How to Do Heatless Curls: Techniques for Gorgeous, Damage-Free Waves

Achieving stunning curls without heat damage is easier than ever! Heatless curls provide a fun, natural alternative to traditional heat-styling tools, delivering everything from soft waves to bouncy curls—all while protecting your hair’s health. Whether you’re aiming for casual beachy waves or polished curls for a special occasion, heatless styling is the perfect solution. Pair your routine with Revlon Professional’s innovative care and styling products to achieve salon-worthy results right in the comfort of your home.

 

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Why Choose Heatless Curls?

Frequent use of heat styling tools can leave your hair feeling a little lackluster. Over time, this can lead to damage, color fading and overall dullness that can affect your hair’s natural shine and strength. Heatless curls can offer a gentler solution, helping you maintain your hair’s vitality and gloss while still looking fabulous.

 

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Ideal for All Hair Types

Heatless curls are a versatile styling solution suitable for all hair types, whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, coily, fine, or thick. By adjusting the technique and choosing the right products for your hair type, you can create custom looks that perfectly match your style.

With just one application of the flexible-hold Style Masters™ Creator Memory Spray™, you can enjoy reworkable styles throughout the day, thanks to its innovative memory effect. This spray also adds volume, enhances natural texture, and provides a pliable hold for effortless, long-lasting results.

How to Get Perfect Heatless Curls

Heatless curling techniques allow you to create salon-worthy styles while keeping hair healthy. Let’s look at how!

Start with Clean, Damp Hair

Damp hair is more pliable and holds curls better as it dries. To create the perfect foundation, start by cleansing your hair with your favorite shampoo and conditioner. This step prepares the hair for heatless curls. If you haven’t tried it yet, explore the Eksperience™ line—featuring highly effective formulas that professionally treat, nourish, and replenish both your hair and scalp.

Detangle and Apply the Product

Before you begin, gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage and get the best curls. Next, apply a styling product tailored to your hair type and desired results. We highly recommend UniqOne™ Curly Hair Treatment, which provides 10 essential benefits for every type of curl. This all-in-one product simplifies your routine and delivers bouncy, defined curls with a natural finish—perfect for achieving great results effortlessly.

However, you can also explore the Stylemasters™ line, featuring a range of high-performance formulas designed to help you create beautiful hairstyles.

Once your chosen product is evenly applied (and don’t skimp—check the handy “how to use” guide on each product for best results!), divide your hair into sections based on the desired look. Opt for smaller sections to achieve tighter curls or larger sections for loose, flowing waves. Even sectioning is key to achieving a polished, uniform finish.

 

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Popular Heatless Curling Techniques

Here are some popular heatless curling techniques that deliver results while keeping your hair healthy!

The Classic Braid Method

Braiding is one of the simplest methods for achieving effortless, beachy waves. Just braid your hair before bed, and wake up to natural waves—no straightener or curling iron needed!

Step 1: Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles.

Step 2: Flip your head upside down and create a three-strand braid, beginning as close to the crown as possible. Secure the braid with a soft elastic band, leaving the ends free for a more natural look.

Step 3: In the morning, carefully unravel the braid to reveal loose, textured waves. For added volume, definition, and hold, apply Style Masters ™ AMPLIFIER MOUSSE ™. Work it through your hair with your fingers for a tousled, beach-inspired look.

Pro tip: A single braid gives loose waves, French braids offer more defined texture, and multiple smaller braids create added volume and detail.

Twist-Out Curls

For defined, spiral-like curls, two-strand twists are an excellent option.

• How to: Divide damp hair into small sections, twist two strands together tightly, and secure the ends. Let the twists set overnight. In the morning, unravel them gently and separate the curls with your fingers for a soft, voluminous finish.
• Pro tip: Apply a little bit of Style Masters ™ Creator Defining Gel™ to each section before twisting for defined and bouncy curls. This gel can be used on both wet and dry hair and helps preserve color.

The Sock or Robe Curl Technique

Turn ordinary household items into styling tools for voluminous curls!

• How to: Take a soft sock or a robe belt and wrap sections of damp hair around it. Secure the ends and leave it overnight. When you wake up, carefully unravel the hair to reveal luxurious, flowing curls.
• Pro tip: Lightly mist your hair after with Style Masters™ Glamourama. This lightweight natural-hold hairspray formula will give your heatless curl styles a touch of glamourous shine while helping preserve color.

Flexi Rods for Structured Curls

For more defined, bouncy curls, flexi rods are your best friend.

• How to: Wrap damp hair around the rods, bending them to hold securely in place. Allow the hair to set overnight or until it’s completely dry. For tighter curls, choose smaller rods, and for looser waves, go with larger ones.
• Pro tip: After your hair is dry and fresh out of the rollers, finish your look with Style Masters™ Must-Haves Photo Finisher™. This product provides highly defined, long-lasting styles with maximum hold. It’s easy to brush out and leaves no residue, giving a flawless finish every time.

Finishing Touches for Long-Lasting Heatless Curls

1. Gently unravel and shake out curls: Unravel your braids, twists, or rods gently to avoid frizz. Use your fingers to separate the curls instead of a brush to maintain their definition and texture.
2. Use light hold products to set the style: Happy with your look? Lock it in with some hairspray for added volume! We love Style Masters™ Volume Elevator Spray™, which gives you maximum volume and longer-lasting styles. For extra shine, apply a small amount of Orofluido™ Original Elixir. This remarkable hair treatment, enriched with sustainable argan oil, nourishes, smooths, and tames your hair, leaving it incredibly soft, shiny, and delicately scented with our signature fragrance.
3. Fluffing and styling for volume: To add volume, gently fluff your roots with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. For a fuller look, shake out the curls lightly while avoiding over-manipulation, which can lead to frizz.

Troubleshooting Common Heatless Curl Issues

Achieving perfect heatless curls isn’t always foolproof, but don’t worry! If you’re facing common curling challenges, we’ve got solutions to help you get the best results.

Frizzy or Undefined Curls

Prevent frizz by making sure the hair is damp (but not wet) and using the correct amount of product. Be consistent with your sections to avoid undefined curls.

Curls Not Holding

If your curls tend to fall flat, try stronger-hold products and be sure you leave the curls alone until they are dry! You can also create tighter braids and twists for added definition.

Uneven Curl Patterns

Create even sections and apply consistent tension while braiding, twisting, or rolling. If needed, touch up uneven curls with a spritz of water and re-style them using your preferred technique.

How to Maintain Heatless Curls Overnight

To keep curls looking fresh, loosely braid or twist your hair before bed. Use a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase to minimize friction and prevent frizz.

Revive your curls by misting them with RE/START™ Curls Next-Day Refreshing Tonic  and scrunching gently. Formulated with jojoba oil and a blend of defining sugars, this tonic provides instant definition and bouncy curls. It’s perfect for wavy to coily hair and helps reactivate curl definition and reduce frizz on day two.

With these pro tips, you can master the art of heatless curls and enjoy beautiful, damage-free waves every day. Make your routine to a luxurious, salon-inspired experience—because your hair deserves nothing less.

To book your appointment with a pro stylist, simply use our hair salon finder tool. If you are a stylist looking for more inspiration, go to our Revlon Pro Shop for all the products you need. Lastly, visit our 24/7 educational platform, #AlwaysOn to discover all the trends.