Heatless curls in one to two hours
Quick answer
For heatless curls in one to two hours, wrap slightly damp hair around flexi rods, pillow rollers or a curling rod, then speed up drying with a cool blow-dryer or let it air-dry while you get ready. Take the curls down only when the roots feel completely dry. Two hours gives looser waves than overnight, so use smaller sections if you want a tighter curl.
Key takeaways
- Two hours is enough for waves and soft curls on slightly damp hair; overnight gives the firmest hold.
- Use a cool or low-heat dryer setting on the wrapped hair if you want to shorten the wait, or skip it for a fully heat-free set.
- Smaller sections and tighter wraps make up for the shorter time.
- Check roots, not ends: the roots dry last.
- Kitsch says its curling headband works on dry or slightly damp hair, which suits a quick daytime set.
Is an hour or two enough for heatless curls?
It is enough for waves and soft curls if your hair is only slightly damp when you start.
The deciding factor is how wet your hair is, not the clock. Hair that starts barely damp can dry in an hour or two in a warm room. Hair that starts wet will not. If you are racing against time, towel-dry thoroughly, then let your hair air-dry for ten minutes before you start rolling.
You will get a looser curl than from an overnight set. That is fine for beachy waves, and you can tighten the result by using smaller sections.
What do you need for a daytime set?
What you'll need
- Flexi rods, pillow rollers, or a curling rod (the tool that suits your hair length; see how to do heatless curls)
- A few clips and scrunchies
- A spray bottle
- A hair dryer with a cool setting (optional)
- A lightweight styling product or hairspray
For a set you can wear while you move around the house, a stretchy curling headband is another option. Kitsch's Set & Flow headband is made of cotton and elastane, has built-in flexible wires, and Kitsch says it works on dry or slightly damp hair.
How do you do heatless curls in two hours, step by step?
- Prep. Towel-dry well. Your hair should feel slightly damp, not wet.
- Detangle. Comb through so sections slide smoothly.
- Divide. Clip your hair into four sections: two front, two back.
- Roll in one-inch sections. Take a small section, tuck the ends around the rod and roll to your head. Smaller sections dry faster and curl tighter.
- Secure. Bend flexi rods together, twist rollers, or tie the ends of a rod with a scrunchie.
- Dry. Let it air-dry in a warm room, or use a cool dryer setting at a low speed, aimed at the wrapped hair for a few minutes at a time.
- Check the roots. Press a rod against your scalp. If it feels cool, wait.
- Unwind and shake out. Use your fingers, not a brush.
If your curls drop quickly, see how to make heatless curls last.
Can you speed up drying without heat?
Yes, with a few habits.
- Squeeze, do not rub. Squeeze water out with a towel, or use a microfiber towel, before you start.
- Work in a warm, dry room. Avoid a steamy bathroom.
- Use a fan. A desk fan on a low setting dries wrapped hair gently.
- Use a cool dryer setting if you like. Cool air moves water out without much heat. Keep it low and short; if you want a strictly heat-free routine, skip it.
Avoid piling on heavy product. A lot of product holds water and slows drying.
Which tool is fastest to apply?
It depends on your hair length and how comfortable you are with the tool.
| Tool | How long to apply | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Curling rod or ribbon | About as long as it takes to wrap both sides of your head | Kitsch's rod is 34 inches long; The Hair Edit's is 69 inches |
| Flexi rods | One section at a time; more steps, but each is quick | Kitsch's jumbo rods are 10 inches long, 1.2 inches in diameter |
| Pillow rollers | One section at a time | The Hair Edit's pack has 8 |
| Curling headband | Fast: drape hair over the band and wrap two sections | Kitsch says it suits most lengths |
Brands do not publish application times, so these are rough comparisons based on the steps each tool needs, not measured numbers.
What if the curls are too loose after two hours?
Three fixes:
- Use smaller sections next time. Smaller pieces curl tighter.
- Wrap more firmly. A firm wrap holds a stronger shape.
- Give it more time. If you can leave the set in a little longer, do.
For a finishing touch, a light hairspray applied to the curls after you unwrap them helps them keep their shape.
Frequently asked questions
How long do heatless curls take?
Anywhere from about 30 minutes for loose waves to overnight for the firmest hold. One to two hours works for most waves and soft curls on slightly damp hair.
Can I use a hair dryer on heatless curls?
You can use a cool setting to shorten the wait, though that adds airflow rather than heat. If you want a fully heat-free routine, air-dry instead.
Do heatless curls last if you only wear them for two hours?
They usually hold a softer curl than an overnight set. Use smaller sections and a light hairspray to help them last.
What is the quickest heatless style?
A curling headband or loose waves with a rod. See quick heatless waves.
Can I do heatless curls on dry hair?
Some tools can. Kitsch says its headband works on dry or slightly damp hair, and recommends dry hair for its roller clips. A light mist of water helps most other methods.