As much as I love and have perfected running a curling iron through my hair to produce a quick-styled head of curls, I can’t help but cower in fear at the smell of burning hair or coming to the realization that I’ve run out of my favorite heat protectant. My hair is very long and thick so keeping it healthy is a top priority. Enter heatless curling methods. I’ve tried heatless curling methods before, mostly in high school or middle school with plastic straws (yikes) or scarves and robe belts. Although the results were not great or lasting, a quick Google search today will reveal many more options and ideas.
I was fascinated by the mesh curlers I saw on TikTok and decided to give the old methods a try. These videos suggested that you use these methods on damp hair. But I found that my hair lasted much longer if it was dirtier than the rest.
Below is my journey through trial and error, frustration, tears, triumph, and frustration. Follow me to find out which curl methods worked for me and what I recommend.
Type of Curl Crimped Waves
Ranking: 1/5
I used these on half my head before realizing that I had the rest of my hair and no curlers. Oops! These mesh curlers are definitely not for you.Not thick-hair-friendly. To thread through the mesh, I had to use very small strands. You can thread your hair through curlers using the included hook. Then pull through the mesh to ensure they are neatly in place. Although it took some experimenting, it was very easy to get the hang of it after a few tries. I ended up braiding the rest of my hair that was not in the curlers. I also had to double up because the curlers were too short for my long strands (that’s on me though).
These weren’t very comfortable to sleep in, but compared to the other curlers I used, they were only slightly better. These results were disappointing as I was excited to use them. Some hairs looked more crimped than other, but I did put them all on the exact same. If you want to achieve this look, I’d suggest just braiding your hair and sleeping in it overnight instead of using this method (a single dutch braid and some hairspray is my personal favorite). If your hair is thinner or shorter than usual, this method might be more successful and easier to experiment with.
Type of Curl Tight and Bouncy Curls
Ranking: 2/5
These were the first things that made me cry when I tried to figure them out. These were so exciting to try, but it took me several days and many hours to figure them out. But they did come in a cute clear carrying case adorned with tropical flowers, and I’m a sucker for cute packaging.
I first hooked a piece at the top my head to the hook provided with the curlers. Yes, you need a hook! To thread your hair through hollow curlers, you would need a hook. It was difficult to understand for me. I quickly realized that the more hair in a strand the less it will work, as all your hair will be tangled and stuck halfway through the tube. This was a problem because I have had to deal with it. lotHair. If I had to use very short strands of my hair, I knew I would need to use a lot more curlers. But nevertheless, I dove right in.
Another problem I had was the feeling that my hair felt like it was being cut. Finally, after a night’s rest and multiple videos sent to my best friends filled with tears and deep-breathing exercises, I dove back in. To make it easier, I washed my hair and applied some leave-in conditioning. Instead of just tying my hair up in a random fashion, I twisted my roots and snipped the end of the hook at the top of the head. Then, I threaded the strand horizontally rather than vertically. It worked! After getting the hang of it, it took me 30 minutes to do the first half of my head. It took me 10 minutes to do the second. I had about 30 curlers in my head.
After going through all that, I was at the point where I’d rather just reach for a 0.5-inch curling iron. I don’t know what was worse: sleeping in these curlers or trying to figure them out. If I had to pick, I think I’d say sleeping. It was impossible to get comfortable—there was practically no use for a pillow. I started ripping them out the moment I woke, as soon as I got up. I couldn’t do it fast enough. I loved the end result, even though I hated it. My mom has a head full if curls and these were exactly like her tresses that I have always admired. I separated them and combed them through a bit. They were full and bouncy. I wish I had curled my bangs, as they looked strange compared to my curly hair. I’m not sure I would do these curls again, but after the reception of everyone around me, maybe I’d reach for the difficult spiral curlers again. Although the curls were beautiful, I didn’t really want them for a particular day or look.
Type of Curl: Loose waves
Ranking: 3/5
This method was not easy to master. It looked so simple and easy in all the videos I watched, with results that were similar to loose waves. I simply clipped the sock to the top of my head and started. I French-twist the hair around a pair of socks on each side of the head. I placed the toe side at top and the opening at bottom. Many videos suggested that I use a fuzzy socks, but I found it difficult to manage my slipperiness. I also felt that my sock was too small. After twisting your hair in each sock on each side, you’re supposed to grab the end of the sock and pull it over your sock braids to secure them. This didn’t work out so well for me, so I just went to bed and hoped for the best, not feeling too confident about what the results were going to look like. It was not surprising that my socks were almost out of place the next morning. I took them off and found my hair had a mixture of curls, straight pieces, and frizzy, damaged strands. It looked mostly like my hair was in a bun, with half of it producing cute waves, and the other half sitting strangely under where it was secured and getting all frayed.
It didn’t look bad and I still went out for brunch with a friend, but with the wind and 20-degree weather, the curls/waves didn’t really last. I don’t think I’d try this method again unless I’m figuring out a new way to refine and perfect it.
Type of Curl: Wand-like waves
Ranking: 4.5/5
I’d tried this method before a while back, but I somehow ended up with two giant Princess Leia-My head was covered in sexy buns that made it hard to sleep. After watching a few more tutorials, I returned in to retry this method. You use the belt of your robe to create perfect waves. The robe belt worked in the same way as the satin-tube method that I tried.
This one is a bit tricky. You need to use a claw clip for the belt to attach to your head. After attaching your clip to your head, French-twist your hair around the robe on each side. I was able tighten my hair around the belt a bit tighter than the satin tubes and secure it in the two space buns at the nape. When I woke up the next morning, the “buns” were still perfectly intact, and no hair was hanging out as they did with the silk tube. I quickly realized that these curls were not the same as the tube curls. They were tighter and had more volume. It gave my hair a lot of volume, which was something I was very happy with. After a quick spray of dry shampoo, I was ready to go for the day.
These curls lasted well into the night. You know when you’re about to shower and your hair looks the best it’s ever looked? That’s what happened with these. I didn’t even want to wash my hair! Though these curls were really pretty, I still think that the satin tube was easier and comfier to sleep in, but if you’re looking to get drop-dead gorgeous, heatless curls with something you most likely have, this one is one I’d highly suggest.
Type of Curl: Beauty Queen Curls
Ranking: 5/5
I’ve seen this curl method all over TikTok lately. The majority of demonstrations result in beautiful curls that look professional. Wrap your hair around a silk tube French-twist-style, then sleep with the sausage tube overnight. Remove it in the morning. It takes only five minutes to complete the initial process. I did notice that my hair was slipping off the tube after first putting it on, but it’s not difficult to remove it and wrap it again more tightly. The tube was almost hanging off my head the next morning when I woke up. This made me nervous because I didn’t think the curls would still turn out as good. I was pleasantly proven wrong.
After removing the tube (which wasn’t difficult at all) and shaking out my curls, I saw that all the TikToks were right. I combed my hair with my fingers and it looked silky with perfect beach curls. However, I noticed that most of the curls fell at the bottom of my head because the front pieces of hair that frame my face fell off the tube. This was fine, as I still managed perfect curls that required minimal effort.
One thing I was wary about with heatless curls is knowing that they don’t last as long throughout the day as curls used with heat. Unfortunately, this was true with these curls. They were quickly flattened after a long day of outings. The curls lasted for the entire day if I just stayed in my apartment and did errands around it. With these, it’s really the elements versus your hair. I had sent my sister a Snapchat of the results early in the day, and she texted me, “OMG, your hair looks so good today, like a beauty queen.” If it’s sister-approved, you know it’s a good product. I can see myself using it every day.
Source: The Every Girl