Heat styling every day can leave hair feeling dry and frizzy. That's why heatless curls overnight have become one of the most searched hair trends: you set your hair before bed and wake up with soft waves. Here's exactly how to do it.
What you need
- A satin heatless curling rod
- Two soft scrunchies or clips
- A lightweight hair oil or serum
- A detangling brush or wide-tooth comb
How to do heatless curls overnight: step by step
- Start with hair about 80% dry. Soaking wet hair won't dry overnight; fully dry hair won't hold the shape as well.
- Brush out tangles and apply a few drops of hair oil to the mid-lengths and ends.
- Place the rod on top of your head like a headband, with the center at your crown.
- Take a small section from the front on one side and wrap it around the rod, away from your face.
- Keep adding hair to each wrap as you move down, like a loose French braid around the rod.
- Secure the ends with a scrunchie. Repeat on the other side.
- Sleep on it. The satin is gentle and comfortable.
- In the morning, unwrap gently, rake through with your fingers and finish with a drop of serum.
Best hair oils for heatless curls
A little oil helps define waves and tame flyaways:
- Argan Oil Hair Serum: lightweight shine and frizz control for daily use.
- Rosemary Hair Care Oil: a nourishing scalp and hair oil, popular in pre-wash routines.
- Batana Hair Oil: a rich treatment for dry, thirsty lengths.
Tips to stop frizz
- Swap rough cotton towels for a soft microfiber hair wrap, like our 3-pack microfiber towel wraps.
- Don't brush curls in the morning; separate them with your fingers instead.
- Use smaller sections for tighter curls and bigger sections for loose waves.
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction.
Heatless curls FAQ
Do heatless curls work on short hair?
Yes, as long as your hair is long enough to wrap around the rod at least once (around shoulder length).
Why didn't my curls hold?
Hair was probably too dry or too wet. Aim for about 80% dry, and try a light-hold product.
Can I do heatless curls in a couple of hours?
On slightly damp hair, a few hours can give soft bends, but overnight gives the best hold.
See all of our hair care.
— Written by the Pure Skin Lab team