In my almost 30 years of life, I've never learned to properly curl my hair. I know, I know...so embarrassing. But that's what happens when your grandma was a hairdresser and always did it for you. I own a great curling iron and make it work when necessary, but I much prefer a done-by-someone-else blowout—or throwing some socks in my hair and falling fast asleep. So naturally, heatless curls are everything to me.
My fine hair falls flat almost immediately when met with heat, but a night spent wrapped around flexible rods gives it bouncy curls for days—without a trace of damage. "Heatless curls are perfect when you’re giving your hair a break from heat styling or you’re in a growth phase and want to keep strands healthy and strong. Plus, it’s a time-saver because you set it and forget it while you sleep, glam, or run errands. No heat, no rush, and you get beautiful results," explains Danielle Priano, a celebrity hairstylist and SexyHair Brand Ambassador.
Kimberlee Blakley, a trichologist and Senior Director of Product Development at The Mane Choice, adds that heatless curling is a great option for those with highly sensitized hair from the bleach bowl or other chemical processes. Even if you have the best heat protectants on hand and have no qualms about twisting a flat iron through your locks, in my opinion, there's something satisfying about releasing a roller and watching a tendril tumble down.
"Heatless curls have become popular for a few reasons. It’s a mix of beauty trends, awareness, and social-media influence," explains celebrity hairstylist and Kristin Ess Hair Artistry Team stylist Sabrina Porsche. "People are more conscious of long-term hair health now. Repeated heat styling can lead to dryness, breakage, and loss of shine, so a method that gives curl without damage feels like a smart decision. A lot of people see heatless curls as a way to preserve the integrity of their blowouts or color-treated hair, especially blondes and textured hair clients who are more prone to damage."
There's really no downside—except maybe not having an excuse to be late for that morning meeting anymore. Continue reading to discover the best heatless curlers on the market, along with expert tips to help you maximize the benefits of your chosen heatless curling method.
The Best Heatless Curlers
- The Best Heatless Curlers Overall: Sleepy Tie The Curly Tie
- The Best Affordable Heatless Curlers: Lily England Heatless Curlers
- The Best Velcro Roller Heatless Curlers: Trademark Beauty Velcro Rollers
- The Best Heatless Curlers for Curl Maintenance: Kitsch Rosewood Satin Flexi Rods
- The Best Heatless Curlers for Volume: Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers
The Curly Tie was inspired by the viral sock method for heatless curls, but they made it better. This long, soft sock material contraption clips on top of your head; you then wrap your hair around each side before flipping the bottoms up and over and securing them with the attached satin scrunchie ribbon. Fall asleep or hang out for a few hours, then take it off to find the softest, most-defined curls.
Type: Sock method
Contains: The Curly Tie (a one-piece wonder)
What I Love: Couldn't be easier to use; Just one piece, so storage is easy; Material feels high quality; Defined curls
What I Don't: Nothing
Review for MC: "Sleepy Tie's namesake signature double-scrunchie method is smart, but I have to say this is my favorite invention. After testing numerous heatless curlers, I'd grown accustomed to the tediousness of having one hand wrapped around a silk rod, a claw clip on top of my head, and rollers falling out, etc. Then I clipped this little number on and wrapped my hair around it in one go. I fell asleep easily, had sweet dreams, and woke up to the most picturesque ringlet curls I've ever seen. I didn't even brush them through right away because I was so enchanted. Where was this thing when I went to prom?" — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky is all about the curly tie, which was so simple to use and gave her the most gorgeous, soft curls.
There are numerous heatless curling kits like this on the market, and the truth of the matter is that they all essentially do the same thing. And yet, I'm faithful to this one. Besides providing you with everything you need—including a comb to brush out those curls come morning—this rod is extra-long, meaning it can easily accommodate long hair. That said, if your hair is on the shorter side, fold the edges up—it's easy because the rod is equipped with a very thin wire. You can bend it to create looser or tighter curls, depending on what look you're going for.
Type: Rod
Contains: Rod, two scrunchies, wide-tooth comb, and claw clip
What I Love: The price is right; Comfortable; Includes everything you need; Extra-long length
What I Don't: Nothing
Review for MC: "I'm going to be honest and tell you that I haven't perfected the whole 'looser curl' thing. Each time I wear this, I end up with tight, bouncy ringlets—but the lesson will come in time, and for now, I take comfort in the fact that it's doing exactly what it says it'll do: provide heatless curls. I found the entire process of this kit to be incredibly easy, and I had a great time experimenting with my new ringlets and corresponding personality in the days that followed. The finished product lasts a long time." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Lily England's ultra-affordable heatless curling set gave Sophia Vilensky some major texture. You can only imagine how cute the low ponytail that came after this was.
There are many velcro rollers available, but this set is especially great. It contains 18 super-grippy hot pink rollers in three sizes (you'll find selections of 6, 4.8, and 3.6 centimeters) so you can personalize your curls—go big for voluminous curls and small for tight curls. It also contains 18 clips to make sure they stay in place.
Type: Self-grip rollers
Contains: 18 rollers, 18 clips, and a carrying case
What I Love: Includes multiple sizes of curlers (and clips! and a cute carrying case!); Easy to follow instructions; Nice price
What I Don't: You certainly can't take a comfortable nap in these
Review for MC: "I originally got these rollers to work alongside Trademark's very good Hot Rod Thermal Brush, but it turns out they're great on their own, too. While I'm by no means precious when it comes to putting rollers in (you should see how slick some TikTokers make it look), wrapping my dry and lightly moussed hair in these is a guaranteed way to gain some impressive volume. I'm so glad the clips are included, but will say they stay in better than others I've tried, even without them." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky tested Trademark Beauty's Self-Grip Hair Rollers, then cancelled her next blowout in favor of hanging out in her bedroom for a few hours and using them again.
Blakley recommends flexible, or flexi, rods for creating tighter, more defined styles. Depending on the size of the rods, you can create tight waves or curls from root to tip. This set from Kitsch (a heatless curl powerhouse that stocks flexi rods, kits of all sizes, and any other accessories you may need) comes in a variety of soft colors. You can also get them in a jumbo size if you want a bigger, bouncier look.
Type: Flexi rods
Accessories: Six rods
What I Love: Satin fabric feels nice; Great for tight styles or a bouncy look; Easy to use once you get the hang of it; Comfortable to sleep in
What I Don't: Might require additional tools (like scrunchies or clips) to keep the rods in place; Harder to use with layered hair
Review for MC: "While it took me a little time to learn how to wrap a section of hair without it uncoiling, I was extremely impressed once I got the hang of Kitsch's Satin Flexi Rods. Next to the Curly Tie, this was the comfiest set of heatless curlers to sleep in, and I loved the results right away...except for the fact that my curls were somewhat asymmetrical. That's okay, though! Sometimes you need to rock a side part. Compliments flew my way." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky's flexi-rod curls were a little asymmetrical, but that's nothing a good side part can't fix.
Anyone who has visited a Drybar location knows that the brand excels in volume. That said, if you don't have time to visit a salon, this set of rollers comes in handy to amp up your look at home. This simple set of six rollers comes in two sizes, designed for creating fullness at your crown. The set probably won't cover your entire head if you have thick or lengthy hair (grab a couple packs if you love them!), but it will definitely give your bangs the boost they need post-blowout.
Type: Self-grip rollers
Contains: Six rollers
What I Love: Adds volume; Cute color; Kit includes different sizes
What I Don't: If you have a lot of hair, you may need to buy more than one pack; No clips included
Review for MC: "Truth be told, I ran into a bit of trouble during the first step of the roller process. These did not want to stay in place, instead preferring to flop from one side to another. But that's nothing a pin can't fix, and it was all worth it in the end. After unrolling my hair, I found my blowout completely refreshed, volume restored." — Sophia Vilensky, Contributing Beauty Writer
Sophia Vilensky loves Drybar's big yellow rollers for a volume refresh. And yes, she eventually changed out of her robe.
This satin set was made to prevent frizz and keep your hair soft and moisturized. Alongside both a long rod and a set of flexi rods, it comes with a couple of (cute) scrunchies, a claw clip, and a matching pillowcase to help you get the sweetest night's sleep—sans any frizz—dreaming of all the good hair days ahead.
Type: Rod and flexi-rods
Contains: Long rod, claw clip, four flexi rods with matching caps, two scrunchies, and a matching pillowcase
What I Love: Provides everything you need and more
What I Don't: I wish it were made of silk, like Mermade Hair's standalone Heatless Curling Kit
Review for MC: "I really wasn't sure what to expect with this heatless curls tool; I've been loyal to my curling iron for well over a decade. Alas, I haphazardly wrapped some hair around it and crawled into bed. I was surprisingly comfortable wearing it (I had been skeptical), and it didn't give me a headache. Come morning, I just pulled it out and was greeted by big, bouncy curls. It did a fairly good job of taming frizz, although I still threw some hair oil on my ends for good measure. It wasn't as flawless as some videos make heatless curls seem (I added a few curling iron waves in there), but overall, it sped up the styling process." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
If you like to regularly mix up your style, consider a set of heatless curlers in multiple sizes. This option from Conair includes both 1-inch rods and 3/8-inch rods, allowing you to tackle both loose curls and tight coils. Blakley says bendy plastic curling rods like these are "similar to flexi rods but typically longer and more versatile for creating various curl sizes."
Type: Flexi rods
Accessories: 18 rods and a carrying case
What I Love: Can create different curl types; Nice for long hair; Comes with 18 individual rods; Affordable
What I Don't: Less comfortable to sleep in; Plastic doesn't feel as amazing in your hair as silk or satin
Customer Review: "I like that there are two sizes and plenty to cover all my hair. I have long hair, past my mid-back, and they work great. After a bit of practice, I am creating beautiful curls without any heat. No, they are not comfy to sleep on, but if you place them right then it's manageable." — Target
Behold: My first introduction to the world of heatless curlers, and the reason I showed up at school looking like Shirley Temple every so often. A set like this (with that nostalgic pink color) never fails to produce bouncy, defined ringlets. Thanks to that not-so-comfortable but practical plastic clasp, they'll also stay in place all night long.
Type: Sponge rollers
Accessories: 18 pack
What I Love: A true classic; Stay in place all night; Provide the bounciest ringlets
What I Don't: Not great for long, thick hair
Customer Review: "I used to used rollers in high school back in the '90s. Now in my 40s I wanted something easy and classy. These absolutely delivered. I slept with them overnight and they were comfortable, woke up in the morning, took them off, and had amazing results. I actually styled my hair two days with the curls from one night." — Amazon
Silk is superior for hair thanks to its ability to retain moisture, reduce friction, and ultimately be more breathable. The smooth material prevents frizz and dryness and can be easily removed. Though spendier than any other option on this list, this heatless curler set from Silke London has it all. It comes with a silk heatless curler, two silk scrunchies, and a cute clip that you can use with the rest of the kit—or on its own once your hair is styled.
Type: Rod
Contains: Silk rod, two silk hair ties, hair clip, and carrying case
What I Love: Made from premium material; Comes with everything you need for heatless curls; That clip is very cute
What I Don't: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "I use this nearly every night and wake up with the most beautiful curls! My hair is pretty long and it wraps around the rods easily and it's comfortable to wear overnight! Also leaves my hair very shiny and healthy due to it being silk." — Anthropologie
This curling headband is designed for everyday wear, although you can also wear it overnight if you prefer. To use, simply tie it around itself or use pins and scrunchies to keep it in place. Because it's made from satin, it slides off easily, doesn't get tangled, and won't cause breakage.
Type: Headband
Contains: Headband and two scrunchies
What I Love: Comfortable; Smart design that contains flexible wire
What I Don't: Not suitable for tight curls; Long hair might run out of space
Customer Review: "This headband is so fast and easy to use; and I love the curls! I was worried about it getting tangled, but no issues. It only takes me 2 minutes to wrap up my hair. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do it because I haven’t ever learned to French braid, but it is super easy to learn! Then I wear it into work and take it down before my first meeting. Most days I don’t even use any product." — Target
What Should I Look for in Heatless Curlers?
- Comfort
If you intend to sleep in your heatless curlers, it's important to prioritize comfort. "I love the robe belt method or soft foam rods. It’s something gentle so you’re comfortable if you’re sleeping in them," says Priano. Some other tips she has for the prettiest, comfiest curls? "Wrap with tension but not too tight, and always protect the hairline. I put a soft scarf or silk wrap around the hairline so it stays smooth and laid."
- Style
When shopping the best heatless curlers, keep the type of curl you want to rock in mind. Flexi rods can be bent and twisted into various forms for a customized look, while velcro and foam rollers provide a more consistent curl, depending on the size you choose. Long rods, headbands, and the Curly Tie are a little more choose-your-own-adventure; the tighter you wrap your hair, the tighter your curls will be.
- Hair Type
Heatless curlers may not work effectively on every hair type or haircut. If your hair is super thick, for instance, it may be more challenging for it to hold the style. If you have a layered cut, you may find it difficult to wrap all your hair in the device.
On the other hand, some (like me!) might find that heatless curlers work better on their hair than even the best curling irons. "With heatless curls, the hair has more time to set in shape, especially if you’re sleeping in them. It’s like a long, gentle molding process instead of a quick heat-and-cool moment," explains Priano. "For very resistant hair, heatless curling often gives longer-lasting body and movement."
Porsche notes that finer and smoother hair textures may respond better to these options because they don't have to contend with quick, high heat. "A hot curling iron can shape the hair quickly, but if the hair is too smooth or overly conditioned, it will relax itself just as fast unless it’s cooled properly or pinned right after," explains the expert.
How Do I Use Heatless Curlers?
Graciano suggests kicking off your styling session by priming your hair. You'll want it freshly washed (and almost dried) for best results. You'll divide it into sections starting from where you wear your part, combing each section to ensure there are no tangles before wrapping it around your heatless curler of choice.
"The larger the sections, the looser the curl will be. If you want more curls, go smaller," she explains. Then sleep, or watch a couple of movies, or do whatever else you want to do while the best heatless curlers work their magic. An overnight set always works best, but six to eight daytime hours can also be effective. Before you know it, it'll be removal time.
"If you put your heatless curlers in while your hair is damp, make sure it's completely dry before you remove them, Graciano adds. "To finish, unroll the hair and add some working product to add shine and reduce friction-caused frizz, like Goldie Locks Signature Serum."
Should My Hair Be Wet or Dry?
While researching your ideal heatless curlers, you may notice that instructions for dry versus wet use vary. Some kits promise to work fresh out of the shower, while others say your strands need to be totally dry.
The experts' take? The best place is somewhere in between. "I suggest starting with hair that’s 80 to 90 percent dry," Priano says. "If it’s too wet, the curls won’t set; too dry, and the hair won’t mold. Make sure sections are even and tension is consistent when you wrap the hair as well."
Integrating the right products will set you up for even more success. "The prep is what makes or breaks heatless curls! I would start with slightly damp hair, but not too wet. If your hair is too wet, then your curls won’t dry overnight, and your hair will fall out immediately when taking it down," agrees Porsche. "Use either the Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray or the Instant Lift Volumizing Mousse to help form the curls and add hold."
@tatlafata I meannnnn, this is why I have no trust issues with my hair 🤭 18 hours in the heatless rods delivered
♬ original sound - Tatyana
How Do I Fix Too Tight of Curls?
If your curls end up a little too curly, there are a couple of ways you can tone them down. "I suggest brushing them out gently with a wide paddle brush and adding a touch of lightweight oil like SexyHair Love Oil or shine spray on the ends," notes Priano. "You can also flip your head upside down and give it a gentle shake to let them relax into a wave."
Graciano says stretching the curls with your hands can help, too. "The more you play with the hair, the more the hair will start to settle," she explains. "The natural oils in your hands will also allow you to manipulate those curls so they become softer overall."
How Do I Prep My Hair Before Heatless Curlers?
"Goldie Locks Smoothing Cream is a great air-dry product that prevents frizz and gives the hair a healthy bounce and shine. You can also add some products with texture for extra grit and hold like a sea salt spray," says Graciano. "Ensure you comb the product through for even distribution and you don’t leave any tangles in the hair before wrapping."
As with any hairstyling conversation, it's also essential to keep your strands hydrated and healthy. Priano likes the SexyHair Healthy Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner, which offers lightweight conditioning that keeps curls dry and smooth, not fuzzy.
For my own heatless curler testing journey, I regularly washed my hair with Honeyque's Shampoo and Conditioner to ensure weightless hydration. I also added Treecell's Recovery Essence (it's a haircare product, but the ingredient list reads like skincare!) for some extra support. There wasn't heat damage to contend with, but trying a variety of long-lasting curly styles meant numerous showers to reset and prepare for the next go-around.
When Should I Use Heatless Curlers?
Although wearing your heatless curlers overnight is the most common option, you can adjust the process to fit your schedule.
"Overnight is the most popular and most effective because you can get longer-lasting curls. When you wake up, all you have to do is take your hair down and you’re ready to go," says Porsche.
"If you try heatless curls in the morning, you’ll end up with a softer curl pattern. This method is beneficial for individuals who prefer not to sleep in their curls. Also, if you want to add shape to already formed heatless curls, you can wear them for a few hours."
How We Tested
Contributing Beauty Writer Sophia Vilensky found the best heatless curlers on the market based on customer reviews, Marie Claire editor recommendations, expert recommendations, and her own testing. After receiving samples of numerous kits, she spent weeks saying "who needs a good night of sleep anyway" and slept in various levels of discomfort in favor of waking up with bouncy curls. She evaluated each product based on ease of use, price, material, and how gorgeous they made her hair look, obviously.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts
New York-based hairstylist Danielle Priano flawlessly executes effortless, timeless and feminine glamour for an impressive roster of celebrity, commercial, and editorial clientele.
There is a magical quality to her endlessly inspiring energy and incredible talent. Coupled with her tenacity, Danielle has established herself as one of the leading hairstyling and spokesperson powerhouses in the industry. When a door opens for Danielle, she is sure to be invited back, again and again.
Danielle’s vast body of work especially translates to her mastery styling multi-disciplinary celebrities. Jennifer Lopez, Lindsay Lohan, Addison Rae, Hailey Bieber, Cara Delevingne and more—these talents parallel her commitment to cross all aspirational genres and career lanes in the media landscape.
Sabrina Porsche, originally from San Jose, CA, has over 22 years of experience as a hairstylist. Today, Sabrina's client list includes some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, including Beyoncé, JLo, Eva Longoria, Khloe Kardashian, Shay Mitchell, and Joan Collins. Sabrina's love for creativity and innovation shines through in every style she creates.
Graciano is a seasoned product development professional with over a decade of dedicated experience specializing in the dynamic realm of hair care. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in collaborating with a diverse range of entities—CPG giants, pioneering startups, and established brands—to sculpt and refine hair care products that transcend industry standards.
Kimberlee Blakley is the Senior Director of Product Development and Trichologists at haircare brand The Mane Choice. She is certified in both trichology and cosmetology. Currently, she's based in New York City.
