At Stonehills Hair, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between great style and healthy hair. If you’re wondering how to curl hair without heat, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of ways to get soft, long-lasting curls. No damage, no drying, and no straighteners required!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to do heatless curls, which tools and products to use, and how to make them last. Ready to switch up your routine?
Heatless curls are exactly what they sound like: curls created without using heated tools like curlers, wands, or straighteners. Instead, they form while your hair dries in a specific shape, using accessories like braids, socks, or scrunchies to guide the curl.
The main benefit? No heat = no damage. Your hair holds on to more moisture, stays stronger, and looks shinier over time.
Stylist Tip: Start with hair that’s about 80% dry. Soaking wet hair won’t hold the curl as well and takes much longer to set.
You can try several different methods to get heatless curls, depending on the look you want. Here’s how to do a few of the most effective styles at home:
Take a soft belt or robe tie, lay it over your head, and wrap sections of damp hair around each side. Secure the ends with Slip hair scrunchies and leave overnight. In the morning, unroll to reveal soft, uniform curls.
Plait your hair into two or more sections while damp. The tighter the braid, the tighter the wave. Looser plaits create beachy, natural texture.
Twist your hair into small buns and secure with silk or soft hair ties. This works well for subtle waves or when you want to avoid crease marks.
Stylist Tip: Add a touch of mousse before styling. Our mousse collection helps set the curl and hold volume without stiffness.
You don’t need heat, but you do need the right tools. These make the process easier and help your curls stay in place:
Stylist Tip: Avoid harsh elastics or tight bobbles; they cause breakage and ruin the curl shape. Stick to fabric-covered or spiral options.
Overnight is best. You’ll get a full 6–8 hours of setting time without needing to touch your hair. If curling during the day, aim for at least four hours and avoid unrolling too early.
Make sure your hair is slightly damp—not dripping—and allow it to air-dry in place.
Stylist Tip: Use a microfibre towel before you start to speed up drying and reduce frizz.
Heatless curls are gentle, but they don’t always last as long—especially on fine or heavy hair. To help them stay in shape:
Stylist Tip: Sleep with your curls loosely tied in a Slip scrunchie. It prevents flattening without creating dents.
We use heatless methods in-salon all the time to prep styles, add body, and keep hair healthy. Here’s what we always tell clients:
Stylist Tip: Want to preserve your curl pattern for days? Mist with a light spray and twist hair back into a bun at night. It resets the shape without heat.
No heat, no damage, just beautiful, healthy hair. If you’re ready to make heatless curls part of your routine, start with the right tools. Shop our range of:
And if you ever return to heat styling, don’t forget to revisit our blog on how to protect hair from heat damage for expert tips.
Get in touch with our expert team in Welwyn Garden City for luxury, in-salon hair services.
