Do Heatless Hair Curlers Really Work? I Got an Official Answer
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The greatest Tiktok hair trend I’ve seen recently? Heatless hair curlers. Listen, I was suspect at first (like how could you possibly make your hair hold a curl without using an actual curling iron or wand?!), but after reading all the reviews on social media and seeing how well these curlers worked for the people on my feed, I knew I needed to give them a try. Fast forward a few months of me experimenting with different heatless curlers—from rollers to flexi rods and headbands—and I am fully hooked on the styling method. Personally, I like using heatless curlers on my damp hair before bed to create beachy waves without causing damage (remember, exposing your hair to high temps can lead to split ends and breakage), but there a bunch of different techniques you can do to create various types of wavy and curly styles. Ahead, the best heatless curlers on the market, plus the dos and don'ts of using heatless curlers at home according to expert hairstylists Alex Brown and Andrea Hans.
Do no heat hair curlers work?
Yes! As the name implies, heatless hair rollers and curlers are specifically designed to work their magic *without* exposing your hair to heat. They’re a great option for anyone looking to avoid the potentially damaging effect of hot tools, like flat irons or three barrel wavers. These hair rollers and heatless hair ribbons are a popular choice for setting spiraled styles and adding voluminous movement to your hair.
That said, heatless curlers do however work differently on every hair type, says Alex Brown, a Chicago-based celebrity hairstylist and owner of Space by Alex Brown whose clients Rebecca Black, Kendall Jenner, and Chrissy Teigen. Her advice? Think about your hair texture and the look you want to achieve. For example, naturally curly or textured hair won’t achieve smooth waves with a satin wand, but it may help minimize frizz and flyaways. Fine, flat hair may not get mermaid waves from rollers, but they can def help give hair some lift and body.
If you have thicker hair, Brown suggests either rough drying it or waiting until it’s nearly dry before using a heatless hair curler because your hair may not fully dry when wrapped up. For fine or very straight hair, prepping with a texturizing wave spray is a must for getting your curl to hold.
How do you curl your hair without heat?
According to Andrea Hans, master stylist and owner of Broome Street Society in NYC, a popular way to curl hair without heat is to “set it into rollers, socks, rags, braids, flexi rods, and other such texture enhancing options”. You can wrap your hair in or around all of these styling tools while it is slightly damp and then remove the tools when your hair has completely dried (many do this overnight). Her master tip if your hair has already dried? Use a spray bottle to mist moisture on already wrapped hair—this will allow your hair to reset and take new form.
For larger, bouncier curls, Hans suggests using larger sections and larger rollers but allow for more time for damp hair to dry. After removing the curlers, sock, or rods, brush them out to combine and add volume.
If you want to go for smaller, defined curly pieces, use smaller sections on the size of the roller you’d like to see in your curls. “Just be careful not to use sections that are too small and put unnecessary pressure or weight onto each hair strand,” warns Hans.
How long do you keep heatless curlers in?
The amount of time you spend leaving your hair in a heatless hair curler depends on the method you utilize. According to Brown, velcro hair rollers should be left in hair for around 20 minutes. Satin wands can be left in until hair is fully dry, or you can even sleep with the wand in your hair. This stylist’s bonus tip? Use a turban or headscarf or headwrap to help keep the wand in place as you sleep, especially if your hair doesn’t hold a curl as easily or is on the thicker side.
Do you use heatless curlers on wet or dry hair?
Super-drenched, wet hair is very difficult to set into shape and takes much longer to dry inside of rollers than you’d think, explains Hans, adding that “damp or dry hair is the preferred option for using heatless curlers.” If you’re looking to style your hair for the next day, some people will set their dry strands in hair rollers overnight and get great results simply from utilizing the heat from their heads to warm up their hair, says Hans.
Are heatless curls better for your hair?
Generally, heatless curling methods are safe to use on hair, but “like everything, moderation is key,” says Hans. She suggests trying not to wrap or stretch wet hair too tightly and to “modify the product and placement you’re using until you find a way to maximize longevity with your curls”. Overuse of any styling tools—even those that don’t require heat—can be potentially damaging.
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