Bethany Heitman is a contributing editor at NBC Select.
The best heatless curlers, according to hair stylists
Get bouncy waves sans heat damage.
This heatless curling set consists of one long satin-covered tube. You put it on like a headband and then wrap your hair (in 2-inch sections) around either end, securing it with the two included satin scrunchies. “This set is the best,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. “The satin material is soft and easy to use once you get the hang of it.” For curls that last, the brand suggests wrapping damp hair around the foam tube, letting it set overnight and removing it for bouncy curls.
Similar to the set from Kitsch, this option from Silke London includes a foam rod and two scrunchies. It also includes a clip to help you fasten the tube to the top of your head for easier hair wrapping. Joseph notes this rod is longer than most, making it a good option for those with long hair. The rod and scrunchies are covered in 100% silk and can be worn for just a few hours or overnight for curls that will stay longer, according to the brand.
“Rather than a long rod, this option is more of a headband — which may be easier for some to sleep in,” says Joseph. To use, secure the down-filled rod on top of your head with the included claw clip. Wrap your hair in small sections around the silk-covered foam rod on either side of your head and secure each end with the included no-slip hair ties. Then, snap either end of the rod together at the back of your head so it stays in place all night.
According to the brand, this heatless curling rod is stuffed with cotton and covered in a combination of cotton and velvet, giving hair something to cling to without causing friction. The top of the rod has a flat design, making it sit on your head more easily. The set comes with two small clips to fasten it as a headband and two scrunches to secure your hair in place. This set has a 4.4-star average rating from over 16,250 reviews on Amazon.
Do you prefer individual curlers over one long rod? This set comes with 30 individual satin-covered sponge rollers. To use them, take 2-inch sections of damp hair, wrap them and secure them by typing the two ends of the curlers together. For best results, sleep in them overnight. Unlike the single rod options, this set will give you a fuller, more curly look. It has a 4.2-star average rating from over 10,970 reviews on Amazon.
One thing to know beforehand: “Heatless curlers take some practice to get uniform curls,” says Joseph. So, it’s a good idea to do a few trial runs when you don’t have somewhere important to be — that way, if you don’t like how they turn out, you’re not left scrambling. To make the process smoother for you, we asked our experts for a step-by-step guide on using them.
Step one: Prep your hair with your favorite products. “If you have fine, straight hair, you would want to spray your hair or prep it with something that will give your hair support as it wraps around the curler,” says Luna. “If you have curly or frizzy hair, you might want to use a serum or a cream to soften it.”
Step two: Wrap damp hair around your curling rod (or curling rods). You want it to be about 90 percent dry, says Joseph. Regardless of whether you use one long rod or a bunch of smaller rods, take 2-inch sections and wrap them around the rod. Finish by securing hair to the rod.
Step three: If you plan on sleeping in your heatless curlers, Luna suggests wrapping your hair with a silk scarf or bonnet to avoid flyaways and frizz. Another option is to sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Step four: Mist hair with a light-hold hairspray before taking your hair out. Then, gently unwrap your hair from the curlers and run your fingers through your curls to loosen them.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two hairstylists.
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