If cold, dark mornings are making you crave as much time as possible in bed (because, same), we’ve got a time-saving hair hack for you: heatless hair curlers. If you haven’t made the switch yet, it’s time to buy into the TikTok hype. Trust us: it’s totally worth it.
Why? Well, for starters, heatless curlers are a great alternative to styling tools such as curling wands, without having to risk damaging your scalp and hair. And while they may not be as ‘instant’ as heat stylers, heatless curlers are incredibly easy to use. They can even be worn overnight while you sleep, allowing you to wake up to beautiful, bouncy curls. Plus, you can save some money by not having to stock up on heat protection sprays… it’s a win-win!
Although heatless curls headbands and other accessories such as hair rollers are certainly nothing new, many of them have undergone a bit of a revamp in recent years. Now, you can get your hands on a silk curling headband, such as the invisibobble Handle with Curl 3-Piece Gift Set for under £15. Not only is that cheaper than a hair styler, but it’s also much, much healthier for your locks.
To help you make the decision on which heat curl alternative is right for you, we’ve put together an edit of all the best heatless curls headbands available to purchase now. We’ve also made sure to include options to fit all budgets as well as curlers that are suitable for any hair type, whether that’s long, thick hair, short hair or wavy hair.
But first? Your heatless curler questions, answered…
Are heatless curlers better for your hair?
“Absolutely,” says co-founder of Centred, Kieran Tudor, whose clients include Victoria Beckham and PJ Harvey.
“I’ve seen clients who have been on a healthy hair journey and cut down on blow drying, opting instead for heatless curls twice a week. The improvement in the hair quality over the months has been phenomenal! It drastically reduces the stress you put on your hair, taking the heat and mechanical damage out of the equation when styling.”
How do you use heatless curlers?
You’ll be pleased to know that it’s simple as, even for beginners.
“Most heatless hair curlers involve wrapping sections of your hair around a soft barrel that is either placed over the top of your head or secured using a clip,” explains Kieran.
“The curls are created when you leave them in your hair overnight, and then you can remove them in the morning to reveal your curls. They often work best if you have smoothed your hair down a little before applying the curlers, so apply a product like the Centred Unwind Detangling Hair Primer — this will also add shine and protect hair from UV damage.”
Is velvet or satin better for heatless curls?
Satin wins, according to Siobhan Haug, former British Colour Technician of the Year and co-owner of Fitzrovia salon, Haug London Haus.
“Use satin heatless curlers, because they prevent breakage and keep the cuticle layer smooth,” she reveals. “With satin, there’s less damage and the results will be less frizzy!”
How long do heatless curls stay in?
It’s good news all round, as heatless curls typically hold well. Siobhan’s advice is to apply them when your hair is 80% dry, or slightly damp.
“If you prep the hair with some mousse, a spray or a primer, and sleep in the curlers overnight, they’ll hold really well — definitely until the next time you wash your hair,” she says. “They’re probably even better than using electrical heat on the hair, because you’ve really let it set and go from damp to dry.”
