The Best Heatless Curls for Long Hair

If you’ve ever wanted gorgeous curls without the heat damage, you’re not alone. Heatless curls are blowing up on TikTok, with creators everywhere testing new methods to get voluminous, bouncy waves using no heat at all.

Whether you want beachy waves, soft ringlets, or big bouncy curls, this guide has it all. We’ve rounded up the best heatless curl methods that are trending on TikTok—tested, loved, and perfect for long hair.

Bonus: We’ll also share some of the best Amazon tools and products to help you recreate these looks flawlessly.

Let’s dive into the curly magic (minus the frying)!

Why Choose Heatless Curls?

If you’re trying to grow your hair longer or avoid damage, heatless styling is a must.

Benefits of Heatless Curls:

Prevents breakage and split ends
Protects hair’s natural moisture barrier
Helps color-treated hair last longer
Can be done overnight—wake up with perfect curls!
Saves time and energy

And guess what? The styles look just as good as ones created with a curling iron—sometimes better.

1. Robe Curls (aka Bathrobe Curls)

TikTok Views: Over 1.5 billion

This viral hack uses the belt of a bathrobe to create soft, flowing curls overnight. It works best on damp hair and gives major “old Hollywood glam” vibes.

How to Do It:

Dampen your hair slightly.
Place the robe tie over the top of your head like a headband.
Wrap sections of your hair around the robe tie, working away from your face.
Secure with scrunchies at the ends.
Sleep overnight and unravel in the morning!

What You’ll Need:

2. Heatless Curling Rod Headband

This pre-made tool went viral for a reason—it gives effortless, soft waves without needing a robe tie or scarf.

How to Use:

Use on damp, freshly brushed hair.
Place the rod over your head like a crown.
Twist hair around the rod, secure with scrunchies.
Sleep overnight and remove in the morning.

Recommended Tool:

Kitsch Heatless Curling Set

3. Flexi Rods

Flexi rods are soft foam rollers that you bend into place. They create tighter, more defined curls—perfect for a dramatic look.

How to Use:

Section damp hair into small parts.
Wrap each section around a flexi rod.
Bend the rod to secure.
Sleep overnight or wear for a few hours.

Best For:

Long, thick hair that struggles to hold curls
Defined, long-lasting results

Products You’ll Need:

4. Heatless Sock Curls

Yes, socks. Another TikTok favorite that’s super comfy and creates fluffy, natural curls.

How It Works:

Use clean socks (long crew socks work best).
Wrap 1–2 inch sections of damp hair around each sock.
Tie the ends of the socks together or use a scrunchie.
Sleep overnight, then remove for bouncy curls.

Great For:

Layered hair
Loose, casual curls

Pro Tip:

Mist your hair with a leave-in conditioner spray before wrapping to reduce frizz.

Recommended:

5. Braided Waves

This is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly heatless curl methods. You don’t need tools—just braids.

How to Do It:

Divide damp hair into 2 to 4 sections.
Braid each section tightly (for tighter waves) or loosely (for softer waves).
Sleep overnight and undo in the morning.

For Best Results:

Add mousse or sea salt spray to damp hair before braiding.
Finish with a shine serum or light oil.

6. Straw Curls (Tight Spiral Curls)

Want to go bold? Straw curls are tight, springy ringlets that look amazing on long hair.

How to Do It:

Take a drinking straw or spiral rod.
Wrap a small section of damp hair around it.
Secure with a bobby pin or tiny rubber band.
Let dry completely or sleep overnight.

Time-Consuming But Worth It:

This one takes patience, but the definition is next-level.
Use smaller sections for tighter curls, or jumbo straws for softer ones.

What You'll Need:

7. French Twist Rollers

These foam curlers are designed to be worn overnight and give large, elegant curls that look like a professional blowout.

How to Use:

Dampen hair and apply lightweight mousse.
Roll large sections from the ends upward.
Clip in place.
Remove after 6–8 hours or overnight.

Tips to Get the Best Heatless Curls (No Fail!)

✅ Start with slightly damp—not wet—hair. Wet hair takes too long to dry and can lead to frizz.
✅ Use a lightweight styling mousse or leave-in spray. This helps hold the shape longer without making your hair crunchy.
✅ Wrap hair away from the face. It creates a more flattering look and natural movement.
✅ Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Prevents frizz and preserves curls.
✅ Avoid brushing your curls. Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb to separate and fluff.
✅ Set with hair spray or finishing oil. To make your curls last all day (and sometimes the next day too!).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do heatless curls last?

With the right prep and products, heatless curls can last 1–2 days. Adding mousse and sleeping with your hair loosely wrapped in a silk scarf can help preserve them longer.

Can I do heatless curls on dry hair?

Yes, but they may not hold as well. Spritz with water or a leave-in spray to add moisture and flexibility.

Are heatless curls damaging?

Not at all! They’re actually protective, as long as you use gentle tools and avoid tight pulling.

Final Thoughts

Heatless curls are a game-changer for anyone with long hair. Not only do they help you avoid damage, but they also offer a super convenient way to style your hair while you sleep. With so many fun, affordable methods to try, you’ll never miss your curling iron again.

Start with one of the TikTok-tested methods above, grab a few tools from Amazon, and wake up with dreamy curls tomorrow!

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Loving these heatless curls? Don’t forget to save this post to your Hair Inspiration board and share it with your curly-loving besties!

PearlViva