19 Gorgeous Heatless Curly Hairstyles
Looking for gorgeous heatless curly hairstyles that are easy to create and gentle on your hair?
These 19 stunning styles give you the perfect curls without any heat damage.
From soft waves to tight ringlets, you’ll find a style that suits every occasion, all while keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
Say goodbye to heat tools and hello to fabulous, natural curls!
1. Classic Braid Waves
Creating natural waves overnight through braiding is one of the simplest and most effective heatless techniques.
Begin by braiding damp hair, ensuring each braid is securely tied without pulling too tight, as this can result in uneven waves.
The number of braids you make will determine the intensity of the curls; the more braids, the tighter the wave. Let your hair dry completely overnight or for a few hours if you’re in a rush.
When you remove the braids, you’ll have soft, beachy waves with a natural texture. This style adds volume and movement to the hair, and it’s perfect for relaxed or boho-chic looks.
2. Twist and Pin Curls
Twist and pin curls are a fabulous way to achieve voluminous, defined curls without any heat. To create this style, separate your damp hair into small sections, twist each section tightly, and pin it to your scalp using bobby pins.
Once all sections are pinned, leave them in until your hair is completely dry, which may take a few hours or overnight. When you remove the pins, you’ll be left with bouncy, tightly curled hair.
This method is particularly beneficial for creating long-lasting curls, and it’s excellent for adding extra volume and texture to your hair.
3. Flexi Rod Curls
Flexi rods are a versatile tool to create curls without heat, providing a fantastic way to style your hair with a natural curl pattern.
To use flexi rods, section your damp hair and roll each section around the rod, securing the ends by bending the rod.
You can leave the rods in for several hours or overnight, depending on the texture of your hair and how tight or loose you want your curls.
Flexi rods are great because they offer the option to vary the curl size, from tight ringlets to looser, more relaxed waves. The final look is uniform and full of volume.
4. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are an iconic and fun method for creating tight, defined curls. After washing and conditioning your hair, section it into small parts, twist each section tightly, and then wrap the twist around itself to form a small knot.
Secure each knot in place with a bobby pin or elastic. Once your hair has dried, untwist the knots to reveal bouncy, well-defined curls.
This method is especially great for people with thicker hair as it not only gives you curls but also provides some lift and volume at the roots.
5. Sock Bun Curls
A sock bun isn’t just for sleek, smooth updos—it also works wonderfully for heatless curls. To create sock bun curls, first, form a sock bun by gathering your damp hair into a ponytail, then roll it into a bun and secure it.
Let your hair dry completely, either overnight or in a few hours, depending on the thickness of your hair. When you remove the bun, you’ll be left with soft, voluminous curls that are easy to style.
This technique is great for a casual day out, providing curls with minimal effort and zero heat damage.
6. Headband Curls
Headband curls are a vintage-inspired, heatless technique that can create soft, romantic curls. To try this method, place a soft, elastic headband over your head, positioning it like a crown.
Then, take small sections of damp hair and wrap them around the band, tucking the ends underneath. You can leave your hair in this style for several hours or overnight to allow the curls to set.
When you remove the headband, you’ll have soft, voluminous curls with a touch of vintage glamour. This method is great for those who want effortless curls without using any styling tools.
7. Braided Crown Curls
A braided crown is a lovely way to achieve bouncy, textured curls while keeping the hair out of your face. To create this look, part your damp hair down the middle and braid two sections of your hair from the front to the back.
Pin each braid across your head, creating a crown-like effect. Allow the braids to dry completely, and when you take them out, you’ll have soft, defined curls that provide natural volume.
This style is perfect for anyone looking for an elegant, feminine look, and it works beautifully for both day and night events.
8. Pin Curl Set
Pin curls are a retro method for creating tight, defined curls that have a lot of vintage charm. To do this, separate your damp hair into small sections, then curl each section around your finger or a comb, pinning it flat to your scalp.
Leave the curls to dry for several hours or overnight, and once the pins are removed, you’ll be left with perfectly defined, tight curls.
Pin curls offer a sleek, polished look, perfect for formal events or when you want a more structured, vintage-inspired appearance.
9. Twist-Out Curls
The twist-out method is great for those with natural curls who want to achieve defined, frizz-free curls without any heat.
To create twist-out curls, twist sections of damp hair into small twists, making sure the twists are tight and secure. Let the twists dry completely, then gently unravel each twist to reveal beautifully defined curls.
You can add a little product to enhance the curl definition or reduce frizz. Twist-outs give you the flexibility to create tight or loose curls based on how tightly you twist your hair.
10. Faux Perm Curls
A faux perm is a heatless technique that mimics the look of a professional perm without the need for any chemicals or heat.
Using flexi rods or foam rollers, roll your damp hair into tight sections, securing each section. Let the rollers stay in for several hours or overnight, and once you take them out, you’ll have a long-lasting, perm-like effect.
The result is bouncy, voluminous curls that have a natural, retro vibe. This technique works particularly well for those with straight or wavy hair looking for more texture and definition.
11. Overnight Curly Headband Roll
The headband roll method is another easy way to achieve voluminous curls without heat. Simply place a soft fabric headband around your head and, section by section, wrap your damp hair around the band.
Secure the sections in place and allow your hair to dry overnight. When you wake up and remove the headband, you’ll be left with soft, natural curls.
This method is great for creating a voluminous, effortless style without using any heat or styling tools.
12. Rag Roll Curls
Rag roll curls are a fantastic option for anyone wanting retro-inspired, defined curls. Take strips of fabric or old t-shirts and roll small sections of damp hair around them.
Secure the fabric at the ends and let your hair dry completely. When the fabric is removed, you’ll be left with tight, bouncy curls that add texture and volume to your hair.
Rag roll curls are perfect for those looking for a vintage, soft curl look that’s both elegant and timeless.
13. Heatless Wand Curls
To mimic the look of curls from a wand without the heat, wrap damp hair around a fabric or ribbon instead of a curling iron.
As the hair dries, it will set into curls that resemble the smooth, bouncy curls produced by a curling wand.
This method provides a similar result without the damage, and it’s perfect for creating waves or spiral curls without having to use any heat-styling tools. The key to this method is ensuring your hair is evenly twisted to get even curls.
14. The Roll-Up Method
The roll-up method involves rolling damp hair into sections and securing them with pins, allowing your hair to dry naturally. Once the sections are dry, simply unravel them, and you’ll have soft, voluminous curls.
This technique works well for anyone with medium to long hair and is a quick and effective way to create heatless curls. It’s ideal for busy mornings or when you don’t want to spend too much time styling your hair.
15. Loose French Braid Curls
French braids are an excellent way to create relaxed curls that have plenty of texture. After washing and conditioning your hair, create two French braids starting at the roots.
Leave the braids in overnight, and when you remove them, you’ll have soft, loose curls that add body to your hair.
This method is great for those looking for subtle waves or a more bohemian-inspired look. The result is low-maintenance, natural curls that are great for any occasion.
16. Plaited Curls
To achieve cute, well-defined curls, try plaiting your damp hair into small sections. Once the plaits are secure, allow them to air dry. After undoing the plaits, you’ll have soft, defined curls that add natural texture to your hair.
This heatless method is easy to do and works best for people looking for a fun, curly hairstyle without using heat.
Plaited curls are great for everyday wear and are a perfect way to add some variety to your regular hair routine.
17. Foam Roller Curls
Foam rollers are a tried-and-true tool for heatless curls. Roll sections of damp hair onto the foam rollers, securing them in place. Leave the rollers in for several hours or overnight, and once you remove them, you’ll have soft, bouncy curls.
Foam rollers create uniform curls and work great for those who want a polished, defined curl pattern without the damage of heat styling. This method is versatile and effective for creating smooth curls with a bit of lift.
18. Loose Spiral Curls
For a bohemian-inspired look, try creating loose spiral curls. Start by twisting large sections of damp hair, but instead of tightly twisting, leave some room to let the curls fall loosely.
Let the twists dry naturally, and when you remove them, you’ll have soft, spiral curls with plenty of volume.
This method creates a relaxed, natural look that’s perfect for casual days or special occasions when you want defined yet loose curls.
19. Cinch and Curl Method
The cinch and curl method is a unique way to achieve soft curls with no heat involved. Begin by gathering your damp hair into a loose ponytail, then cinch the hair at the end with an elastic band.
Let the hair air dry for a few hours or overnight, and once you remove the band, you’ll have soft, beachy curls.
This simple method is easy to do and works well for people who want volume and texture with minimal effort.