I Swapped My Curling Wand for This, and Haven’t Looked Back
Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Amy
I’ll never forget the first time I tried heatless curls—I’d just put the kids to bed, was too tired to even think about styling my hair for the next day, and figured I had nothing to lose. I wrapped my hair up with an old dressing gown belt (as you do), went to sleep, and honestly? I was amazed when I woke up to soft waves that actually stayed put. No heat, no faff, and no panicked morning styling session.
Back in my pre-kids days, I used to spend ages curling my hair, only for it to drop out by lunchtime. These days, I barely have time to brush it, let alone plug in a styling tool. I’ve since moved onto heatless curling ribbons, and they have completely changed how I approach my hair—less damage, more time, and results that last through the day.
Whether you’re after big bouncy curls or soft, natural waves, these overnight methods are a brilliant way to get gorgeous hair with minimal effort. Just wrap it up, go to sleep, and wake up feeling like you’ve got it together—even if the rest of the morning is a blur of cereal spills and lost shoes.
1. The Classic Sock Curls (Yes, Really!)
Got a spare pair of socks? You’ve got yourself a curling tool. This method gives you soft waves and curls without awkward hair clips digging into your scalp overnight.
How to Do It:
- Section your hair
Start with clean, slightly damp hair and divide it into even sections. Two sections for loose waves, four for tighter curls. - Clip away what you’re not using
Tie or clip back any sections you’re not curling yet. If your hair struggles to hold a curl, this is the perfect time to mist on a little texturising spray. - Attach the sock
Take one sock and clip or tie the closed toe end to the top of your head where you’d like the curl to start. - Start wrapping
Wrap your hair around the sock, starting as close to the root as you can and working down. Just like with a curling wand, make sure you’re wrapping away from your face to get that soft, flattering shape. - Secure the curl
Once all your hair is wrapped, unclip the sock and fold it over the hair so the curl is tucked inside. Then open the other end of the sock and pull it up and over, wrapping your curls snugly in place. - Repeat on all sections
Keep going until all your sections are curled up in their socks. It’ll look a bit odd. The first time I tried it earned me the nickname ‘sockhead’ from my 5-year-old! - Sleep on it
Now you’re free to get on with the rest of your evening. By the time you’ve loaded the dishwasher and collapsed into bed, your curls will be setting overnight. - The morning reveal
When you wake up, unwrap the socks gently and run your fingers through your curls. No heat, no hassle—just soft, bouncy waves you didn’t have to wake up early for.
Tip: I usually use soft, fluffy socks like the ones below; they’re super comfy to sleep in and help prevent frizz.
2. The Viral Dressing Gown Belt Method
This TikTok-famous method is so easy and works on all hair types. It creates loose, flowing curls with zero effort.
How to Do It:
- Lay a dressing gown belt (or a long scarf) over your head like a headband.
- Split your hair in two and twist each section around the belt, adding more hair as you go (like a French braid).
- Secure the ends with scrunchies and go to bed.
- In the morning, gently unravel for soft, natural-looking waves.
Tip: If your hair struggles to hold a curl, mist it lightly with a flexible hold hairspray before wrapping.
3. Heatless Curl Ribbons (For That Salon Blowout Look)
Heatless curling ribbons are a game-changer for a more polished, long-lasting curl. They give you big, bouncy, salon-style waves with no heat damage. This is my favourite and most fool-proof method. It’s similar to the bathrobe tie trick, but I find it less fiddly, and it leaves my hair smoother and shinier with less frizz.
How to Do It:
- Start with damp hair
Either let your hair air dry until it’s about 80% dry or give it a light spritz with water if it’s already dry. You want it damp, not dripping—just enough to set the curl. - Clip the ribbon in place
Part your hair down the middle and clip the curling ribbon to the top of your head, like a headband, so it sits securely. Split your hair into two sections—left and right—just like you would for pigtails. - Begin wrapping
Take a small section of hair near your parting and wrap it around the ribbon away from your face. This gives you that soft, flattering curl that opens up your features. - Add and wrap
Each time you wrap, add a bit more hair to the section, kind of like a French braid but way easier. Keep going down the ribbon until all your hair is wrapped. - Secure with a scrunchie
Once all the hair is wrapped, use a silk or satin scrunchie to gently tie the ends. Then repeat on the other side. - Leave to set
You can get results in a couple of hours if you’re short on time, but for the best curls, leave the ribbon in for 6–8 hours or overnight. If you’re sleeping in it, a silk pillowcase or bonnet helps keep things smooth and frizz-free. - The reveal
In the morning, gently unwrap your hair, shake out the curls with your fingers, and admire your bouncy, heat-free waves—no styling tools required.
4. Braiding for Effortless Beach Waves
This is the OG no-heat method. The braid style you choose affects the curl result:
One braid = Soft, loose waves
Two braids = Defined waves
French/Dutch braids = Waves from the root
Multiple braids = Tight, crimped texture
How to Do It:
- Braid damp hair before bed.
- Use silk scrunchies to secure the ends (no harsh dents!).
- Sleep, then gently unravel and finger-comb in the morning.
Tip: Add a little curl cream or leave-in conditioner before braiding for extra hold and softness. I’m a big fan of the JVN Complete Air Dry Cream—it smooths frizz and enhances waves without feeling sticky or heavy on your hair.
5. Roller Set for Retro-Inspired Waves
Perfect for creating Old Hollywood glam with major volume.
How to Do It:
- Roll dry hair around velcro or foam rollers.
- Secure with clips if needed and sleep on a silk pillowcase.
- In the morning, unroll and use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to shape.
🎀 Big rollers = soft waves
🎀 Small rollers = tighter curls
Tip: Mist hair with hair spray before rolling for longer-lasting results.
Will Heatless Curls Work on My Hair Type?
The great thing about heatless curls is that they can work on most hair types—you might just need to tweak your method slightly depending on your texture and what kind of result you’re after.
My hair has a natural loose wave, and I often use heatless curling methods a few days after wash day to refresh my waves and give them a bit more shape and bounce. It’s such a nice way to revive my hair without adding heat or having to start from scratch. On these in-between days, I’ll just spritz my hair lightly with water or a bit of leave-in conditioner, wrap it up, and by morning, it looks freshly styled again.
If I’m aiming for a sleeker, more defined curl—something a bit more polished than my natural waves—I’ll usually blow dry my hair straight first. This gives a smoother base and helps the curls form more evenly and stay frizz-free.
For curlier or thicker hair types, you might find that wrapping smaller sections or using a little styling cream helps hold the shape better. And for fine or straight hair, adding some texturising spray or mousse can give the curls more grip and staying power.
It might take a bit of experimenting to find what works best for your hair, but once you do, it’s such a time-saver—and a real treat for your hair’s health too.
Can Heatless Curls Damage Hair?
One of the biggest reasons I started experimenting with heatless curls in the first place was to give my hair a break from the constant heat styling. Heatless curls are much gentler on your hair, especially when compared to regular use of curling wands or straighteners.
Because you’re skipping the high temperatures, you’re avoiding the kind of damage that leads to dryness, breakage, and split ends. That said, there are a few things to watch out for to make sure you’re really protecting your hair:
- Don’t wrap too tightly: Pulling your hair too snug around the curling ribbon or sock can put unnecessary tension on the strands and scalp, which over time could lead to breakage.
- Use gentle materials: Soft fabrics like silk or satin are best, especially if you’re sleeping in them. They reduce friction, help prevent frizz, and are kinder to your hair overall.
- Prep your hair properly: If your hair is soaking wet when you wrap it, it stays damp for hours, which can weaken the strands. Instead, aim for 70–80% dry so you’re not putting stress on wet, fragile hair.
- Don’t overdo the product: A little styling product can help hold the curl, but heavy gels or hairsprays might make the hair stiff or sticky overnight, leading to knots and tangles in the morning.
When done properly, heatless curls are one of the most hair-friendly ways to style, giving you lovely results without compromising your hair’s health. It’s a win-win, especially if you’re trying to grow your hair, reduce breakage, or just simplify your routine.
Making Your Heatless Curls Last Longer
✔️ Finger-comb instead of brushing
✔️ Use a light styling cream or serum
✔️ Set with a flexible hold hairspray
✔️ Sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape overnight
Have you tried any of these heatless curl methods? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it. Happy curling! 💕
