7 Ways to Get Heatless Curls "Natural Hair Tips"
If you love curls but you’re not about the heat life (or the damage), these seven methods deliver perfectly defined curls without turning on a tool. Heatless styling not only saves time, it also protects your strands from breakage, dryness, and split ends—making it one of the best natural hair tips for long-term growth.
Below you’ll find step-by-step guidance, with pro tutorials and curated extensions for styling shortcuts to make heat-free curls easier than ever.
1) Heatless Curls with Flexi Rods
- Start with stretched hair (you can stretch without heat by braiding after you wash).
- Apply a few drops of hair oil to keep it sleek and laid down; section from the back and lightly coat each section with foam wrap.
- Pro Tip: Place the middle of the rod halfway up the sectioned hair length. Wrap hair from mid-lengths to ends away from your face. Keep ends flat, then roll the top until it’s snug to your scalp and bend to lock.
- Air-dry (or use a fan). Remove rods, separate each coil, tease roots for fullness, and finish with edge control if desired.
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Explore the Collection2) Heatless Curls with Curlformers
- Apply your favorite styling product. Run the hook through the curlformer sleeve, place hair in the hook, and draw hair through.
- You can leave as-is or use an alternate wrap: start at the ends, wrap around your finger (like traditional curlers), roll up to the scalp, and pull the end through to secure.
- Pro Tip: Work in even sections and let hair dry 100% before removal to avoid flattening the curl pattern.
3) Heatless Curls with Bantu Knots
- Start on stretched hair. Apply a light oil and section; you can also add leave-in and detangle each section as you go.
- Twist from the roots, pinching flat as you twist. Coil into a knot and tuck ends under.
- Pro Tip: For tighter curls, create smaller knots; for softer waves, use larger sections. Sleep in a satin bonnet to set overnight.
4) Heatless Curls with a Braid-Out
- A no-tools classic: section hair into 6–8 large areas.
- Apply your styling product and braid flat. For example, do a center part and braid from the part down toward the sides.
- Let hair become completely dry before take-down. Rub a little oil on your hands to reduce frizz as you unravel, separate, and pick roots for volume; smooth edges if you like.
- Pro Tip: For stretch + definition, braid on damp hair; for more volume, braid on dry, lightly product-coated hair.
5) Basic Roller Setting
- Similar to a flexi-rod set. It’s best to start with stretched hair (though not mandatory).
- Section and apply your favorite styler. Starting at the tips, roll to the root and secure with the cover.
- Allow to dry fully, then remove, fluff, and enjoy polished curls.
- Pro Tip: Use larger rollers at the crown for lift and smaller rollers near the face for soft framing.
6) Bonus Hack: Instant Heatless Curls with Natural Wavy Extensions
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Add to CartPro Tip: Choose a length that matches your stretch pattern and use our Texture Concierge below if you’re between patterns.
7) Pin Curls
- Start with wet or damp hair; apply leave-in or your styling product.
- Section hair (smaller sections = tighter curls). Wrap each section around your finger, curl upward to the root, and secure with bobby pins.
- Once fully dry, remove pins and gently unfurl curls. If you created tight pin curls, remove pins without over-separating to keep definition.
- Pro Tip: Mist with a light hold spray before pinning and set overnight with a satin scarf for lasting, frizz-resistant definition.
Not Sure Which Texture to Choose?
Upload a photo and our experts will recommend a perfect match for your curl pattern.
Try the Texture ConciergeHeatless curls keep hair healthy and full of life—from flexi rods to braid-outs to premium raw extensions that hold a beautiful pattern without heat. When you’re ready for a faster routine, explore our authentic raw human hair collection.