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7 Easy Ways to Curl Your Hair Without Any Heat

For those extra lazy days...

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There's nothing like wearing a bouncy set of curls. You're probably all too familiar with go-to methods like flat irons and curling wands that transform strands into voluminous ringlets, but applying too much heat to your hair can damage your natural hair texture. If you want to style your hair without the risk of damage, you should try out one of the super easy techniques to achieve heat-less curls. You can use everyday items like leggings and headbands to create a curly 'do, or test out go-to methods like French braids and hair plopping.

Hairstylist to the stars, and Kar-Jenner family go-to, Andrew Fitzsimmons, shares some of the best tips (and production recommendations) on how to curl hair without heat. Plus, we've included really helpful video tutorials to give a bit more clarity. Scroll ahead for 7 easy ways to curl your hair without any heat.

1

Use Leggings

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Leggings are a multipurpose clothing item that can be dressed down when you're in the mood to be cozy, worn with your fave heels when you want to dress up and keep you comfy for gym class. The go-to bottoms can help achieve flawless curls, too.

With over 236.3 million views on TikTok, the heatless curls leggings discover page is filled with tons of videos of Tokers (with medium to long-hair lengths) showcasing their jaw-dropping overnight results.

Fitzsimmons recommends testing out this method with super moisturized hair.

  1. Start by parting and separating your hair. I like to start with super moisturized hair, so I apply leave-in conditioner evenly from root to tip.
  2. While the brand of the leggings doesn’t matter, definitely consider the fabric. You are going to want something that is easy to work with and doesn’t damage the hair. I suggest a cotton material.
  3. After you separate the hair, lay the leggings on top of your head in the middle, with each part to the side.
  4. Pro tip: the rear of the leggings works best resting on the back of your head.
  5. Take the sections of your hair from the top and wrap them around each side of the legging.
  6. Tie and secure your hair with a soft scrunchie to ensure you’re not leaving any crimps in the hair.
  7. Let the hair sit for about 2 hours and release. These curls tend to be a bit looser, so style as you desire.
2

Bantu Knots

Bantu knots, aka Chiney bumps, are a South African protective style that delivers vibrant, bouncy curls when taken down. This is one style you can slay, whether you're rocking a short 4C-textured hairstyle or have long, straight hair.

  1. Part dry or damp into desired sections.
  2. Apply styling product and brush it through.
  3. Separate your hair into two pieces and begin twisting.
  4. Once you get to the end of the twist, wrap the hair around itself until it forms a knot and tuck the ends into the bottom of the knot.
  5. Once your hair is dry, apply oil to your hands and take down the Bantu knots.
  6. Use a pick or a wide-tooth comb to fluff and shape.

Try Aunt Jackie's Frizz Patrol Anti-Poof Twist & Curl Setting Mousse.

3

Braid Your Hair

"One of the easiest ways to get loose waves without heat is to braid your hair at night and sleep with it," Fitzsimon says. That way, when you wake up in the morning, you have to undo the braids and apply a smoothing hair oil to tame any frizz.

  1. Comb your hair to get rid of tangles.
  2. Comb your hair into the desired placement of the braid.
  3. Section off your hair into three even sections.
  4. Overlap one outer strand over the middle strands and then repeat with the opposite strand.
  5. Continue to smooth the hair as you continue to braid.
  6. Braid all the way until the ends of the hair, and secure it with an elastic.

Try Ouidad's Advanced Climate Control Restore + Revive Bi-Phase Oil.

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4

Use Hair Rollers

You might think hair rollers are more your grandma's thing, but they don't have to be! According to Fitzsimons, these babies can easily give you heatless glam curls.

  1. Part and separate your hair.
  2. Apply a with a leave-in conditioner .
  3. Section off the hair and put the top of the roller in the middle of the section.
  4. Grab your hair from the ends and wrap your hair around the roller towards the top and secure it.
  5. Continue this method for all sections.
  6. Finish off with a hair wrap or bonnet and, for best results, wear overnight.
  7. Release curlers from the bottom of the neck up and then break apart curls using your fingers. Set with the

Try jumbo-size velcro rollers.

5

Use A Curling Headband

All you need for this method is a good old headband and a texturizing product. Put your headband on over your hair, Coachella-style, and dampen your locks with texture spray.

  1. Separate your hair into two sections
  2. Place the headband in the middle of your hair.
  3. Wrap hair around the length of the headband and secure it with a ponytail holder.
  4. Repeat on the other side.
  5. Allow hair to dry overnight.

Try Kitsch's Heatless Hair Curler.

6

French Twist

This French twist technique is a super easy way to achieve salon-like waves. Fitzsimmons recommends styling this one on dry hair.

  1. Twist sections of your hair together, almost in a braid-like fashion, and twist them into buns.
  2. Leave the twists in for 6-8 hours or overnight, and pull it out carefully to unravel the curls.
  3. Flip your hair over and shake it out a bit to give your curls a lived-in look, then seal the style with hairspray.
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7

Plop Your Hair

Though it's recently been popularized on TikTok, plopping is one of beauty's best-kept secrets. This method allows natural curls and waves to form with hair products overnight. Fitzsimmons suggests hair plopping when your hair is damp since air-drying is the key to successful styling.

  1. After washing your hair, detangle your locks with a wide tooth comb and then apply wave spray
  2. Apply a microfiber towel or T-shirt to your hair by flipping your head upside down while gently gathering the hair at the crown of your head using your hands, and then allow your head to rest in the fabric. Secure tightly.
  3. Once your fabric is secured, allow your hair to dry in the wrap for up to two hours.
  4. After you’ve allowed your hair to sit, release your hair from the wrap and continue to let it air dry until completely dry.
  5. Finish the look by applying a nourishing serum from mid-lengths to ends in a scrunching motion to define and hydrate your curls.
Headshot of Samantha Olson
Samantha Olson
Assistant News Editor

Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.  

Headshot of Jasmine Washington
Jasmine Washington
Assistant Editor

Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.

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