Quick heatless waves in about 30 minutes

You can get soft waves, yes, with a few caveats.

Thirty minutes is not enough time for wet hair to dry in a shape. Start with hair that is dry or only barely damp, and think of the half hour as a "setting" time rather than a drying time. The result is a gentle bend, a relaxed beachy texture, not a defined ringlet.

If you want a stronger curl, the answer is time. See heatless curls in one to two hours or overnight.

Three work well in a short window:

1. A curling headband. Kitsch's Set & Flow Active Curling Headband has built-in flexible wires; you drape hair over the band and wrap two sections around the wired extensions. Kitsch says it works on dry or slightly damp hair.
2. Twists or braids. Two or four braids, or a few twists pinned flat, take a couple of minutes and add texture without any tool.
3. A curling rod or ribbon. Wrap the whole head on a long soft rod, which can be quick if you do not fuss over each section.

A fourth option is a Velcro roller clip at the roots for lift. Kitsch describes its volumizing roller clips as lifting hair at the roots and recommends dry hair.

What you'll need: a curling headband or a couple of scrunchies, a comb, clips, light hairspray.

Method A: headband

1. Put the headband on, with the back of your hair draped over it.
2. Divide your hair into two sections.
3. Wrap each section around the wired extensions.
4. Twist and tuck the ends to secure.
5. Go about your routine for 30 minutes or more.
6. Unwrap and shake out with your fingers.

Method B: braids

1. Part your hair in the middle.
2. Make a loose braid on each side, from the nape up for more bend.
3. Tie off with a scrunchie.
4. Leave for 30 minutes, then unbraid and tousle.

Smaller braids give crimpier waves; larger braids give looser ones.

Hair that holds a bend quickly does best: wavy hair, or hair with some natural texture. Very straight or heavy hair often needs longer.

If your hair is fine and slippery, a little lightweight product at the mid-lengths before you start can help. Kitsch's own how-to for its velvet flexi rods suggests prepping dry hair with a leave-in conditioner from mid-lengths to ends.

For a hair-type guide, see fine hair, thick hair and wavy or curly hair.

• Do not brush. Rake with fingers.
• Use a light hairspray after unwrapping.
• Keep your hands out of your hair for a few minutes so the shape settles.
• Sleep on satin to cut friction overnight.

More in how to make heatless curls last.

If you want defined curls, a tight wave, or a style that has to last through the evening, 30 minutes will disappoint. Plan a longer set. If you are still unsure which method to use, pick your method and match it to your time.

Here is a simple timeline you can follow.

• Minutes 0 to 5. Check your hair. It should be dry or nearly dry. If it is damp, aim a fan at it or wait.
• Minutes 5 to 10. Detangle and divide. Two sections is enough for a headband or two braids.
• Minutes 10 to 15. Wrap or braid. Work quickly; you are not aiming for perfection.
• Minutes 15 to 40. Do your makeup, get dressed or have breakfast while it sets.
• Final five minutes. Unwrap, shake out with your fingers, and add a light spray.

If your waves look too soft, you can wrap the front sections again for another ten minutes. Face-framing pieces are what people notice most.