Have you ever watched a period drama and noticed some women twisting their hair with ribbons before retiring for the night? You were witnessing a portrayal of styling with heatless curlers. These helpful products all have one thing in common: They allow wearers to protect their tresses from the high temperatures of heat styling, instead applying tension and elongating strands.
Although heatless curlers are certainly having a renaissance across several social media platforms, it's also worth noting that they've existed across many cultures and forms throughout history for stunning results. Below, a celebrity hairstylist and I are spilling everything about the fuss-free hairstyling tool, from the best ways to prepare your strands to the heatless curling rods, scrunchies, and ribbons you should consider adding to your basket during your next online or in-person shopping spree.
What Are the Benefits of Using Heatless Curlers?
Heatless curlers are a quick and effortless way to style your hair without sacrificing its health or your comfort. "Heatless curlers can work on any hair texture and can be great for creating movement or elongating existing curl," says Moroccanoil Artistic Director Cassie Siskovic. "What's really important to this working the way you expect is to customize your prep products, section size, and wrapping tension based on your hair type and goals." For the best results while using heatless curlers, Siskovic recommends using moisture-boosting products (her pick is the Moroccainoil Treatment) to promote absorption of styling products and increase the shine and softness of your strands.
How Should Heatless Curlers Be Used?
First, start out with hair that has been freshly shampooed, conditioned, and towel-dried, and then apply a foundational prep product, and layer in your desired air-dry product based on your hair type, texture, and goals. (We've provided some below to help you get started.) "For maximum curls, take small sections. For more volume than movement, take larger sections," Siskovic explains. "Be sure to thoroughly brush through each section of hair after product is applied to distribute the air-dry product and smooth the section as much as possible." Then, with medium to high tension, wrap your hair in the heatless curl tool and set into place. When it comes to heatless curlers, preparation is key!
Heatless curlers work best on wet hair, so once you begin putting them in, you'll want to make sure your strands are still thoroughly wet. "When the hair goes from wet to dry in a shape, it has the best style memory. Starting with wet hair will give you the most curl and a longer-lasting curl. On most hair types, using heatless curls on dry hair will not work," she continues. Some heatless curlers are designed to be worn in the hair overnight—an experience Siskovic tells her clients is comparable to sleeping in extensions for the first time. "At first, it can be weird to get used to. Over time, you get used to it," says Siskovic.
How Can I Extend the Wear Time of My Curls?
As with any hair tool, know that there may be a bit of a learning curve to getting your desired curly style no matter what heatless hair curler you decide to use. Whether you're a pro or a novice, there are ways to make them last. The best way to extend the life of your curls after they've been in heatless hair curlers is by using a hair spray to help lock in the style. (Siskovic's product of choice is Moroccanoil's Luminous Hairspray Medium.) According to Siskovic, another way to ensure their longevity is by re-wrapping the hair in heatless curlers at the end of the day "to help your curls last beautifully until your next wash."
The Best Heatless Hair Curlers, Listed
- Lilysilk Heatless Silk Curling Headband and Scrunchie Set
- Mane Label Hair Co. The Original Sway Heatless Curling Velour Ribbon
- Mane Label Hair Co. The Sway Heatless Curl Set
- Kitsch The Satin Wrapped Flexi Rods
- Kitsch The Satin Heatless Curling Set
- Silke London Silk Heatless Curler
- Conair Loose Waves Satin Heatless Curls Set
- RobeCurls Heatless Curling Headband
- Sleepy Tie The Sleepy Tie Medium
- Mermade Hair Heatless Curls Kit
- Luckybear Heatless Overnight Jumbo Flexi Rods
- Heatless Hair Build Your Own Curling Ribbon Kit
1. Lilysilk Heatless Silk Curling Headband And Scrunchie Set in Black
This heatless curling headband-and-scrunchie set is made from mulberry silk, which can reduce frizz and friction while promoting shiny, healthy hair. It's also extremely comfortable to sleep in since the fabric is breathable, moisture-retaining, and hypoallergenic.
Customer Review: "I've always wanted to try heatless curls and give my hair a break from hot tools so this was a great alternative. Not uncomfortable at all and my curls come out beautiful and long lasting."
Product Details: One silk-covered curler (2.3 x 111 cm) and two matching silk scrunchies
2. Mane Label Hair Co. The Original Sway Heatless Curling Velour Ribbon
The Sway Heatless Curling Velour Ribbon is designed to produce shiny, large, and bouncing curls overnight using 63 inches of soft plush cotton velour. In addition to being comfortable enough to wear at night for flawless curls in the morning, it can also work as a stylish hair accessory.
Customer Review: "Comfortable enough to sleep in, and it didn't fall out! If you wrap your hair tight, it will work. I suggest making sure the back is wrapped as high on the hairline as possible as well. Product like a hair spray or texturizer will help a lot. Box includes hair clip and two soft hair ties. Lovely color and very soft band."
Product Details: One Sway velour ribbon (63 inches), a hair clip, two small elastics
3. Mane Label Hair Co. The Sway Heatless Curl Set
Surprise! Mane Label Hair Co. also offers The Sway heatless curling ribbon in a set with two matching scrunchies and six matching hair ties for easy beachy waves and bouncy curls for $49 instead of $57. Now, you have multiple ways to get the style of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Customer Review: "I have used it almost every night since receiving it! Shared it on social media and have had several comment they ordered! Very easy and just what I was looking for! Thank you [Mane Label Hair Co]!
Product Details: One Sway velour ribbon (63 inches), a hair clip, two scrunchies, six hair ties
4. Kitsch The Satin Wrapped Flexi Rods
If you're not too keen on the loose waves that can be created with a curling headband or ribbon, consider using these satin-wrapped Flexi Rods by Kitsch. This set features six rods designed to bend and secure in place, crafted from 100% satin to prevent breakage, friction, and tugging.
Customer Review: "These took a couple tries to figure out but then oh my gosh! They gave me gorgeous curls that lasted all day and I appreciated being able to make the curls a little different (different amounts of hair, curled forward vs. backward), like when using a hot curler."
Product Details: Six satin-wrapped Flexi Rods
5. Kitsch The Satin Heatless Curling Set
Kitsch's Satin Heatless Curling Set delivers perfect waves and curls that are free of heat damage, frizz, and breakage. Simply position the satin-covered foam curling rod on the top of the head and twist sectioned-off strands in your desired direction before heading to bed. In the morning, slip out the curling rod to reveal a gorgeous style! This set even comes with two scrunchies to keep the curling rod secure.
Customer Review: "I was really skeptical about this working but at the low price point I thought I’d give it a go. I used it last night on my shoulder length hair and I’m blown away! I am a light sleeper so thought I wouldn’t be able to sleep with it but it’s so soft I hardly noticed. The next morning my hair had lovely bouncy curls. I really recommend!"
Product Details: One satin-covered foam curling rod, two scrunchies
6. Silke London Silk Heatless Curler
Silke London's Silk Heatless Curler is designed using 100% pure 22 momme grade silk to create healthy and bouncy curls without sacrificing the health of your hair. The set comes with an additional reusable cosmetic bag and a custom acetate claw clip designed to fit comfortably on the head. This one can be worn until your hair dries or overnight.
Customer Review: "This is an elegant gift set by Silke London for curling hair! The curlers are made out of a soft silk fabric and are so soft to the touch. Love that it comes with a durable hair clip to secure the curler rod as you wrap. The two hair scrunchies can be used even as hair accessories when you aren’t curling. Highly recommend!"
Product Details: One silk-covered foam curling rod, two silk scrunchies, one acetate claw clip, reusable cosmetic bag
7. Conair Loose Waves Satin Heatless Curls Set
Conair is well known for its heat-styling tools, but did you know it also offers ones that achieve perfect waves and curls without using heat? Its Loose Waves Satin Heatless Curls Set features everything you need to achieve beachy waves that would make a mermaid jealous with a satin-covered curling rod, plush elastics, and styling clips for all-night hold.
Customer Review: "The Conair five piece curl kit Works easy and fast. After shampooing and conditioning I let it air dry for about 15 minutes before placing in hair overnight [and] wake up in the morning with beautiful curls. I highly recommend."
Product Details: One satin-covered foam curling rod, two plush elastics, two stying clips
8. RobeCurls Heatless Curling Headband
Looking for a way to achieve bouncy curls on a budget? RobeCurls' Heatless Curling Headband offers a quick and easy way to get the look you desire. It's made from premium satin charmeuse and features patent-pending technology that locks in moisture and helps heal damaged hair for healthier, shinier, and long-lasting curls.
Customer Review: "Heatless curls that last a long time. I work early in the morning so it's very time convenient to wake up and hair just needs a quick comb to loosen the curls and bam. I've tried other brands, but this has been the only one that has actually worked."
Product Details: One satin charmeuse curling headband, two scrunchies
9. Sleepy Tie The Sleepy Tie Medium
Crafted from luxurious satin, Sleepy Tie's patented double scrunchie will help you create slight waves and add volume while you sleep. Described by the brand as "acting like a curling iron," the Sleepy Tie can also protect your hair during daytime activities. Keep in mind that this tool comes in different sizes (pick the best one for you depending on your length and thickness) and should only be used on dry hair for the best results!
Customer Review: "I tell EVERYONE about my Sleepy Tie. It saves me so much time during the week, since I can make my blowout last at least four days, usually more. I can wear it on the plane and show up to my destination with perfect hair. Sometimes I even use sleepy tie overnight after just air drying my hair and by the morning my hair looks presentable. Sleepy Tie is absolutely one of my favorite inventions."
Product Details: One satin-covered double scrunchie
10. Mermade Hair Heatless Curls Kit
Mermade Hair's Heatless Curls Kit was been touted by my co-worker Kaitlyn McLintock for the past year for its comfortable feel and fast overnight results. The silk-covered hair curler is filled with cotton, making it incredibly light and soft for overnight use. You'll also notice your hair will feel silky to the touch, shiny, and frizz-free.
Customer Review: "Love the idea ! It took me a while to get the hang of it but then i watched a tutorial on their Instagram page and got a better idea of how it was meant placed. Waking up with fresh curls without the guilt of applying too much heat is the best feeling!"
Product Details: One silk-covered heatless curls wrap, two scrunchies, jaw clip
11. Luckybear Heatless Overnight Jumbo Flexi Rods
These jumbo heatless overnight curling rods are the perfect way to pull off a bouncy blowout look without damaging your strands. Each Flexi Rod is wrapped in soft, comfortable velvet satin and has a flexible design that eliminates the need for pins or clips. It also won't pull or snag the hair while you're sleeping and is gentle and soft on all hair types.
Customer Review: "Love this! So easy to use and makes getting ready in the mornings a breeze with my hair already done. I like to wrap a silk scarf over it or put on a bonnet to keep it secure at night. Can’t believe it took me so long to join the hype!"
Product Details: Three velvet satin–covered curling rods
12. Heatless Hair Build Your Own Curling Ribbon Kit
Who What Wear's beauty director, Erin Jahns, can't say enough good things about this curling ribbon. If you've been in the market for a hair curler set with an aesthetic that echoes your own, snag one of Heatless Curls' Build Your Own Curling Ribbon Kits in its core or limited-edition colors. Each set features a comfortable satin charmeuse curling ribbon, scrunchies, and a claw clip to keep your curls secure.
Customer Review: "I have naturally curly and frizzy hair. I am so amazed that this actually works for my hair. I WAS SHOOK! It really does work! So awesome and comfortable too."
Product Details: One satin charmeuse curling ribbon (34 to 36 inches), two scrunchies (two inches), claw clip
More Products We Love for Heatless Curls
Customer Review: "This is the only hairspray I will ever use! It’s super long lasting but does not make your hair crunchy at all. My curls will last days after putting this hairspray in and only require a few minor touch ups."
Customer Review: "Love this mousse! It's great for those of us who don't have a ton of hair. Adds body without weight. My hair would be limp without it! It's a must have for me!"
Customer Review: "This treatment allows my hair to be perfectly wavy and stay intact for long periods of time. It gets absorbed quickly, has my hair smelling deliciously lovely like a light summer citrus and helps keep my curls stay curled!!"
Customer Review: "So glad I got to try this product. I love the smell if it, it's very refreshing and light. It has a smooth texture that is absorbed very well by my hair and doesn't leave a grimy feeling. Cute simple packaging and the pump works good to."
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