Perhaps, you’re wondering how to achieve the best heatless curls. After all, using heated hair tools can add up. Not only are the decent models a little pricey, but they run up your electricity bills – and could even leave your hair with damage. You don’t have to be a hairdresser extraordinaire to use heatless hair curlers, either. If you want beachy waves or a simple curl for any occasion, these nifty tools may just be the thing, eliminating the need for traditional curlers and keeping hair damage-free.
No one’s expecting to look like a model when they wake up, but with these heatless curlers, you could come close. Those of us who lead busy lifestyles – with school runs and pick-ups, 9 to 5 jobs may have to get up at the crack of dawn to style our hair with heated curlers. Well, that’s in the past. With this fabulous tool, you apply them at night, go to bed – then, take them out in the morning.
Best heatless curls products at a glance:
• Best kit for best heatless curls: SILKE Heatless Curler Set - View offer at Oliver Bonas
• Budget-friendly heatless curl kit: DDSHUN Heatless Curling Hair Roller - View offer on Amazon UK
• Best rollers for best heatless curls: Superdrug Six Large Thermo VelcroRollers - View offer at Superdrug
Dare we say: the morning rush has never been simpler. You could even give yourself a few extra minutes in bed – and still have those luscious, curly locks – that sought-after hairstyle by many, which can frame a face perfectly. Getting the best heatless curls at home doesn’t have to be a huge ask if you have straight hair. There are plenty of tools like the Shark FlexStyle, which are innovative and user-friendly. But, going back to basics with overnight hair rollers can be a budget-friendly solution for many.
Those days of failing to get perfectly beachy waves with a hair straightener are gone. If you’re keen to go crazy with curls but want to prevent any sort of damage to your locks, we’ve chosen the best hair curling products to help you achieve your desired hairstyle overnight. Plus, we’ve answered your (hopefully not) burning questions about these damage-free hair tools – with expert advice.
Tools for the best heated curls
Best kit for best heatless curls
REVOLVE
A great alternative to using curlers, this smooth SILKE Heatless Curler Kit is perfect if you're looking to give your hair some styling without damaging it. This 100 per cent pure silk curler from Silke will give you the bounce you're looking for without any of the effort during the morning rush. It comes with a silk heatless curler, hair grips and hair bands.
Customer review: "I LOVE this curler set. I’d seen them on TikTok and thought they were too good to be true - so when I saw this I thought it would give it a go. I’m really surprised at how much I love it! It gives lovely curls - something that I never get with hot tools as my hair is very fine and drops out very quickly but this leaves my hair curly and/or wavy all day. It does tend to drop out in the evening, but that is most likely due to my hair type. Received so many compliments on how nice my hair looks when I’ve used it and very happy with less damage!"
Pros
- Leaves your hair curly and wavy all-day
- Complete with ties and clip for secure hold
- Beautiful-looking and perfect for gifting
Cons
- May not suit thicker hair types
Best heatless curlers in a kit
www.lookfantastic.com
Transform hair effortlessly with this innovative invisibobble Handle with Curl 3-Piece Gift Set. Achieve stylish curls using the unique handle design and enjoy a comfortable, hair-friendly experience. Ultimate curling convenience has been brought to you with this silky set - complete with an easy-to-follow step-by-step. It's very glamorous, too.
Customer review: "Easy to use long-lasting curls and great quality product for good price."
Pros
- Crafted from luxurious silky material
- A user-friendly, step-by-step included
- With two satin scrunchies for a firm hold
Cons
- The band is quite thin - unsure about longevity
Best daytime curler for heatless curls
www.counterculturestore.co.uk
The Cordina Hair Satin Flower Curl® is a unique heatless curler that has caught our attention. Day or night, you place it on the top of your head, making it a very comfortable option, plus removing it is quick and easy - no painful pulling required. We love the natural, damage-free curls this creates for any hair length. Plus, it's made from vegan satin.
Customer review: " Love this product. It’s so easy to get great curls."
Pros
- Tutorials on how to use the curler are available
- Satin is gentle for your hair and vegan
- Comfy, you can wear it day and night
Cons
- May not suit some hair types
Budget-friendly heatless curl kit
Get effortless curls overnight with this budget-friendly DDSHUN Heatless Curling Hair Roller. Wrap, sleep, and wake up to no fuss, no-heat curls perfect for any occasion. Achieve stylish hair with ease. Suitable for medium to long hair, this hair roller can be applied to any type of wet or dry hair for styling. Make sure to use the scrunchies and clip.
Customer review: "I have not stopped using this since it arrived. I have completely fallen in love with my hair again. I could perfectly style my hair after just a couple of attempts."
Pros
- With a hair grip and attached scrunchies
- Ergonomically designed for all head shapes
- This heatless curl kit won't break the bank
Cons
- Quality may not be as good as others
- Not suitable for shorter hair lengths
Stylish pick for heatless curls
www.lookfantastic.com
For those of you who appreciate a stylish addition to your hair routine, we recommend The Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set effortlessly shapes curls and waves without heat damage. Made of satin, it safeguards hair, reducing breakage. Wear it day or night, seamlessly integrating it into your daily haircare for smooth, stylish locks.
Customer review: "I did buy this heatless curling set as a present, but after looking into it, I have decided to keep it myself. I tried it not expecting too much as I only have shoulder length her but it worked and I'm so pleased with the results. The good thing is I can curl the back with it as well as I have enough length left to curl the bottom only but I am impressed."
Pros
- Super soft stain for comfy overnight wear
- Comes with two scrunchies for secure hold
- Fits effortlessly into your haircare rituals
Cons
- May not suit all hair types and lengths
Best high street kit for best heatless curls
www.superdrug.com
Use the Superdrug Heatless Curls Kit to create effortless curls while you sleep - all without heat. Perfect for versatile looks, this kit is budget-friendly and all-inclusive, helping you achieve those must-have curls with no heat damage. Simpl, pop these in overnight and let the magic do its work whilst you snooze. Sweet dreams..
Customer review: "It curls hair really well, I either use it after washing my hair or I damp it and put some product on. The only thing I'd say is depending on your hair length the actual curling rod is long and uncomfortable at times trying to get to sleep. Have tried wrapping it together behind as well and still not comfy but the curls are great And for this price its a yes from me."
Pros
- Versatile styling for different hair lengths
- Hair health isn't compromised
- Budget-friendly high street option
Cons
- May take a few tries before you get it right
Best headband for heatless curls
The TOBATOBA Heatless Curlers Headband comes as a set, helping to keep the headband in a comfortable place while you sleep. It's soft and flexible so you use it for different curl types, plus the curls it creates are super long-lasting. This is an affordable option that will give you beautiful results. Plus, it looks pretty in your hair.
Customer review: "I was sceptical to buy this item as I have a very long thick and straight hair so I thought this won't work on me but I gave it a go. It took me a long time to get the hang of wrapping my hair around it and after so many tries my arms started to ache. The first time I used it was after I'd washed my hair, dried it a bit and then wrapped it. The clip struggled to keep my top hair and band in place, I had to use multiple clips to secure it, but most clips slip on my hair. I let it stay overnight and the result was brilliant. The most amazing part is it stayed curled for 3 days, although the curls had loosened a bit they still look rather nice. Definitely recommend this item."
Pros
- Made from soft and comfy velour
- Looks pretty and stylish once in your hair
- Can be used by all hair types
Cons
- A bit fiddly at first
Best rollers for best heatless curls
www.superdrug.com
For long-lasting curls, consider the classic - but unbeatable roller. Who else remembers their mum wearing these? We recommend these Superdrug Six Large Thermo VelcroRollers. They're sure to get the job done and give your 'do a bounce. Remember to pair these rollers with a silk scrunchie and scarf to keep them fizz-free and secure overnight.
Customer review: "Great value for money. The rollers are very strong and sturdy, they are easily removed from the hair and don't rip out if used correctly."
Pros
- Available in different sizes for curls
- Budget-friendly and value-for-money
- Perfect for lasting volume and curls
Cons
- May require a little trial and error
FAQs
What can you use for heatless curls?
Experts at beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha, have helped us put together this piece about heatless curls. After heatless curl tutorials went viral on the internet this year, many of us have been opting for heatless instead of heated. Having said that: "there are [actually] multiple ways to produce curls with no heat," says Fresha. So, what are they?
Rollers - may be a classic, but are effective, claims Fresha. You may have seen your grandmother, or even your mother, donning these at night in bed for an effortless curl in the morning. For this method, Fresha recommends covering "your head with a silk scarf to reduce static and keep them neat." After all, you don't want any unruly frizz.
Robe tie curls - are popular heatless curl tools on the market - as they are "incredibly easy and super comfortable to sleep in." Often made from silky material to help maintain the curls, your hair is looped around and tied up with a silk scrunchie overnight. How tightly you wrap your hair and the thickness of the robe tie will impact your new hair 'do'.
How to put in heatless curlers
Putting down your hair waver for heatless curlers may seem a little daunting, but with a little practice, it becomes muscle memory. If you follow a video tutorial, you may be able to pick up the technique quicker than you think...
Any DIY hacks?
If you're not sold on rollers or robe tie curls, there are a few fool-proof hacks to achieve a curly 'do.
Braid your hair - when wet, says Fresha. Again, the tightness will determine what type of curl you have.
Wrap your hair around a pair of socks - when almost dry. Fresha suggests leaving it for a few hours - or even overnight with a little hairspray to keep everything in place. They add: "The smaller the sock, the tighter the curl."
How long do I leave heatless curls in?
Most of our picks should be left in overnight to do their magic. Sleeping with heatless curl tools in your hair may sound daunting for some - especially if you already have trouble nodding off. But, these tools are comfy and have been designed to be left in overnight. So, you can rest easy in the knowledge that tomorrow is going to be a good hair day.
How long do heatless curls last?
Well, how to make your heatless curls last depends on your technique and aftercare. If prepared well and kept in place overnight, your hair could last around seven to nine hours - all day for some of us. Result. Plus, Fresha recommends using "dry shampoo and hairspray to hold your curls."
And - if you've just come back from the hairdressers and want to keep your bouncy blow-out for as long as possible, Fresha suggests using "rollers to keep the shape of the style for longer, even overnight, and you’ll have salon-fresh locks until your next hair wash." This way, you'll keep that beautiful 'do for as long as you can.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.