Five hacks for heatless curls

Put away the heat tools and try these five damage-free ways to get luscious curls and romantic waves

Love the look of glossy curls and beachy waves but fear the damage caused by heat tools? Rest assured, we have a fool-proof way for you to get the mane of your dreams, free from the worry of frying your hair using curling rods or straightening irons!

All it takes is a little pre-planning and a few extra hours to get the luscious curls you’ve been eyeing, with absolutely no heat involved. With the help of Vogue, we’ve compiled a list of how to get heatless curls and waves in your hair using objects you may already have lying around the house, or those that are bound to make minimal impact on your wallet. So, put away the hefty hairdryers and read on to get supermodel tresses with zero damage to your hair or bank account.

1. Bring out the socks

Those socks aren’t just for keeping your feet warm and toasty! An easy and comfortable way to get your hair curled up is by wrapping partially damp hair around socks you may have lying around. “Mist hair with a little water so it feels damp, and then add a mousse for volume if you have. Split your hair into four or more sections. Clip a sock to the top of your section then split the hair to either side of it and criss-cross the strands around the front then criss-cross in the back until you’ve reached the ends,” shares celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan.

2. Braid it up

This trick seems almost as old as time, and for good reason. To get the perfect romantic waves, Marjan explains that different braids will lead to different styles. Steer clear from the serum for this hack, and keep the braids close to the scalp for tighter curls. Keep them in for four hours to overnight, and open up the braids with your fingers gently. No brushes allowed!

3. The T-shirt trick
“Place the shirt on the top of your head and clip one side down. On the other side, gently twist the front piece of hair around the shirt, then continue wrapping hair around the t-shirt and adding more hair. At the end, secure with an elastic or scrunchie, then repeat on the other side,” explains Marjan. Also, it’s important to make sure your hair is damp, not soaking wet.

4. Scrunch away

For hair that is naturally somewhat wavy or curly, this trick is a godsend. After showering, just tilt your head and scrunch with a microfiber towel. Make sure to not go in with just your hands, as that may encourage frizz. Keep at it with the towel until your hair is almost dry, and you’ll be left with glorious, refined curls.

5. Hairband magic
“While your hair is damp, apply a hair spray or mousse to improve hold. Wrap a bandana around your hair like a halo, and then start rolling the hair into the hairband on one side. If you need, secure it with pins, and then continue with the other side," shares Maleeha Jafferbhoy, Style Director at Jean Claude Biguine Salon and Spa. Once dry, gently run your fingers through your hair to open up the strands.