How to Get Tight, Sassy Curls Without Heat

Rollers, socks, rags, and braids can achieve tight, sassy curls without heat tools. These methods will give you a beautiful texture without causing damage to your hair.

Detangle Your Hair

Detangling curly hair can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Start at the ends and work your way upward, section by section, to avoid damage and breakage. Spray your hair with water to hydrate and soften the curls before detangling. After detangling, apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your curls healthy. Detangle your hair at least once daily to prevent knots and breakage during washing. If your hair is dense, you may need multiple detangling sessions. Detangle your hair before shampooing and conditioning to reduce tangles and make drying more manageable. Protective styles like pineapple, ponytails, or braids can also help minimize breakage.

Apply Styling Lotion

When using styling lotion to curl your hair, apply it evenly to ensure uniform coverage. Use a small amount and work it into wet hair. Towel-drying your hair before applying styling lotion can be beneficial if your hair is coarse or thick. Experiment with different products to find the best work for your hair type. Wet styling your hair while still damp will result in more defined curls with reduced frizz. Let your hair air dry, or use a diffuser to speed up the process. For fine hair, gel or mousse can be easier to apply and style.

Wrap Your Hair Around a Headband

Using a headband to create heatless curls is an excellent method to avoid heat damage. Start with damp, detangled hair and apply volumizing mousse. Wrap small sections of hair around the headband, starting from the front and moving backward. For extra volume, wrap your hair a few times around itself before tying a ponytail using the headband. Remove the headband to reveal your beautiful curls when your hair is dehydrated. You can also use a sock to achieve heatless curls. Cut the toes off a sock and roll it into a doughnut shape. Insert your hair into the hose and sleep with it overnight, or wait for it to dry completely before removing it.

Wrap Your Hair Around a Sock

Sock curls are a heatless method to create voluminous waves. Start by detangling your hair and applying styling lotion or spray. Divide your hair into manageable sections and wrap small strands around crew socks secured with scrunchies. For larger areas, spray hairspray to protect the curls overnight. Be careful not to cover the strands too tightly to avoid tension on the scalp. Allow the curls to set naturally by sleeping on or leaving them in during the day. Carefully remove the socks in the morning and break up any kinks with your fingers or a comb. Finish with hairspray for lasting curls.