatively even in thickness, as uneven sections can lead to curls that vary too much in size.
For all these methods, you can use an old pair of pantyhose as a cap to keep your hair in place overnight. Simply cut off the legs—you won’t need them. This will help keep everything neat while you sleep.
Rope method (using a bathrobe belt)
A trending TikTok method that’s surprisingly old!
1. Create a center part
Part your hair down the middle, all the way to the nape of your neck. Brush or comb your hair until smooth.
2. Position the belt
Place the belt from a bathrobe on top of your head and secure it with hair clips if needed. Let the ends hang down evenly.
3. Prepare hair sections
Take the belt's end on one side and place it over your shoulder. Begin with a front section of hair near your part.
4. Wrap hair around the belt
- Wrap the hair section towards your ear and around the belt. Pull it taut, then bring it back to the front.
- Add another section to the wrapped piece and repeat, working from the front to the back.
- Once the entire side is wrapped, continue twisting the remaining length tightly around the belt.
5. Secure in a bun
Twist the wrapped hair into a bun and secure it with a scrunchie. Repeat on the other side.
Alternative materials
Instead of a bathrobe belt, try a long satin scarf to reduce friction and frizz while adding shine. You can also purchase satin-covered foam rollers from online retailers.
Long socks method
You’ll need (sport) socks that are long enough for your hair. If you use football or hockey socks, they will definitely be long enough. Create a center part and comb your hair smooth. You can do this with dry hair or slightly damp hair.
1. Prepare the socks
Place the sock along one side of your hair, leaving extra fabric at the top and bottom to tie it off later.
2. Wrap hair around the sock
- Twist your hair tightly around the sock, starting a little further from the roots for a natural look.
- For tighter curls like Shirley Temple, wrap horizontally and closely. For looser waves, wrap at an angle with more space between wraps.
- If you want less tight curls, wrap your hair at a slight angle and leave a bit more space between the wraps around the sock.
3. Secure the sock
Tie the ends of the sock together at the top and repeat for all sections.
4. Leave overnight
For the best results, sleep with the socks in your hair.
For Smaller Curls: Divide each side into smaller sections, wrapping each around its sock. Adjust the number of sections based on your hair's thickness and desired curl size.
Alternatives
Rolled-up baby wipes (slightly damp) can also be used for tighter curls.
Headband/Bandana method
Want soft waves instead of tight curls? Use a stretchy headband, or improvise with a rolled-up T-shirt, scarf, or two socks.
1. Position the headband
Place the headband around the back of your head rather than across your forehead.
2. Prepare hair
Divide your hair into two sections at the nape. Comb each section smooth. Optionally, apply a styling mousse or texturizing spray for hold.
3. Wrap the hair
Twist each section into a spiral and wrap it over and under the headband, working towards the center at the back of your head. Secure the ends with a pin if needed.
4. Leave overnight
Sleep with the headband in place, and wake up to soft, natural waves.
Alternatives
Use a large sport hair tie or a pantyhose leg as a headband.
Alternate wrapping technique
1. Take a thin strand of hair from the front and wrap it once around the headband.
2. Then take a small additional strand and wrap it again around the headband.
3. Continue this process until you reach the center part.
4. Once you reach the end, secure it with a bobby pin.
With this method, you can create soft, natural waves in your hair – completely without heat!
Enjoy your curls for longer
Of course, you want to enjoy your curls for as long as possible! Here are a few tips to help ensure your curls last as long as they can.
1. Start with clean hair
Curls hold best in freshly washed, almost completely dry hair. This can help them last for three to four days.
2. Moisture levels
Some prefer completely dry hair, while others find lightly damp hair works best. Avoid wrapping wet hair, as it may not dry fully overnight, causing curls to fall flat.
Extra tip
Make sure your hair is well combed or brushed before you start wrapping it to achieve an even result. With these tips, you can enjoy your beautiful curls for even longer!
Prepping hair for heatless curls
If you want to slightly dampen your hair, using a spray bottle filled with water is very convenient. Want to add some hold right away? Mix lukewarm water with a few teaspoons of sea salt in the spray bottle. This will help your curls stay in place better! You can also apply a small amount of gel to the lengths of your hair or mix some gel with lukewarm water in a spray bottle to lightly moisten your hair beforehand.
Of course, instead of gel, you can also use other styling products like mousse, lotion, or spray. Want soft, fragrant curls? Spray lukewarm water mixed with a tiny amount of conditioner. Not only will your curls hold better, but they will also smell wonderful!
Looking for even more hold? Spray a bit of hairspray onto each strand of hair right before wrapping it
After the curls set
Carefully undo your hair after it has been in overnight, and spray some hairspray on the still-set curls. Then shake your hair loose or run your fingers through it. Be cautious when using a comb or brush to avoid turning your hair into a voluminous, frizzy mess.
If needed, scrunch in some gel, mousse, or another styling product, and finish with a light mist of hairspray over your curls. Want a bit more volume on top? You can spray a small amount of dry shampoo near your scalp for added lift.
Too much curl?
If your curls are too tight, loosen them with your fingers or gently comb through each strand. Work carefully to maintain a natural look.
Summary: curls without heat
Heat styling tools can damage your hair by evaporating moisture, breaking keratin bonds, and harming the cuticle. While heat protectors can reduce damage, they can’t eliminate it. For healthier, beautiful curls, try one of these heatless methods instead!
