Heatless curls are the easiest hair trick to come out of the last few years: wrap slightly damp hair around a soft ribbon before bed, sleep on it, and wake up with loose, bouncy waves that took zero heat and zero effort. Here is how to get them right on the first try.
What you need
- A heatless curling ribbon. Ours is a satin-covered foam rod with two scrunchies: the Heatless Hair Curler Ribbon (3-Pack).
- A spray bottle of water, or a light styling mousse.
- A satin bonnet or pillowcase (optional, but it keeps everything smooth). See the Satin Bonnet.
Step by step
- Start with damp hair, not wet. Hair should be about 80 percent dry. Soaking-wet hair will not dry overnight and the curls will fall.
- Part and place. Part your hair down the middle and lay the ribbon on top of your head like a headband, with the ends hanging on each side. Clip it at the crown if it slides.
- Wrap the first side. Take a two-inch section from the front, wrap it away from your face around the ribbon, and keep adding sections as you move back, wrapping each over the last.
- Secure. When you reach the ends, tie them off with the scrunchie. Repeat on the other side.
- Sleep. Six to eight hours is ideal. A satin bonnet keeps the wraps in place and prevents frizz.
- Release. In the morning, take the scrunchies off, unwind slowly, and separate the curls with your fingers. Do not brush. A drop of oil on the ends and you are done.
Tips for different hair types
- Fine hair: use a little mousse before wrapping so the curls hold all day.
- Thick hair: split into four sections and use two ribbons.
- Short hair: wrap tighter and use smaller sections; the curls will be springier.
Why it beats a curling iron
No heat means no damage, no split ends, and no waiting for anything to warm up. The result is softer and more natural than an iron curl, and it takes five minutes at night instead of twenty in the morning.
Want more low-effort hair tools? Browse our Hair & Styling collection, including the Silk Scrunchie Set and Heatless Curling Rod.