How to use a heatless curling ribbon for overnight curls

Step by step

1. 1

   Start with detangled, mostly dry hair

   Brush out knots first. Hair that is dry or only slightly damp sets best; if you have just washed it, let it air-dry until it is no longer wet to the touch. Very wet hair often stays damp inside the wrap and the curl drops quickly.

2. 2

   Place the band so it feels loose

   Sit the band around the crown of your head like a headband, with the ribbons hanging down evenly. It should stay in place without feeling tight.

3. 3

   Divide your hair into sections

   With a multi-strand ribbon, use one section of hair per ribbon. Smaller sections give tighter, more defined curls; larger sections give looser waves.

4. 4

   Wrap away from your face

   Take a section, hold it flat and wind it around its ribbon from the top down, directing the hair away from your face. Keep gentle, even tension — firm enough to hold, never pulled tight at the root.

5. 5

   Secure the ends

   Tuck the end of the hair through the loop at the bottom of the ribbon, or fasten it with a soft scrunchie. Repeat for every section.

6. 6

   Leave it in, then unwrap gently

   Leave the ribbon in for several hours or overnight. To finish, release each end and unwind the ribbon rather than pulling the hair off. Separate the curls with your fingers; brushing will loosen them into waves.

How to make heatless curls last longer

Give the set enough time, make sure the hair is fully dry before you unwrap, and use smaller sections. A light styling product you already like — a mousse before wrapping or a little hairspray afterwards — can help fine, straight hair hold the shape. Hair with natural texture usually holds longest; no hold time can be promised for every hair type.

Sleeping in a heatless curler

Fabric ribbons have no hard rollers or clips, which is why many people wear them overnight. If you sleep on your side, keep the wraps toward the back and sides of the head rather than directly over the ear. If the band pulls, feels tight or disturbs your sleep, take it out — dermatologists advise against styles that pull on the hair.

Why skip the curling iron sometimes?

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that heat can damage hair and recommends limiting hot tools such as curling irons and using lower heat settings. A heatless set is one way to style on days when you would rather not use heat. It is not a treatment and it does not repair existing damage.

Common questions

Should hair be wet or dry for heatless curls?

Dry or slightly damp. Soaking-wet hair may not dry while wrapped, which leaves a weak curl.

How long should I leave a heatless curling ribbon in?

Several hours at least; overnight is the most common. Fine hair often needs longer than textured hair.

Does it work on short hair?

Hair needs enough length to wind around the ribbon several times. Shoulder-length and longer hair is the usual fit; check the size of the option you choose.

Why did my curls fall out?

The most common reasons are hair that was too wet or not left in long enough, sections that were too large, or very fine, straight hair that needs a little styling product to hold.

Keep reading

• Heatless curls: curling ribbon vs rod vs socks — which method suits your hair?

Further reading

• American Academy of Dermatology: 10 hair care habits that can damage your hair
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to stop damaging your hair
• American Academy of Dermatology: Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss