Effortless, natural curls exude a timeless elegance that transcends trends. If you’re looking to achieve beautiful waves without the use of heat, you’re in the right place. Curling irons can be a pain sometimes, but you don’t need one to curl your hair. You can save time and energy by using a unique method that doesn’t rely on heating tools. If you’re struggling with sweat, aches in your arms, or hair damage, don’t worry because there are other ways to add some curls that will look natural. Most of these methods will reduce or remove the struggles you’re having with sweat, etc. Here are 9 techniques to give you different types of curls. In this guide, we’ll explore how to curl your hair, providing you with a variety of techniques to suit different hair types and preferences.
How To Curl Your Hair Without Heat?
Women have been curling their beautiful hair without heat for centuries! Most of these methods work to emphasize the natural beautiful wave in your hair. Some women will go to bed with slightly damp locks, waking up to beautifully curled locks, while others work to curl their hair using other methods. Go through the list to find the best method for the look and style that you want.
1. Scrunching
Curling your hair with a scrunching motion will enhance the natural curl in your hair and make it either wavy or curly depending on what type of curl your hair has. This is one of the quickest and easiest methods to get messy curls without much effort.
You Will Need
- Curl Enhancing Product (mousse/gel)
- Volumizing Shampoo
- Towel
- Hair Gel/ Other Product For Hold
Method
- Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo, then condition.
- Apply conditioner only to the ends of your hair, so it does not weigh your hair down. Detangle while you do this.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly to get rid of any residue.
- Squeeze the water out with a towel. Do not rub your hair with the towel, as this will cause breakage and frizz. Instead, squeeze gently to get excess water out.
- While your hair is still damp, pump out a golf-ball-sized amount of mousse or a pea-sized amount of gel.
- Bend forward and start scrunching your hair with the product. Scrunch your hair with the same motion used to crumple a piece of paper.
- Do not get any product near your roots, as this might make your hair appear greasy. Keep scrunching upward and let your hair dry.
2. Pin Curls
This classic style will never go out of fashion, and it is also super easy way to curl hair without heat. All you’d have to do is pin your hair before bed to wake up with gorgeous curls in the morning.
You Will Need
- Towel
- Wide-Tooth Comb
- Hair Gel
- Hair Pins
- Cotton Scarf
- Hair Gel
- Hairspray
Method
- After washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo, apply conditioner. It might be a good idea to brush the conditioner into the hair using a wide tooth comb for less tangles
- Towel dry your hair by gently squeezing excess water. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel.
- You can also apply product with some hold, like gel or mousse, on wet hair before dampening it with water.
- Section out the crown of your hair. Secure it in a bun.
- Take a 1-inch section of your hair from the side and wrap the end around your index finger to create a loop. Hold it in place with your thumb and index finger.
- Start rolling the bottom of your hair upwards until it is snug against your roots. Roll the hair up and away from your face as you go.
- Hold the rolled-up section against your scalp and secure it with a hairpin. If the sections are too thick, the hairpins will leave indentations in your hair.
- To create a ponytail, grab the rest of your hair into a neat pile and secure it with an elastic. Work your way up from the bottom until all of your hair is secured.
- Wear a silk scarf when putting your hair in pin curls to keep the pins in securely and go to sleep. The scarf will also help absorb some moisture from your hair. This is especially useful if you’re undergoing chemotherapy treatments
- Wake up in the morning and undo your curls. Remove the pins as soon as your hair is dry, but do not use a hairdryer so you don’t undo any progress.
- Once you have removed all the pins from your hair, gently comb it with your fingers to remove any tangled knots. Use some hairspray to finish off the look.
3. Braiding
If you want beach waves, you should braid your hair. Braids are one of the easiest ways to curl hair.
You Will Need
- 2 hair ties
- Hairspray/ Other Product For Hold
Method
- Wash your hair and wait until it is 70% dry.
- When you are parting your hair, part it on either side to make it easier for braiding.
- If you only want waves towards the ends of your hair, make two regular braids on either side of your head.
- For long hair, it’s often a good idea to braid your hair near the roots first. This can be done into two French braids or two boxer braids.
- In order to ensure your hair doesn’t frizz out when you open the braid, make sure it is tight.
- To sleep with braids in, keep them in for at least 10 hours. To undo them, comb through with fingers
- Finger comb your hair and finish with some hairspray or product for hold.
4. Velcro Rollers
This may be an option for you if you’re looking for a curling alternative. They also keep your hair completely protected from heat damage, while making it look fluffy and voluminous. For smaller waves go with the tighter Velcro rollers, while larger ones are preferable for big wavy hair or most styles of curls
You Will Need
- Velcro Rollers
- Towel
- Comb
- Hairspray/Other Product For Hold
Method
- Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo or spritz in a little water to add volume.
- Squeeze out the excess moisture from your hair with a towel.
- If you have thick hair, section it and roll it upwards. You can skip this step if your hair is fine.
- Ensure that you are rolling your hair upwards until the rollers sit snugly against your scalp.
- You will not need to use pins to secure the rollers. If the roller isn’t sticking, it’s possible that the section you’ve taken is too thick.
- Wait for a couple of hours with the rollers in your hair until it is completely dry. You can use this time to do your makeup or finish up chores around the house.
- Undo the curls and finger comb your hair. Finish with hairspray for hold.
5. Bantu Knots
This method is my personal favourite because of the tight, springy curls it gives you. The Bantu method works well for all hair types and helps calm your frizz while giving you some perfectly defined curls. It is a popular go-to for African-American women with curly hair.
You Will Need
- Towel
- Bobby Pins
- Shower Cap
- Hair Gel/ Other Product For Hold
- Hairspray
Method
- Wash your hair and condition it.
- Once your hair is about 80% dry, gather a 1-2 inch section of your hair (the smaller the section, the tighter your curls will be) and start twisting until it resembles a rope.
- Twist this section tightly around itself to form a small twisted bun.
- Secure it with a bobby pin.
- Repeat this until all of your hair is up in Bantu knots.
- Wear a shower cap and leave it on overnight.
- In the morning, take off the shower cap and let your hair dry.
- Undo each coil, one-by-one, and finger comb your hair.
- Finish with hairspray for hold.
6. Paper Towel Method
Curling your hair with tissues is a great alternative to using rollers. This method gives you tight, springy curls that look natural.
You Will Need
- Towel
- Paper Towel Roll
- Hairspray
Method
- Wash your hair and then squeeze out the excess water using a towel. Optionally, you can dampen your hair using a spray bottle.
- Take a paper towel and fold it until it is about an inch wide and about 4-5 inches long. Take a 1-2 inch section of your hair and wrap the ends of your hair around the middle of the paper towel.
- Start rolling the paper towel upwards until you reach your scalp. Secure the paper towel by tying it around the rolled-up hair.
- Repeat this with the rest of your hair in sections.
- Sleep with the paper towels on your hair.
- Undo the paper towels and finger comb your hair.
- Finish with some hairspray for hold.
7. Sock Method
Using a sock is the perfect way to attain gentle waves in your long hair. As a bonus, your hair will look great while it is being curled with a sock. The material helps to gently curl your hair, meaning that you can achieve defined waves without fear of snapping strands or burning them.
You Will Need
- Hair tie
- bobby pins
- Sock
- Scissors
- Hairspray
Method
- Dampen your hair by washing it or using a spray bottle.
- Squeeze out any excess water and wait until your hair is about 80% dry.
- Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure with a hair tie.
- Cut the toes off a sock and roll it into a doughnut shape.
- Pull the ends of your hair through the hole in the sock.
- Wrap the ends of your hair around the sock and start rolling it up until it sits snugly against your scalp.
- Secure with some bobby pins.
- Undo the bun once your hair is completely dry. You can sleep with the bun in your hair or wait 5-6 hours until your hair is dry.
- Undo the sock bun and the hair tie. Use your fingers to comb through your hair and finish with hairspray.
8. Headband Method
This is the perfect method for beachy waves and large voluminous curls.
You Will Need
- Headband
- Blow Dryer (optional)
- Sea-salt Spray
Method
- While your hair is slightly damp, wrap a headband around your head.
- Section your hair into two halves and start wrapping it around the headband.
- Once you get to the end of your hair, pin it to secure in place.
- Repeat this with the second section and pin it in place.
- You can use a blow dryer on the cool setting to speed up the drying process, or you can go to bed with your hair wrapped around the headband.
- Once your hair is completely dry, unpin it and let it down.
- Comb your hair with your fingers, finishing with a sea-salt spray to hold the volume.
9. Twist Buns
This is one of the easiest ways to get some quick beach curls. Moreover, it will give you beach waves without the use of hair products.
You Will Need
- 2 hair ties
- sea-salt spray
Method
- Dampen your hair by washing it or using a spray bottle. It would be a good idea to use a volumizing shampoo.
- Part your hair down the middle to create two sections.
- Gather the first section into a high ponytail and start twisting until it resembles a rope.
- Keep twisting the hair around itself until you reach the end.
- Secure with a hair tie.
- Repeat this process with the other section and then go to sleep.
- Optionally, you can wear this hairstyle for a few hours until your hair is completely dry.
- Once your hair is dry, undo the twisted buns and run your fingers through it to brush it.
- Finish by spritzing on some sea salt spray and scrunching for hold and volume.
- You don’t have to subject your hair to heat damage anymore! Most of these methods give you results that last up to 2-3 days. Try out these easy methods to add some curls to your hair.
- Do you know any other ways on how to curl your hair without heat? Let us know in the comments section below!
FAQ
How to curl your hair with a flat iron?
To curl your hair with a flat iron, start with clean, dry hair and apply a heat protectant spray. Section your hair using clips or ties for easier styling. Adjust the flat iron to the appropriate temperature for your hair type. Take small sections of hair, clamp the flat iron near the roots, and rotate it 180 degrees away from your face. Glide the flat iron down the length of the hair while holding it taut for a smooth curl. Alternate curl directions for a natural look, and continue this process until all sections are curled. Once your hair has cooled, run your fingers through the curls to loosen them or use a wide-tooth comb for a softer finish. If desired, set the curls with a light mist of hairspray. Practice will help refine your technique, allowing you to achieve beautiful curls or waves with a flat iron.
How to curl your hair with a straightener?
To curl your hair with a straightener, start with dry, detangled hair and apply a heat protectant spray. Section your hair for better control, and heat your straightener to the desired temperature, typically around 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a small section of hair and clamp the straightener near the roots, twisting it 180 degrees away from your face. While holding the hair taut, glide the straightener down the length, allowing the hair to wrap around the straightener. The slower you move, the tighter the curl. Repeat this process for all sections, varying the direction of the curls for a natural look. Once done, let your hair cool, then run your fingers through the curls to loosen them. Finish with a light hairspray to set the curls. Practice will enhance your technique, helping you achieve effortless curls with a straightener.
How to curl your hair with a curling iron?
Curling your hair with a curling iron is a straightforward process for achieving beautiful, defined curls. Begin with clean, dry hair and apply a heat protectant to minimize damage. Heat the curling iron to the desired temperature, generally between 300-400 degrees Fahrenheit depending on your hair type. Section your hair to make the process more manageable. Take a small section of hair, hold the curling iron vertically, and wrap the hair around the barrel away from your face. Hold for about 8-12 seconds, depending on your hair thickness and the desired curl tightness. Release the curl gently and repeat until all sections are curled. For a more natural look, alternate the direction of the curls. Allow the curls to cool before gently running your fingers through them to loosen and style. Finish with a light hairspray for hold. With practice, curling your hair with a curling iron becomes a quick and effective way to add volume and texture.
How to curl your hair without heat?
Curling your hair without heat is a gentle and easy method to achieve beautiful waves. One popular technique is to use braids: start with damp hair, divide it into sections, and create braids before bedtime. In the morning, unravel the braids to reveal natural, heat-free curls. Alternatively, headband curls involve wrapping damp hair around a soft headband and leaving it overnight, resulting in effortless waves. Another heatless option is the sock bun method, where sections of hair are wrapped around a sock and secured, creating heat-free curls when the hair is released. These no-heat methods not only protect your hair from potential damage but also provide a variety of curl sizes and textures, allowing you to embrace your natural beauty with ease.
How to curl your hair with a wand?
Curling your hair with a wand is a simple and effective way to achieve natural-looking curls. Begin with dry hair, apply a heat protectant, and divide your hair into sections. Heat the wand to your desired temperature, usually between 300-400 degrees Fahrenheit depending on your hair type. Taking small sections at a time, wrap the hair around the wand, holding it for about 5-10 seconds, depending on the desired tightness of the curl. For a more relaxed look, leave the ends of the hair uncurled. Continue this process until all sections are curled, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural appearance. Once the curls have cooled, run your fingers through them to loosen and style, and finish with a light hairspray for hold. The wand’s versatility allows you to create a variety of curl sizes and styles, making it a popular tool for achieving effortless waves.
How to curl your hair with socks?
Curling your hair with socks is a heat-free and budget-friendly method that can result in soft, bouncy curls. Begin with clean, damp hair, and make sure it’s detangled. Cut clean socks into strips, and depending on your desired curl size, choose wider or narrower sections. Starting with a small section of hair, place the sock at the ends and roll the hair upward towards the scalp, securing it in place. Tie the ends of the sock to keep the hair in position. Repeat this process until all sections of your hair are rolled up. Allow your hair to dry completely, whether air-drying or using a hairdryer on low heat. Once dry, gently unravel the socks to reveal your heatless, natural curls. This method is gentle on your hair and offers a great way to achieve beautiful curls without the use of heat styling tools.
Conclusion:
n conclusion, achieving effortless elegance through natural curls is not only achievable but also embraces the beauty of one’s unique hair texture. The guide to curling your hair naturally provides a diverse range of methods, from braids to sock buns, each offering its own charm. By embracing these techniques, individuals can effortlessly enhance their appearance without the need for excessive heat or styling products. Whether opting for the heat-free allure of braids or the creative simplicity of sock bun curls, the guide encourages a celebration of one’s natural beauty and personal style. With practice and experimentation, the journey to achieving beautiful, naturally curled hair becomes not only a styling endeavor but a self-expression that exudes timeless elegance.