We have a love-hate relationship with heat styling tools: they can help us create gorgeous hairstyles, but at the same time, they can damage our hair and, in the long run, do more harm than good.
Luckily, heat tools aren’t the only option when it comes to styling your hair, especially if you’re looking to revive your curls and achieve more definition. The best part? You can get creative with heatless alternatives and use household items, like towels and socks, to create magazine-worthy curls.
So put down the heat tools, prep your hair, and keep reading to learn more about several easy methods for curling your hair without using heat.
1. Robe curls
This heatless hairstyle has become a super popular trend on TikTok, and it’s a style we absolutely love. The only tools you need are a bathrobe (as the name suggests) and a little patience.
Start by applying a curl cream to your hair, such as L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Cream Leave-In, which locks in moisture and repairs split ends. Place the bathrobe belt over your head so it hangs down the sides near your ears.
Then, part your hair down the middle and twist each side around the belt. Secure both sides with a hair tie and leave it in overnight. When you wake up and remove the hair tie in the morning, you’ll have gorgeous, loose curls.
2. Flexible rods
Women and men with natural hair swear by this method, and we can see why. Using flexible rods will help you achieve voluminous, flawless curls that can last for days if you wrap them well overnight.
They also come in various lengths and sizes, so we recommend experimenting with a few to find your perfect curl shape. For this hairstyle, apply a generous amount of styling product like L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Extreme Hold Invisi Gel, and separate sections of hair to wrap around each flexible rod. To ensure the curls hold, don’t remove the flexible rods until your hair is completely dry.
3. Hair rollers
Hair rollers have been used for decades to create stunning curls, and it’s a tried-and-true method we couldn’t leave off the list. Simply grab a set of rollers, the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, and bobby pins.
Take a section of hair and pin the rest back so it’s out of the way. Apply a small amount of mousse to your hair, comb it through, place the roller at the end of the section, and begin rolling it towards the roots. Secure the roller in place with a bobby pin and repeat until your hair is full of rollers. Let the rollers sit for a few hours before taking them out.
4. Sock bun curls
The sock bun method is another great option for creating heatless curls. Start by applying a curl cream all over your hair to give your curls hold and definition.
Section your hair and use a clip to hold it in place, then take a sock and position it near the roots of your hair. Wrap all your hair around the sock and twist it into a donut-shaped bun.
Now, you can remove the clip and open the sock to wrap it around the bun. Leave it in for a few hours or overnight and detangle it in the morning to reveal your new curly hairstyle.
5. Curls
While the classic pin-up style screams old Hollywood glamour, it can also be used to create beautiful, heatless curls. With damp hair, create sections about two centimeters wide.
Take the end of one of the sections, wrap the hair around two of your fingers, and curl it up to the roots. Secure that section with a bobby pin and repeat the process until you’ve covered your entire head.
Editor’s tip: Wrap your hair in a silk scarf to help bring your overnight curls to life without heat or frizz. Once dry, remove the scarf, take out all bobby pins, fluff your hair, and spritz it with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold to keep your curls in place.
6. Bantu knots
Bantu knots aren’t just a popular protective style; they can also be used to create heatless, frizz-free curls. To try this look, take one- or two-centimeter sections of hair and begin twisting them from root to tip.
Twist each section around itself to form a small bun and secure it with a hair tie. Repeat until you have a head full of Bantu knots, then cover your hair with a silk scarf to protect them while you sleep. In the morning, undo each knot and gently comb through your hair with your fingers to reveal perfect curls. Finish with hairspray, and you’re done!