Heatless Curls: Putting 4 Viral TikTok Hair Trends to the test

TikTok has become my go-to place for new beauty tips, tricks, and products and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Every time I open the app, I know I’m going to learn something new from viral brow products to amazing drugstore finds. If you spend as much time as I do on Tik Tok, you’ve probably scrolled past the heatless curl methods that have gone viral on the platform. Gen Z content creators are ditching their heat tools and swapping them with things you can probably find in your laundry basket…and they might be on to something. Here are four heatless curling methods that actually work.

Sock Curls

The sock technique has been around forever and is regaining popularity on TikTok because the results are pretty amazing. This technique works best on long hair and you can customize your curl size depending on the sock you use (thicker socks will give you bigger waves). You can do this on dry or damp hair, and make sure to give your hair at least eight hours to set. If you plan to keep these in overnight, put a silk scarf on top so you don’t disturb your hair while you sleep.

Heatless Headband Curls

Headband curls bring me back to my high school days, and I still pull the technique out from time to time because the results are great. I only use this technique when I’m trying to extend my blowout an extra day or two, and it gives me beautiful waves without having to apply more heat. I have tried this technique on my natural 3C curly hair and I was left with wonky curls and a lot of frizz, so I would skip this technique if you have naturally curly hair.

Silk Curling Rod

Unlike the sock method, using a silk curling rod ($8) will give you uniform curls every time. Silk is super gentle on the hair and won’t cause friction, so this is technique will leave you with soft, frizz-free curls. If you find that the result is too neat and perfect, you can brush them out to create a softer, more “lived in” look. The only downside is if you have a lot of hair you might not be able to get all of it wrapped around the rods.

Bathrobe Bun

This technique is similar to the curling rod method, except instead of leaving your hair down in pigtails you secure it into a bun. It works great on people with straight hair or curly-haired folks who want to stretch out their curls. I find this is the easiest technique to sleep in because your hair is secured in a bun. The next morning I like to run a serum, like Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum ($9), through my hair to finish off the look.

Have you tried any of these heatless curling methods? Comment below!