We experimented with different heatless curling techniques, but one stood out as the most effective.

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      If there’s one hair concern that weighs heavy on many minds, it’s heat damage. Fortunately, heatless curling techniques provide an excellent way to introduce curls and waves into your hair without the adverse effects associated with hot tools like curling wands, hot brushes, and multitaskers. As a beauty editor, I frequently test the latest hair tools. Although I’m diligent about using heat protection spray, damage from consistent hot tool usage is often unavoidable, particularly with daily use. Now that spring has finally arrived, it's the perfect time to set aside our hair tools and explore some heatless curl solutions.

      Searching for heatless curls on TikTok reveals thousands of videos showcasing a variety of techniques, with users claiming to achieve bouncy blowouts overnight or even on flights. Some methods involve wrapping hair around a curling ribbon to create curls, while others utilize socks, a robe tie (yes, really), or heatless rollers to add volume and bounce without coming into contact with any hot tools.

      However, while heatless curls are fantastic for maintaining hair health, they can be a bit tricky. They often require some effort, can be uncomfortable to sleep with, and I find myself questioning how the results measure up in real life compared to the seemingly flawless outcomes showcased on TikTok. This led me to enlist the Who What Wear UK team to each test a different heatless curl method, and we’re sharing our findings.

      **How We Tested**

      Over the past month, each of us set aside our hot tools and tried a different heatless curling method, including a curling ribbon, curling rods, Velcro rollers, and an air dry cream instead of heat styling. We documented our before-and-after results with the heatless curls and shared our honest assessments regarding usability and overall effectiveness. Read on to find out which heatless curling techniques came out on top.

      **The Best Heatless Curl Methods, Tried & Tested**

      **Curling Ribbon**

      Rating: 8/10

      Hold: 9/10

      Comfort while sleeping: 8/10

      How it works: This silk curling ribbon is attached to the top of the head with a clip, allowing you to wrap hair around either side before securing it with a scrunchie.

      Our verdict: "As someone with straight, somewhat thick hair, I've always desired curlier locks. Over the years, I've tried various methods to achieve this and was curious to test heatless curls as an alternative to traditional hot tools," says Jerrylyn Saguiped, Who What Wear UK's affiliates manager. Silke’s Heatless Curler offers a damage-free solution that promises lasting results. The kit contains a soft curling rod, two silk hairbands, and a clip. By securing the rod to the top of your head, you can wrap your hair around each end and fasten it with the silk bands. It sounds more complicated than it is, and it's surprisingly comfortable! I tried it with damp hair, sleeping with it overnight without issues (though side sleepers may need to adjust).

      When I removed the rod in the morning, the curls were very defined, and I initially worried they were too strong, but they softened throughout the day, leaving me with gorgeous waves reminiscent of a blowout. I didn't use any product, and the curls lasted for two days—far longer than I've ever experienced with my usual curling tong. Priced at £42, it leans towards the high end of heatless curlers; however, the 100% pure silk is gentler on hair and likely contributes to the longevity of the style. I've found myself reaching for this heatless curler more often than my hairdryer, so I consider it worth the investment, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed hair styling approach.

      **Curling Rods**

      Rating: 7/10

      Hold: 8/10

      Comfort while sleeping: 6/10

      How it works: You wrap sections of hair around each curling rod and twist the ends together to secure them. They can be used overnight or during the day to create enduring heatless curls.

      Our verdict: "What I really desire is textured hair that can hold waves and curls, but it seems the minute I try, they drop out," shares Sophie Cookson, Who What Wear UK ecom analyst. With long, fine, and thin hair, I require dry shampoo or salt spray to add texture. I've tested various tools—heated curls, straighteners, the Dyson Airwrap, and even a mer