We Tried the TikTok-Famous Heatless Curler. Did It Work?

I was calling my friend via FaceTime when she popped up with her hair styled as a medieval princess. I had heard about the “heatless curls” trend on TikTok, so I suspected this explained her new Marie Antoinette-style braid. “You have to try this,” she told me. “You just wrap your hair around the band, sleep with it and you’ll have curls the next day!” After sending me pictures of the result and telling me how the locks lasted the entire day, I knew I had to try it out.

Now, to be completely honest, I love having wavy hair. But I rarely style it using a flat iron or curling tool to avoid applying too much heat to my hair. (I must also admit I’m not the best at using curling tools.) This heatless magic sounded like the perfect solution: easy to use, no damage and low cost. So, I ordered a kit. If you’re curious, read on for a step-by-step guide on how to use the heatless curler set — and to find out whether it worked.

Step 1:

To start off, you want your hair to be slightly damp. I waited for my hair to dry naturally after showering. If your hair is fully dry, you can lightly dampen it using a wet brush or spray bottle. Once it's damp, comb it thoroughly to get rid of any tangles.

Step 2:

Place the curling roller on top of your head and affix it with the hair clip so that it's easier to wrap.

Step 3:

Part your hair in half and bring each strand to the front of your chest.

Step 4:

Start wrapping the hair from one side. To do so, grab the strand that is closest to your face and wind it around the curling roller. Add an additional hair strand with each wrap. The tighter you wrap the strands, the curlier the results.

Step 5:

Once the hair is wrapped until the last strand, secure it with scrunchies. Do the same with the other side of your hair.

Step 6:

Once you’re done wrapping both sides of your hair, remove the hair clip and leave the hair roller on for two to five hours (or overnight).

Step 7:

Once the time has passed, remove the scrunchies and the hair roller by holding onto the top and pulling it upward. (For the purposes of this article, I left my hair wrapped for two hours, but you can leave it for longer.)

Step 8:

Slightly comb your hair with your fingers and voilà! This is the result.

Before and After:

Pros:

• It’s heatless, so it doesn’t damage your hair as much as a curling band or flat iron.
• There are different options with various price points. For example, the Curling Ribbon from Mermade Hair is more costly (retail price is $33), but Amazon has your back, as it has different budget-friendly options in stock.
• It doesn’t take a lot of time. Wrapping your hair around the curling rollers takes about three minutes (might take a little bit more at first), and you can either sleep with it, use it while you’re getting ready for a date or cook a nice meal rocking the Louis XVI style.
• The results are more natural than those from using a heated curling tool.
• It’s comfortable. If you make sure the hair strands are wrapped tightly, it won’t fall out easily and you’ll barely remember you’re using it (until your friend calls you via FaceTime and comments on your new hairstyle).
• It’s great for travel. The kit doesn’t take up a lot of space, and you can easily tuck it inside your backpack or carry-on bag.
• If you don’t know how to use a curling iron, this is an easier (and heat-free) option.

Cons:

• If you have curtain bangs (another TikTok trend), you need to buy a separate roll or curler to style them.
• If you move a lot during your sleep, the curls might loosen up a bit.
• Since you need to wrap your hair strands, it's easier for people with longer (and straighter) hair to use this tool.
• If your hair has more texture, some recommend running a blow-dryer before braiding your locks, although this might defeat the "heatless" purpose of the curler.
• The curls will not be as perfect as those done with a heated curling tool. In my case, it left my hair wavy — not curly and bouncy.

So, Should You Buy a Heatless Curler?

If you — like me — are looking for a new way to style your hair that doesn't damage it, I definitely recommend buying a heatless curler set. Yet, keep in mind that I am speaking from personal experience, and it might work differently when it comes to varying hair textures and lengths. If you want to try a safer option first, maybe try using your bathrobe tie for some #robecurls.