10 Easy Ways To Get Curly Hair Without Heat
Curly hair exudes a charming and playful vibe that’s hard to resist. Yet, most heat-based styling tools can take a toll on your natural hair—leaving it lackluster and damaged—and even human hair wigs and hair bundles aren’t immune. That’s why we’ve curated 10 simple, quick methods to achieve gorgeous curls without relying on heat. Read on to discover your new go-to styling routine.
Pin Curls
This is one of the easiest heatless curling techniques out there. Ever wondered how to craft pin curls using bobby pins? Here’s your step-by-step guide:
First, wash your hair with premium shampoo and conditioner, then gently towel-dry it and detangle with a wide-tooth comb. Next, divide your hair into sections, each roughly an inch in width.
Take the end of one section, wrap it around your fingers, and curl upward toward your scalp. Keep the hair tightly coiled during this process and avoid letting it touch your face.
Secure the curl flat against your scalp with a bobby pin, and repeat until all sections are curled.
Finally, wrap your hair in a silk scarf and let it set overnight. In the morning, remove the pins to reveal flawless curls. For the best finish, run your fingers gently through your hair to tame frizz and shape those effortless heatless waves.
Sock Bun
A sock bun is a clever, budget-friendly way to get natural-looking waves without heat. Here’s how to turn a simple sock into a styling tool:
Start by lightly dampening your hair—this helps the waves hold better.
Cut off the toe end of a sock, then roll it into a donut shape. Pull the end of your ponytail through the center of the sock donut, tucking all hair ends into the sock.
Roll the sock down the length of your ponytail until it sits at the root, then secure with bobby pins.
Leave the bun in for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready, remove the pins and gently loosen your hair with your fingers to unveil soft, bouncy curls.
Hair Bundles
If you have straight hair and want to switch up your look, high-quality curly hair bundles are a fantastic option. Made from 100% virgin human hair, they’re ideal for beginners. With a range of colors, lengths, and textures—from body wave to loose wave and natural wave—you’ll easily find a style that matches your vibe.
Hair Rollers
A classic for a reason, hair rollers are a heat-free staple that protects hair from damage. They’re also incredibly versatile: choose different sizes to customize your curls. Opt for smaller rollers if you want tight, defined curls, or larger ones for loose waves.
Take a section of hair, place the roller at the end, and roll upward toward the root. Secure the roller to your scalp with a hair pin, then repeat for all sections. Let the rollers set for a few hours until your hair is fully dry. Remove them, and gently finger-comb to release soft, bouncy waves. Pro tip: This method works great on hair bundles too—use it before installation to add extra volume.
Braid
Craving that effortless beach wave look? Braiding is your answer. Simply braid your hair (try a single braid for loose waves or multiple small braids for tighter curls), leave it in for a few hours (or overnight for more defined results), then undo the braids to reveal sun-kissed, natural waves.
Headband Curls
This method delivers charming, vintage-inspired curls with minimal effort. Start with slightly damp hair and slip on a headband. Divide your hair into sections, then wrap each section around the headband, tucking in the ends. Secure with bobby pins if needed, then keep the headband in while you sleep. The next morning, remove the pins and headband to uncover soft, retro-style curls.
Spoolies
Spoolies are user-friendly hair rollers that make heatless curling a breeze. Take a section of hair, twist it gently, then wrap it around the spoolie. Fold the top of the spoolie to lock the hair in place. The longer you leave them in, the tighter your curls will be—so adjust the timing based on your desired look.
Human Hair Wigs
Human hair wigs are a fantastic way to rock curly styles without any commitment. The best part? They can be dyed, permed, bleached, highlighted, straightened, or styled just like your natural hair. Whether you’re heading to a daily errand, a wedding, a date, a theme party, or a formal event, they’ll have you looking confident and radiant.
Plopping
Made popular by TikTok, plopping is a game-changer for enhancing curl definition and reducing frizz. Here’s how it works: Use a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel to gently wrap wet hair, allowing it to dry while maintaining its natural curl pattern. The result? Soft, bouncy curls with minimal frizz.
Scrunching
This quick technique adds volume and definition to post-shower hair—no frizz, no heat. Start with slightly damp hair: take a section in your hand and scrunch it upward, just like crumpling a piece of paper. Let your hair air dry, and you’ll be left with lively, textured waves.
Have you tried any of these heatless curling methods? Now that you know how to get curly hair without heat, which one will you test first? If you have questions, feel free to reach out or leave a comment below.