Many times have I stood by the mirror and curled my hair, only to have my curls go dull a few hours on. This is something that happens to me too, far more than I should admit. After some trial and error, along with unexpected discoveries, I have found methods to curl hair that do work. Some use heat, others are completely damage-free. All are beginner-friendly and real-life tested.
In this post, I’ll explain my 7 favorite methods to get curls, whether you prefer soft waves, tight coils or simple bounce. I’ve used these ways to cook when I can’t be bothered on Sundays, don’t have time to cook for a date or are vacationing at the beach in humid weather.
Who is this article for?
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- If your curls never last more than an hour
- If you’re avoiding heat damage
- If you love experimenting with new beauty routines
- If you’re after curls that stay healthy and look beautiful
Prep Before You Curl — The Foundation for Bouncy, Healthy Hair
Good curls are built before you put any heat or rollers on your hair. Making sure you prep well can change both your curl shape and the health of your hair. Before I begin, I always clean and/or refresh my hair so it’s fully dried; if I use an overnight process, I might leave it damp.
If texture is what you seek, go for a light mousse and don’t miss the heat protectant when you heat things. A few sprays of volumizing spray near my roots really help hold up my hair all day.
7 Easy Ways to Curl Your Hair
1. Curling Wand for Defined, Fast Curls
I use this when I don’t have much time, but still want nice curls. I divide my hair into four areas and use a wand that doesn’t have a clamp to curl it away from my face. The trick is to keep every section on your hand for about 7–10 seconds to let it cool.
Just before my friend’s wedding was the first time I tried this trick. I didn’t have time to fix mistakes, since my time was already limited. People couldn’t stop complimenting my curls and wondered if I had them done professionally.
2. Flat Iron Waves for a Chic, Modern Look
Flat irons aren’t just for straight styles. Creating S-shaped waves that seem natural is simple using the twist-and-pull method. A wand can look over styled on shorter or layered cuts, but an iron works great in those situations.
My favorite part? Once your hair is prepared, it should only take you about 10 minutes. Just glide and twist—done.
3. Heatless Overnight Curls with Socks or Robe Belt
If you’re avoiding heat, this one’s for you. Dampen your hair a little, move it through a robe belt or socks and sleep with it wrapped. I put a silk scarf on top to eliminate frizz.
I first saw this on TikTok (who hasn’t?). We decided to test the game during a weekend holiday at the beach. Both of us ended up with beach waves the next morning and no damage. Total win.
4. Flexi Rods for Natural-Looking Texture
These rods are awesome for getting curly, defined hair. Usually, I leave in some conditioner, section my hair, roll it up tightly and sleep with the curls overnight.
Whether your hair is curly or you’re starting to grow your hair naturally, this type is perfect for you. Rolling is something you need practice with, but when you get it right, it will look amazing.
5. Braiding Techniques for Loose, Boho Curls
Want those beachy, boho vibes? Sleep in two or four braids. Washing my hair at night often leads to me doing this. Brush your hair once it’s 80% dry, leaving a braid in, then gently take it out in the morning.
For tighter waves, make more braids. For loose, romantic ones—two Dutch braids work wonders.
6. Curling With a Diffuser for Natural Waves
This one’s all about enhancing what you already have. With wavy or curly locks, using a diffuser and some curl cream adds so much value. I bend my head over and tighten up as I jog.
It reveals texture in your hair that you probably didn’t notice, helping keep frizz away when you use the proper gel or mousse.
7. Velcro or Hot Rollers for Classic Volume
This feels vintage, but it seriously works. Before styling, I always use a hot iron on my rollers or velcro rollers on nearly dry hair. Sit them aside while I do my makeup and flip them out later for large, round curls.
I once brought out my mom’s old record player and used it for the night. So, I’ve bought my own, since the music playing is hard to equal.
Which Curling Method Is Best for You?
Here’s a quick comparison table to help you choose based on your time, texture, and tools.
| Method | Hair Length | Heat-Free? | Overnight? | Curl Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curling Wand | Medium–Long | No | No | Soft to Tight Waves |
| Flat Iron | Short–Long | No | No | S-shaped Loose Curls |
| Robe Belt/Socks | Medium–Long | Yes | Yes | Loose Natural Waves |
| Flexi Rods | Any | Yes | Yes | Tight–Defined Curls |
| Braiding | Medium–Long | Yes | Yes | Loose Waves |
| Diffuser | Wavy/Curly | Yes | N/A | Enhanced Natural Curl |
| Hot Rollers | Medium–Long | No | No | Voluminous Curls |
Bonus Tips for Healthy, Long-Lasting Curls
No matter which method you choose, a few things make curls last longer and look better. Here are my golden rules:
- Let curls cool before touching or brushing
- Use silk pillowcases to prevent frizz
- Avoid heavy products that weigh hair down
- Refresh curls with water spray and curl reactivator
- Don’t skip deep conditioning—it keeps curls shiny and strong
Final Thoughts
Curling your hair doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes the right method for your hair type, a bit of patience, and some creativity.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- There’s no “one best” way—each method has its moment.
- Prep is everything. Don’t skip it!
- Heatless methods can work just as well with the right prep.
- Experiment. Your perfect curl method might surprise you.
What’s your favorite way to curl your hair? Do you love heat tools or prefer no-heat methods?
