Heatless hairstyles give your hair a rest from dryers and irons without giving up on style. They work by letting damp hair dry in a set shape. Because hair takes the form it dries in, a braid, a twist or a wrap overnight can stand in for a curling tool.
Why go heat-free sometimes
- Less dryness, breakage and split ends.
- Color lasts longer.
- Curls and waves keep their natural spring.
- Most methods work while you sleep.
The basics of any heatless set
- Start with damp hair, about 80 percent dry. Soaking wet hair will not dry inside a braid or wrap.
- Apply a light styler, such as mousse or a little leave-in conditioner, for hold.
- Set the shape with braids, twists, a wrap or pins.
- Let it dry completely. Taking it down early is the main reason styles fall flat.
- Separate with your fingers, not a brush, and finish with a drop of serum or a light mist of hairspray.
Do not set hair so tightly that it pulls on your scalp. Tension over time can damage the hairline. See Tight Hairstyles and Hair Loss: Understanding Traction Alopecia.
Short hair
- Twist and pin. Twist small sections away from your face and pin them flat until dry for soft texture.
- Finger waves. Comb gel through damp hair, shape S-waves with your fingers and a comb, and let them set.
- Mini braids at the front. Two small braids along the hairline keep growing bangs tidy.
- Slicked-back style. Smooth damp hair back with gel or cream.
- Headband tuck. Tuck short ends over a soft elastic headband for a rolled look.
Medium hair
- Overnight braids. One braid gives loose waves, two or four give tighter ones.
- Twisted buns. Divide hair into two to four sections, twist each into a small bun and secure with soft scrunchies or pins.
- Flexible rods or foam rollers. Wrap damp sections around the rods for defined curls.
- Sock or headband curls. Wrap sections around a soft band or a clean sock tied at the crown.
- Low rolled chignon. Roll the ends under and pin at the nape for a neat, quick style.
Long hair
- Robe-belt or ribbon curls. Lay a soft belt over the top of your head like a headband, wrap each side of your hair around it away from your face, and secure the ends.
- Rope braids. Twist two sections in the same direction, then wrap them around each other the opposite way for spiral waves.
- Top-knot waves. A single loose bun on top of the head gives volume and soft bends.
- Classic braid, fishtail or braided crown. These are styles in themselves, and they leave waves when undone.
- Low ponytail with wrapped length. Wrap a ribbon down the ponytail to keep long hair from tangling.
Method by result
| You want | Try | Leave in |
|---|---|---|
| Loose beach waves | One or two braids | 4 to 8 hours |
| Bouncy curls | Robe-belt wrap or flexible rods | Overnight |
| Volume at the roots | Top knot or twisted buns on the crown | 2 to 4 hours |
| Defined texture on short hair | Twist and pin | Until dry |
| Smooth, sleek finish | Wrap hair flat around the head under a satin scarf | Overnight |
Tips for your hair type
- Fine hair: use mousse and smaller sections. Curls drop quickly without hold.
- Thick hair: use more sections and allow longer to dry.
- Wavy and curly hair: work with your pattern. Scrunch and air dry, or twist sections to define them. See Wavy Hair Routine: Washing, Styling, and Frizz Care.
- Coily hair: twist-outs and braid-outs on damp, moisturized hair stretch and define without heat.
Making the style last
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase or cover the set with a satin scarf.
- Do not brush out curls. Shake them at the roots.
- Refresh on day two with a light mist of water and a re-twist of the front pieces.
- In humid weather, finish with an anti-humidity product. See Hair Care in Humid Weather: Tips for Managing Frizz.
When you do use heat
Keep hot tools for special occasions and follow the safety steps in Heat Styling: How to Protect Your Hair. For help choosing mousse, gel or cream for your set, see Hair Styling Products: Mousse, Gel, Cream, and Spray.
Related on ArniSun
- Heat Styling: How to Protect Your Hair
- Wavy Hair Routine: Washing, Styling, and Frizz Care
- Hair Care in Humid Weather: Tips for Managing Frizz
- Hair Styling Products: Mousse, Gel, Cream, and Spray
- Tight Hairstyles and Hair Loss: Understanding Traction Alopecia
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Do heatless curls work on straight hair?
Yes, though very straight or fine hair needs more help. Use mousse, small sections and enough drying time, then finish with hairspray.
Should hair be wet or dry for heatless curls?
Damp. Hair needs some moisture to take a new shape, but if it is too wet it will still be damp in the morning and the curl will fall.
Are heatless styles damaging?
They are gentler than heat, provided they are not tight. Styles that pull on the scalp or are worn too tightly night after night can strain the hairline.