Heatless curls on wavy or curly hair

Yes, but for a different job.

On straight hair, a heatless tool adds a curl. On wavy or curly hair, it can stretch a tight curl into a looser one, make waves more defined, or add volume and uniformity. Kitsch says its satin flexi rods are great for setting naturally curly or wavy hair, and that the rods are for all hair types and textures.

So the question is less "will it curl?" and more "what do I want my pattern to look like?"

Three common goals:

1. Stretch. Wrap damp curls around a larger rod to lengthen them into loose waves.
2. Define. Wrap each natural curl clump around a small tool so it dries in a neat shape.
3. Volume. Wrap sections near the root to lift the crown.

For stretch, choose a bigger diameter: Kitsch's XL set has a 1.5-inch-diameter rod. For definition, a small flexi rod works one clump at a time.

Three common goals:

1. Stretch. Wrap damp curls around a larger rod to lengthen them into loose waves.
2. Define. Wrap each natural curl clump around a small tool so it dries in a neat shape.
3. Volume. Wrap sections near the root to lift the crown.

For stretch, choose a bigger diameter: Kitsch's XL set has a 1.5-inch-diameter rod. For definition, a small flexi rod works one clump at a time.

A fourth goal is uniformity. If your curl pattern varies from section to section, wrapping each one around the same tool can even them out. This works best when hair is smoothed with a product first.

What you'll need: flexi rods or a rod, a curl-friendly styling product, clips, a wide-tooth comb.

1. Start with damp hair and your usual product. Apply it evenly so each section is smooth.
2. Divide into clumps that follow your natural curl pattern, not neat rows.
3. Detangle each section gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
4. Wrap around the tool without stretching to the point of discomfort.
5. Secure, and leave it to dry. This takes longer on curly hair, which holds more water.
6. Unwrap and separate. Use your fingers or a little oil on your hands.

Never brush dry curls; it turns definition into frizz. See why heatless curls frizz.

It is comfortable if you use a soft tool and cover your hair. Satin helps reduce friction. Kitsch's rods are satin or velvet and The Hair Edit's are velour; all three are described as soft. Cover the set with a satin bonnet or a satin pillowcase, and do not wrap so tightly that it pulls.

If it feels tight or uncomfortable, loosen it. Comfort matters more than hold.

It is comfortable if you use a soft tool and cover your hair. Satin helps reduce friction. Kitsch's rods are satin or velvet and The Hair Edit's are velour; all three are described as soft. Cover the set with a satin bonnet or a satin pillowcase, and do not wrap so tightly that it pulls.

If it feels tight or uncomfortable, loosen it. Comfort matters more than hold. Curly hair is often drier than straight hair, so also make sure your set is not rubbing against a cotton pillowcase.

Curly hair shrinks as it dries, so a stretched curl pulls back. That is normal. Wrap firmly, let it dry fully, and expect the result to be slightly shorter than the wrapped length.

For frizz, smooth with product before wrapping and avoid touching the hair as it dries. See how to make heatless curls last.

Waves respond well. A set on damp, product-smoothed waves tends to even out the pattern, so the wave you have looks more consistent from root to end. A larger diameter gives a softer, looser wave.

Tighter patterns shrink a lot as they dry, so a stretched set will look shorter than it did on the tool. If you want a stretched look, use a larger diameter and wrap under light tension. If you want definition without stretching, wrap each natural clump around a small tool without pulling.

Product matters on curly hair more than on straight hair, because curly hair is often drier. Kitsch's own how-to for its velvet rods suggests a leave-in conditioner from mid-lengths to ends before rolling.

Cover with a satin bonnet. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. In the morning, unwrap when fully dry and use a drop of oil on your fingers. Do not use a brush.