Ditch the Curling Iron: 5 Alternatives That Get the Job Done

When you don’t have natural curls but think they’re fab, the curling iron is your best friend. Or so you think. It may be the most efficient way to curl your hair, but it’s also the fast track to dryness and damage. Thankfully, there are ways to get curls without the heat. These alternatives also get the job done.

The great thing about hair is it’s malleable, and you can style it to your liking. Some hair types would be more receptive to styling than others. Thick or wavy hair, for example, would be easier to curl than super fine hair. It would respond so well to overnight braids — an excellent alternative to using a curling iron.

Divide your hair into sections. Then, braid each section as tightly or loosely as you wish. Wear the braids overnight and wake up to nice mermaid waves. To keep the curls in place, spray TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Boost Hold, concentrating on the lower half of the hair.

ICYMI, rollers come in various sizes which yield various results. Large barrel rollers create smooth waves and extra volume. Smaller rollers, on the other hand, can help refresh curls on short, wavy hair, like pixie cuts. You don’t have to leave them overnight. Just prep your hair with a mousse for soft, shiny curls.

Tying your hair in two low buns can result in sexy, effortless waves. After washing your hair with a deeply nourishing shampoo like Dove Intense Repair Keratin Tri-Silk Serum Shampoo, pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel to diminish frizz.

Apply a styling mousse or anti-frizz serum to smoothen the strands further while you air-dry your hair. While hair is still damp, divide it into two sections and twist each one in a low bun. Secure each one with a silk scrunchie to avoid unwanted dents around the ends.

Another way to achieve soft, loose waves without a curling iron is by wearing a top knot. Wearing it this way creates a sleek base at the top of the hair, which is effective if you have lots of baby hair or frizziness. It’s the way to go if you’re going for volume. Oh, and don’t be afraid if it looks a bit flat at first — simply swing your hair over to one side for some Victoria’s Secret runway vibes.

Tension and hair products can take their toll on your hair. Protect your hair from damage with Dove Botanical Silicone Free Shampoo for Damaged Hair Restore. This shampoo revives damaged hair with 100% botanical rose extracts without weighing it down, so your curls stay bouncy and full of life.

If you have naturally wavy hair, leaving it au naturel just might do the trick. After shampooing and conditioning your hair, squeeze out excess water with your hands and pat it dry with a towel. Do not rub your wet hair if you don’t want it to get frizzy or damaged.

Once your hair is damp, run your preferred product through your strands using your fingers. Some prefer a curl-enhancing mousse, others may want to use sea salt spray or even hair gel in spray form. These result in different types of curls, so choose wisely. Once your strands are coated with the product, scrunch them with your hands to style. If you want to achieve the most natural-looking curls, do not use a brush, not even a wide-tooth comb.

If you’re thinking of ditching the curling iron, these heat-free techniques can serve as good alternatives for boosting or creating curls. If you already have curls, check out this article on ways to maintain a digital perm.