A few years ago, I invested in a Dyson Airwrap because I wanted to use less heat to style my hair. It was game-changing, but the only issue I had was that I had to re-curl it after the third or fourth day. Not only did that defeat the purpose of trying to use less heat on my damaged and dry hair, but thinking about when to wash, blow dry, and style my hair became very time-consuming.
I turned to social media to see what other people were doing to achieve low-maintenance and pretty curls. I had used heatless wave methods before, such as sponge rollers or curling rods, but they were so uncomfortable to sleep in, and my hair would end up looking way too frizzy and messy. When I saw these two tutorials, I loved how the curls and waves looked, and I assumed it would be way more comfortable to sleep in, too.
I started off using the sock method first and borrowed my brother’s long tube socks to try the method, and it blew my mind. It was also surprisingly comfortable to sleep in, too. And just like in the tutorial, it gave me very tight and bouncy curls, which isn’t my usual go-to look. I prefer a more relaxed and loose wave, so I decided to try the rod tutorial. The rod is my new go-to and I haven’t used a curling iron or straightener for almost four months.
My Hair History
My hair is naturally thick and straight, but I prefer it to have some added texture and love the look of curls and waves. Over the years, I’ve damaged it using professional grade Marcel curling irons, blow dryers, hot tools, and coloring it. I only wash my hair about twice a week, depending on how oily my scalp gets, so dry shampoo is always a must. But using too much dry shampoo can be very drying and damaging to the scalp, and coloring and excess heat isn’t the best for your hair over time.
What Does Heat Do to Hair?
I recently stopped by the Davines Salon in Brooklyn for a scalp and deep conditioning treatment and I asked their stylists what exactly happens to our hair when we use too much heat. “When you use heat on hair without a heat protectant, it damages the hair cuticles,” explains hairstylist and Davines Salon specialist Sandra Almanzar. “When the cuticle is damaged, the hair loses its shine, and you’ll notice more split ends.” Almanzar recommends using a heat protectant whenever you do use hot tools, and don’t forget to let it dry completely before applying the heat. In addition to dullness and split ends, your hair will also look and feel more brittle, making it more susceptible to breakage.
“Excessive heat can strip hair of moisture and affect the cuticle, which is responsible for retaining the keratin and amino acids that make it healthy," says Davines Salons technical education manager, Suny Brewer.. "Damaged cuticles can lead to brittle unhealthy hair, which can result in split ends and affect the longevity of hair color.”
How to Style Your Hair Without Heat
Use Tube Socks or Satin Hair Rod to Curl Your Hair: Like I said above, using tube socks and heatless hair rods will give you two different looks. If you want to try the sock method, depending on how long or short your hair is, grab two long tube socks and tie them together to make a long rod to wrap your hair in. The knot of the socks will be at the top of your head, and use a claw clip to secure it from sliding down. Then, wrap your hair around the sock or rod as tight as you want to get the desired curl. The looser the hair is, the more relaxed the curl will be. I recommend wrapping the hair tightly so your hair will be more secure when you sleep. Always tie the hair with a satin or silk scrunchie to protect the ends.
Use Air Dry Styling Creams and Oils To Prep The Hair: I don’t reach for my blow dryers as much whenever I use my Aquis towel. The towel’s fabric wicks water away incredibly fast without heat or friction, shortening dry time.
On the days I wash my hair and let it air dry, I will use air dry styling creams to nourish and hydrate my hair. It also acts as an activator for the hair to hold onto the heatless curls. One of my favorite air dry styler creams is by Odele. After I towel dry, I will apply this cream liberally and then put my hair in the hair roller rod. I usually do this method before I go to bed so when I wake up, I’ll have gorgeous and bouncy curls.
On the third or fourth day, I will use hair oil to give my dry hair more hydration. Joon’s Saffron Hair Elixir is the best hair oil I’ve used by far. Most oils are too greasy or heavy, but this oil is a lightweight and fast-absorbing product that helps smooth down the hair cuticle and adds shine to curls. “Using hair oils for heatless curls or waves not only gives you a natural look but also provides the added benefit of nourishing and moisturizing your hair while styling,” explains Shiva Tavakoli, founder of Joon Haircare. “It's a gentle, effective way to achieve the texture you desire without the need for hot tools.”
Regular Deep Conditioning Treatments is a Must: When it’s wash day for your hair, consider adding a deep conditioner to the routine. Even though you’re not using heat anymore, it’s still important to hydrate and restore your hair from any prior damage. This deep conditioning mask from Ceremonia is one of my favorites; it smells incredible and makes my hair feel softer and smoother after air drying.
My Experience Quitting Hot Tools
One week after I quit using hot tools, I immediately saw and felt a difference in my hair, and I couldn't believe it was possible to achieve these types of curls and waves without any heat. The curls also lasted pretty much all day, and I didn’t mind redoing the rods every night. I still use dry shampoo on days where my roots look a little oily, but at least I don’t worry about heat damage anymore.
After one month, I knew this would become my new preferred method for styling my hair. I actually forgot to bring my curling iron with me when I went on a trip to visit my family. Fortunately, I knew my brother had a drawer full of tube socks I could borrow, which allowed me to style my hair without any issues. One of the other best parts about heatless waves is the convenience while traveling. You don't need to bring a curling iron or a blow dryer; you only need the rod or tube socks and some hair oil or air dry cream.
Now I’m hitting the three-month mark of consistently using this hair styling method. In general, my hair looks and feels healthy, and my color looks vibrant.
What I appreciate the most about this curling technique is how surprisingly easy and low-maintenance it is. Now, I am more conscientious about using more efficient methods to achieve my desired look without relying on heat.