Heatless Curls Overnight: Step-by-Step Tutorial Using Household Items

Curling your hair with hot tools isn't the only way to achieve beautiful curls. And it's a good thing because, over time, all that heat leads to breakage, split ends, and frizz.

Forget using a heat protectant, flat iron, and other hot styling tools. You can reduce damage and achieve heatless curls (or heatless waves) overnight with other methods.

It doesn't matter if you have short hair or long hair. These super easy, damage-free techniques will help you say hello to happy, shiny curls and goodbye to frizzy, dull ones.

3 Methods to Curl Hair Overnight Without Heat

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says "overnight curls" is hair rollers. (We've seen plenty of Nanas wearing them.)

This traditional method works well to get heatless curls overnight. But, Velcro rollers can lead to damage—especially when paired with a blow dryer.

So, let's explore some other ways to achieve heatless curls overnight. Plus, you can save time by not wrapping those rollers around your entire head.

But first, an important tip:

All the following methods call for detangled, semi-damp hair and the application of a styling product.

Depending on your hair texture, you can use a leave-in conditioner, mousse, curl cream, or volumizing spray. If you haven't recently washed your hair, mist your strands with water first.

Method #1: Try Sock Curls for Defined Overnight Texture

Want soft, defined curls without using heat? Sock curls are a fun, no-damage method—perfect for waking up with salon-worthy hair.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 clean crew socks (yes, really!)

• Large hair clips

• Silk scrunchies or gentle hair ties

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Divide your hair into four sections—two in front, two in back.
Step 2: Take a sock and use a clip to fasten it at the top of one section, close to your scalp.
Step 3: Begin twisting your hair around the sock in a crisscross pattern, forming an X as you move from root to tip.
Step 4: When you reach the bottom, secure the end with a silk scrunchie to avoid creases and breakage.
Step 5: Repeat the process for the remaining sections.
Step 6: Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and friction.
Step 7: In the morning, carefully unwind each curl using your fingers—avoid brushing to preserve the shape and bounce.

🧦 Tip: Silk scrunchies are better than basic elastics. They’re gentle on strands and help maintain moisture overnight.

✨ Bonus: This method works for all hair textures and adds serious volume without damage.

Method #2: Twist Hair Around a Robe Tie (No Heat Needed)

Looking for a cute and easy way to get overnight curls? This no-heat method works for all hair types and delivers soft, bouncy curls by morning.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Start with dry or slightly damp hair.
Step 2: Part your hair down the middle, creating two equal sections.
Step 3: Take a bathrobe tie, hair ribbon, or silk scarf and place it over your head like a headband. Use 1–2 large clips to secure it near your crown.
Step 4: On one side, take a small piece of hair and twist it around the robe tie, adding more hair as you go—similar to a French braid.
Step 5: Repeat on the other side. Secure both ends with soft scrunchies.
Step 6: Leave it in overnight to let your curls form while you sleep.
Step 7: In the morning, gently unwrap the twists using your fingers—no brushing.
Step 8: For extra hold and reduced frizz, finish with a light curl spray or serum.

✨ This method avoids heat damage while enhancing your natural texture
✨ Works great on both straight and curly hair

Method #3: Braid semi-damp hair

A simple yet effective way to achieve heatless curls overnight is to put braids in your hair.

For loose waves, braid your hair into two sections. For tighter curls, divide your hair into small sections (at least 4) before braiding.

Braid the bottom half of each section around a hair ribbon for best results. You'll be rewarded with beautiful curls.

Tips and Tricks for Short Hair

If your hair's not long, don't worry. Here are some special tips to achieve heatless curls for short hair:

• As long as your hair isn't much shorter than a bob, you can try all the above methods! You might need to knot or wrap the leftover length of hair ribbon, sock, waist tie, etc. so that it doesn't dangle loosely.
• You may want to add flexible curling rods to your heatless curls repertoire, especially if your hair already has some texture. Like traditional rollers, wrap small sections of hair around the rods before going to sleep.
• If you have very short hair, you can still obtain heatless curls for short hair. Create pin curls—roll hair and pin pieces with clips or bobby pins.
• After setting hair using the desired method, slip a Blissy Bonnet over your head to wake up to frizz-free heatless curls in the morning!

Protect and Maintain Your Hairstyle

Protect your heatless curls while they work for you overnight!

Maintain your style and prolong the life of your curls by wearing a chic Blissy Bonnet to bed and by sleeping on a luxe Blissy Pillowcase.

Our bonnet is crafted from pure mulberry silk, which will keep your hair hydrated while reducing frizz and breakage. It's wonderful for protecting other textures and hairstyles, too, like curly hair, braids, and hair extensions.

Up your hair and skincare game even more with our silk pillowcase, which is nearly friction-free, non-drying, and ultra-soft.

Ready to Wake Up to Cute Curls?

Experiment with these fun and easy methods to get heatless curls overnight—you won't be disappointed.

Not only will your hair thank you, but you'll look fabulous with minimal effort. And, it's a great excuse to pamper yourself with silk!

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