Editor Tip: While these rollers don’t require heat, the results will last longer if your hair is slightly warm before wrapping.
Material: Plastic | Included Accessories: 6 rollers | Who It’s For: People who prefer traditional-style heatless curling
Best for Short Hair: Invisibobble Heatless Curling Set
Why It’s Worth It: Invisibobble’s Heatless Curling Set is an effective, affordable option that covers all the bases. The champagne-colored, TikTok-revered set yields soft waves and looks pretty classy in the process. It comes in an especially giftable box, perfect for your younger sister or cousin who wants to play with different hairstyles but isn’t quite old enough to use heat.
Editor Tip: This set works best for short to mid-length hair, as some users find the rod is too short for long hair (past the shoulders).
Material: Polyester | Included Accessories: Curling rod, two scrunchies | Who It’s For: People with shorter hair
Most Versatile: RobeCurls Satin Heatless Hair Curler
Why It’s Worth It: This headband-style curler works just as well as an out-of-the-house hair accessory as a before-bed heatless tool. RobeCurls’s Satin Heatless Hair Curler creates 1 to 1.5-inch, damage-free ringlets that last all day and look good the whole time. The headband has a comfortable, microfiber lining and is constructed with a satin charmeuse fabric to curb frizz and help keep split ends at bay.
Editor Tip: With your RobeCurls purchase, you get a free 1:1 consultation with one of the brand’s curl experts to help you figure out your perfect style.
Material: Satin charmeuse | Included Accessories: Curling headband, two scrunchies | Who It’s For: People who want long-lasting curls
Frequently Asked Questions
How do heatless curlers work?
“Heatless curls work because the temporary hydrogen bonds between the keratin protein structures of your hair strands can be rearranged to assume the shape of anything that they dry around,” says New York City-based hairstylist Devin Toth. In other words, if your hair is in a particular shape for a long time, it will naturally hold.
And the science behind shaping wet or damp hair? “The simple process of manipulating hair texture by molding it as it transitions from wet to dry is known as a set,” Toth explains. “Whether it be a blazing hot curling iron rod or a room temperature satin heatless curling rod, your hair will keep its new curly form until it gets wet because water breaks down the hydrogen bonds and creates new ones.” Keep this in mind when you step out of the shower.
What’s the difference between curls created with heat and curls created with heatless curlers?
“Curls created with thermal styling tools are quicker to make but get damaged in the process, can be a little limp, and do not last all day,” Toth continues. “Curls created by heatless methods take a bit longer to make but remain undamaged by heat and keep a lot more bounce throughout the day.” Another difference between the two methods is the appearance of the curls. “Visually, heated curls look more intentional and forced; in other words, fake. While heatless curls look effortless, uncontrived, imperfect, and like natural hair,” says Toth. Does that not make for a solid case, or what?