Heatless curling isn't a new trend, but it's currently enjoying a well-deserved moment in the world of hair styling. The time-tested method doesn't damage your hair like a curling iron, and while the results take a few hours, it's relatively easy once you get the hang of it.

"Heatless curls start with wrapping hair around a silk or satin material, then removing it to reveal mermaid-like waves," says celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble. Whether you're going for Gisele Bündchen waves, bouncy Kate Middleton curls, or early-era Taylor Swift ringlets, you can achieve the look with one of these fabric-wrapped rods.

To help you narrow down your choices, our team of 23 testers spent 529 total hours testing 23 different heatless curling products. We tested each curler, leaving them in for at least two hours and rating each based on their ease of use, comfort, curling ability, and product durability, as well as how the hair looked and felt after using, from frizziness to shine.

These are the best heat-free hair curling kits for creating a professional-looking blowout with twists, twirls, spirals, or waves.

Our Top Picks

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Comfort

  5/5

• Curling Ability

  4.8/5

• Hair Look & Feel

  4.9/5

• Durability

  5/5

• These heatless curlers are durable and constructed from silky fabric that doesn’t cause damage to strands.

• We tested this on stubborn strands that don’t typically curl (even with a curling iron) and achieved bouncy curls.

• The silk rod is comfortable enough to wear while sleeping on your side.

• The wrap loosened a bit overnight, but it didn’t impact our curl style.

• We wish the carrying case were a bit more compact for travel.

After testing several heatless curlers, we were most impressed by the Silke London Heatless Curler set, which comes with a large silk-wrapped foam curling rod, two silk hair ties, and a claw clip. We tested this option on stubborn strands that don’t typically curl — even with the heat from a traditional curling iron — and were able to achieve a bouncy curl look that actually stayed intact without falling to the point of a light wave. 

The heatless curler is constructed from a super soft silk-wrapped foam rod that sits nicely on top of the head and is comfortable enough for all-night wear (even if you’re a side sleeper). It has a simple design that is easy to use, even if you are new to heatless curlers. Since the wrap is made from a silky material, it loosens a little during the night. However, this doesn’t impact the curl, and you can still achieve a bouncy look while also protecting the hair from heat and friction. 

In addition to the curl and ease of use, this heatless curler comes with a carrying case that stores everything together when not in use. While it is a little too large for traveling, we love that we can keep everything together so that we don’t lose track of the pieces. 

Material: Silk-wrapped foam | Included Pieces: Curler, two hair ties, claw clip

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4/5

• Comfort

  4/5

• Curling Ability

  4.5/5

• Hair Look & Feel

  4/5

• Durability

  5/5

• The application process is very intuitive, so it’s an excellent option for beginners.

• If you use a claw clip to secure it in place, it keeps everything very secure on the head so you don’t have to worry about it moving around in the night.

• It’s easy to travel with (we brought ours to Europe!).

• If you want curly hair for a nighttime event, you will need to touch up with a curling iron (especially in the back of the head) as hairstyles can fall throughout the day.

• We wish the kit included a claw clip to help keep the hair secure.

For a budget-friendly option, we recommend The Vintage Cosmetic Company Satin Heatless Foam Hair Curler. This under-$10 heatless curler features a classic rod design with two satin scrunchies to tie everything in place. The application process is very intuitive, making it a great option for beginners as well as experienced users. It’s also incredibly comfortable to sleep in (though side sleeping is a little tricky with this option) and stays in place without loosening, especially if you use a claw clip to secure everything down.

We also love how compact this heatless curler option is. While you do need to provide your own travel pouch, the kit features two scrunchies that pack down easily and the curler, which you can coil up to take up less space. When conducting this test, we brought the curler to Europe and had no issues with the size and storing it when not in use.

The only downside to this curling option is that it works best when used overnight and is, therefore, not ideal for nighttime events. While you can achieve a gorgeous, bouncy curl, it can fall a little (especially in the back) and require touch-ups with a more traditional curling iron when getting ready for evening plans.

Material: Satin wrapped foam | Included Pieces: Curler, two scrunchies

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  3.5/5

• Comfort

  4.5/5

• Curling Ability

  4.5/5

• Hair Look & Feel

  4.5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Since they are made from a silky foam material, they are comfortable enough to sleep on.

• There are multiple curlers, so it’s easier to achieve a more ringlet effect.

• Achieving curls in the back of your head can get tricky with the traditional rod style. These curl your hair in sections, including the back.

• We wish this set came with more curlers.

• Compared to the single rod style, there is a bit of a learning curve, but once you learn how, the process becomes much more intuitive.

If you like the heatless curling rod concept but want something that gives you a little more control over your style, we recommend the Kitsch Flexi Rods Satin. These heatless curlers come in a set of six mini rods and are designed to give you a tighter, more ringlet-style curl that you can leave as is or brush out for a wavy effect. 

In addition to the style, we love that these curlers allow you to target the back of your head better, which isn’t always the case with traditional heatless curling rods. On top of that, they are made from a super soft and silky foam material, so they are ultra-comfy and easy to sleep on (even with a few extra pieces in the back). Not sure how to use heatless curlers? Kitsch has helpful videos to show the process, including a 13-second video that shows how to wrap your hair around the curling rod.

Material: Satin and foam | Included Pieces: Six curling rods

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.5/5

• Comfort

  5/5

• Curling Ability

  4/5

• Hair Look & Feel

  3.5/5

• Durability

  4/5

• These are incredibly comfortable and stay in place all throughout the night.

• They have a quick and easy application process and, if you do need some support, cozycurlers has lots of online tutorials you can follow to achieve a desired look.

• They work well for all hair types, even thick hair.

• They provide a lot more volume compared to traditional curling irons.

If you want a more targeted (and tighter) curl style, we recommend the Cozycurlers Short Cozy Curlers. These curlers are made from a soft, plush, and comfortable foam material with a built-in fishnet cover to keep everything in place without the discomfort of the more traditional plastic snap closures. When testing these out, we found that they work best for a tighter, more ringlet style curl. Though, depending on your hair length, you can also achieve an old Hollywood wave look if you brush out your curls and apply anti-frizz serum. 

Throughout the testing period, we were most impressed by how easy these are to apply — they’re just as intuitive as traditional foam rollers, without the painful plastic snap closures — and how comfortable they are when sleeping on them. Additionally, the sponge material makes them super easy to clean (just use a little bit of dish soap with some water and rinse) and is gentle enough on the strands to provide a curl without causing damage. 

Material: Foam | Included Pieces: Eight foam curlers with fishnet covers

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.6/5

• Comfort

  5/5

• Curling Ability

  3.7/5

• Hair Look & Feel

  3.8/5

• Durability

  4.2/5

• It’s incredibly comfortable to sleep in and stays put throughout the night without moving around or loosening up.

• At first, curls are tight and then they fall slightly to reveal a bouncy wave.

• We tried this heatless curler on dry hair and found that it still worked well at styling strands.

• There is a bit of a learning curve, but with the help of included tutorial videos, it’s easy to learn how to apply the heatless curlers.

• We tested this on long hair and with that the rod was a little longer to better accommodate our hair length.

Our top pick for the most comfortable heatless curlers is the Halo hair Labs Icy Halo Heatless Curling Kit. This curling kit comes with a curling halo that is designed to work similar to the rod, only it snaps in place to create a halo around the head (hence the name), plus a claw clip and two hair ties to secure everything together. Constructed from vegan silk, the curler has an ultra-smooth texture that doesn’t cause friction or frizz and helps hair retain its moisture, too. On top of that, it’s comfortable enough for long wear, even if you’re a side sleeper. 

Aside from its comfort levels, the heatless curler stays in place well and doesn’t really move around or loosen up, so you don’t have to worry about your curls coming undone in the night. At first, curls appear tight and coiled, then they fall slightly to reveal a bouncy wave look. For best results, you’ll want to use this on damp hair. However, we also tested this on dry hair and found that it helps create volume and soft waves. 

Material: Vegan silk | Included Pieces: Curling halo, claw clip, two hair ties

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.8/5

• Comfort

  4.6/5

• Curling Ability

  4.7/5

• Hair Look & Feel

  4.9/5

• Durability

  5/5

• The rod and scrunchies are constructed from high-quality, OEKO-TEX-certified mulberry silk.

• The rod is a lot longer compared to other popular options (such as the classic Kitsch curling rod), so this is a great choice for long hair.

• Since the rod is constructed from high-quality silk, our hair was a lot shinier when using.

• We wish the kit included a claw clip (though most claw clip styles are compatible with this heatless curler).

• Without a claw clip, the rod moves around easily and isn’t as secure.

The Lilysilk Heatless Silk Curling Headband and Scrunchie Set, constructed from a high-quality OEKO-TEX certified mulberry silk material, creates soft and smooth curls without causing damage. In addition to its material, we love this option because it has a super long rod compared to other popular heatless curlers (such as the classic Kitsch curling rod), so it’s an excellent choice for long hair. And, since the rod is constructed from real silk, our hair looked a lot shinier, in addition to having barrel curls, upon removal. 

While we wish this set came with a claw clip (without it, the rod doesn’t stay in place very well), we appreciate that you can use virtually any claw clip to keep things together, so you don’t need additional tools to get a desired look. And, overall, this heatless curler is simple to use and very beginner-friendly. 

Material: Mulberry silk | Included Pieces: Curling rod, two silk scrunchies

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.5/5

• Comfort

  4/5

• Curling Ability

  4.5/5

• Hair Look & Feel

  4.5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• The headband-like ribbon is 63 inches long, so it’s about twice the length of most heatless curling rods.

• It’s constructed from an absorbent cotton velour that dries hair a lot faster compared to silk styles.

• Since it’s a ribbon and not a rod, there is more of a learning curve. But, with a few test runs, you get the hang of things and it only takes a few minutes to wrap hair.

If bouncy curls are the goal, go with The Original Sway Heatless Curling Velour Ribbon. The headband-line ribbon is 63 inches long (roughly twice the length of most heatless curling rods), so there’s plenty of slack to wrap around long, flowing locks. Made of cotton velour, it absorbs moisture from damp hair and promises to be gentle on your strands. 

There was a little bit of a learning curve when we first starting testing, but after a few tries, we started to get the hang of things, and it became as intuitive as more traditional curling rods. The set also includes everything you need to achieve a curled look, including the ribbon, two hair ties, and a claw clip to secure everything in place and prevent it from slipping and sliding. Overall, this is an excellent option if you’re looking for soft, natural, wavy curls and want a heatless curler that reduces snags, minimizes tugging, and prevents tangles. 

Material: Cotton velour | Included Pieces: Curling ribbon, two hair ties, claw clip

• 

  People / Hannah Freedman

• 

  People / Hannah Freedman

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4/5

• Comfort

  5/5

• Curling Ability

  4/5

• Hair Look & Feel

  4.5/5

• Durability

  4.5/5

• The rod is extra long, making it an excellent choice for long and thick hair types.

• It’s constructed from 100 percent mulberry silk that keeps strands smooth, shiny, and frizz-free.

• The rod is filled with cotton instead of foam, so it’s more absorbent and helps dry damp hair quicker.

For long, thick hair types, consider the Mermade Hair Heatless Curls Kit. This heatless curler is constructed from 100 percent mulberry silk with a cotton filling that absorbs moisture and helps dry damp hair quicker compared to the foam styles. Additionally, the rod is extra long, so there is a lot more room to work with when wrapping longer strands. The cotton and the silk make the curling rod super comfy to sleep on, too, and since this set comes with a claw clip, it stays in place and doesn’t loosen over time. 

Since the curling rod is constructed from natural silk, it helps promote smooth, shiny, and frizz-free curls once removed. Since this is a rod style, the back curls can appear flatter compared to the front curls, but if you brush your front pieces out, you can create a fairly symmetrical waved curl that looks effortless. 

Material: Mulberry silk, cotton | Included Pieces: Curling rod, two scrunchies, claw clip

• 

  People / Katrina Cossey

• 

  People / Katrina Cossey

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4/5

• Comfort

  5/5

• Curling Ability

  4/5

• Hair Look & Feel

  3.5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Since this wrap features several curling rods, it’s possible to get even curls throughout your head, not just in the front.

• Depending on how you like your curls, there are a few different ways to wear this, and the company has video tutorials for each.

• When brushed out, these curlers create soft, effortless-looking waves.

• The design is a little intimidating at first, but with some practice, it’s very intuitive and easy to use.

If you want to create soft, effortless-looking waves, we recommend trying the Octocurl Cotton Poplin Soft Heatless Curlers. This heatless curler mechanism features a soft headband with vertical curling rods placed across the band (the number of rods varies, depending on the size). Available in five length sizes, including a kids' option, these heatless curlers can be worn in several different ways, providing long-lasting comfort and a more customizable curl look. 

While testing these curlers out, we were impressed by the overall design and found that, while the design is a bit intimidating at first, it’s very intuitive and easy to use once you get the hang of it. Additionally, we love that you can customize your hairstyle to achieve everything from a brushed-out wave look to ringlet curls. 

Material: Cotton | Included Pieces: Heatless curler headband

Other Heatless Curlers We Tried

• The Vintage Company 8 Claw Octopus Heatless Hair Curlers: In addition to the Octocurl Cotton Poplin Soft Heatless Curlers, we also tested The Vintage Company’s spin on octopus heatless curlers. This is a great option if you’re looking for something a little less expensive but still prefer the option to style strands with multiple curling rods at once. This octopus heatless curler is constructed from a soft polyester material and features a comfortable and adjustable velcro band with eight curling rods attached across. While it might be a little too short for long hair, it’s a solid choice for short and medium styles.
• Invisibobble Heatless Curling Set: Dreaming of mermaid waves? The Invisibobble Heatless Curling Set might make your hair vision a reality. This kit comes with a satin-wrapped curling rod long enough to wrap around mid-length and even long hair. The satin material is easy on your strands, but since it's somewhat slick, it may not stay in place as well on shorter hair. This curling set comes with two satin scrunchies to secure your hair after wrapping it around the rod — though you might want to reach for a claw clip if your hair is extra thick and you need some security. You can use this no-heat curler on damp or dry hair, too, making it an excellent versatile option for post-shower hair and daytime touch-ups.
• Rehab Silk Heatless Curler: For a more splurge-worthy heatless curler, we also recommend the Rehab Silk Heatless Curler set comes with a mulberry silk curling rod, two matching silk scrunchies, and a claw clip to secure everything in place. We love these because the silk allows you to create a silky, smooth look without frizz or friction. However, we did find that these aren’t as absorbent as some of the other options on our list and, therefore, need to stay in damp hair for longer to achieve a bouncy curl that doesn’t fall.
  

Things to Consider When Buying Heatless Curlers

Curler Type

There are a few types of heatless curlers. Fabric-wrapped curler rods like the Silke London Heatless Curler are the most popular option. You'll also find curling ribbons (which are similar to rods but much longer), such as the Mane Label Hair Co. The Original Sway Heatless Curling Velour Ribbon, and octopus heatless curlers like the Octocurl Cotton Poplin Soft Heatless Curlers, where there is a headband base with multiple curling rods that hang vertically.

What They're Made from

When buying a rod-style heatless curler, pay attention to the material. Many feature a rubber or foam rod wrapped in satin or cotton to ensure durability and flexibility while being gentle against your strands. As with the Mermade Hair Heatless Curls Kit, some are wrapped in real mulberry silk and feature a softer cotton-stuffed rod. Silk is generally considered the best fabric for hair, as it prevents snags and frizz-causing friction, so while silk curlers may be more expensive, they could be worth it if you plan to curl your hair often.

Hair Thickness and Length

You'll also want to consider your hair type. If your hair is on the thicker side and takes a while to dry completely, get a kit that is more absorbent like the Mane Label Hair Co. The Original Sway Heatless Curling Velour Ribbon or the Mermade Hair Heatless Curls Kit which has cotton stuffing instead of foam. If you have fine or medium hair, you can start with damp or potentially wet hair, depending on how long you leave the curler in.

Longer-haired folks should look for an extra-long curling rod or even a ribbon, like the Mermade Hair Heatless Curls Kit, the Mane Label Hair Co. The Original Sway Heatless Curling Velour Ribbon, or even the Octocurl Cotton Poplin Soft Heatless Curlers in extra large. This will ensure you have plenty of slack to wrap the entire length of your hair.

How We Tested Heatless Curlers

We tested 23 different heatless curlers in the real world using a step-by-step methodology. Our group of 23 testers, ranging in ages 20 to 44, represent a variety of hair lengths and textures. Each heatless curler was ultimately scored based on the following testing attributes.

• Ease of Use: We used the curlers per manufacturer instructions (which may be slightly different for each product). Across the board, though, we applied the curler when our hair was 70 to 80 percent dry (still slightly damp) and kept them on for at least 2 hours. We noted which ones were seamless to use or beginner-friendly versus any that had more of a learning curve.
• Comfortability: We evaluated how comfortable the heatless curlers felt during the entire process, from application to removal, noting any products that snagged or tugged at our hair compared to those that were painless.
• Curling Ability/Efficacy: After removing the heatless curlers after the designated time frame, we evaluated the efficacy of each product. Did they create tight ringlets or are they better suited for creating soft waves? Did certain brands curl better for different textures of hair?
• Hair Look and Feel: With this, we also evaluated how the hair looked and felt after removing the curlers, observing if any products also helped reduce frizz and increase shine — or do the opposite?
• Durability: After the usage test, we determined how the product held up. Did it look the same as it did before using or did the material stretch or show signs of visible wear and tear? We also looked for any signs of compromised quality after washing the heatless curlers following the manufacturer instructions.

We then averaged the scores from each attribute and the products with the highest overall scores earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do heatless curlers work?

  Heatless curlers work by essentially holding your hair in a specific position for several hours until it forms curls — similar to how braids can leave you with crimped or wavy hair. You wrap sections of your dry or damp hair around the rod or ribbon, then secure it in place with hair ties, scrunchies, or clips. After several hours (or once your hair is entirely dry), you can remove the rod to reveal a head full of beautiful, bouncy curls.

• How do you use heatless curlers?

  Begin by draping the curling rod across your head so the ends are hanging over your ears, then clip it in place to the top of your head. Starting with the top front of your hair and working downward, take a 1-inch section of your hair and wrap it back around the rod. Add another 1-inch section to the first section and wrap both back around the rod. Keep going until you get to the bottom of your hair, then secure it in place with a hair tie. Repeat this process on the other side of your head.

• Are heatless curlers better than heat?

  "Heatless hair curlers are made specifically to give you luscious curls without exposing your hair to heat," says Kimble. "They're a great option for people who are looking to avoid the potentially damaging effect of hot tools."

Why Trust PEOPLE?

PEOPLE contributor Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed a celebrity hairstylist and natural hair educator who offered insight into the benefits and overall purpose of heatless curling. PEOPLE contributing shopping writer Jessie Quinn updated this story with PEOPLE Tested products and insights.

Meet Our Expert

Kim Kimble is a celebrity hair stylist and natural hair educator who has worked with the likes of Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Tyra Banks, just to name a few.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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