13 Heat-Free Styling Hacks From TikTok That Are Basically Hair Therapy

Bombshell, beachy waves typically require a curling wand to create, but this heat-free alternative method is so easy you can do it in your sleep, literally. The way it works is simple: Place the curling rod over the top of your head like a headband, and secure it with a mini claw clip. Then, grab a one-inch section of hair and wrap it around the rod. (Towel-dried or damp hair works best for this.) Once each piece of hair is secured, let hair dry while wrapped around the rod. For a more in-depth how-to, check out @gabrielaxperez’s video on how to sleep your way to beachy waves, no heat required.

Overnight hacks work well for creating curls and waves (I’m looking at you, sock curls), but it can be much tougher to sleep your way to smooth, straight hair. Thanks to @sarasaadia, I found an overnight hair-straightening hack that really does work. First, slick your hair back into a low ponytail. Then, knot a ribbon around the base of your ponytail and wrap the ribbon all the way down to the very end of your hair, securing it at the tip of your ponytail with a hair tie. While this technique won’t completely straighten your hair, it will create a sleeker style overnight.

Nothing beats a fresh blowout from the salon except for maybe waking up with one. These secure clips make that possible. Taking a note from @audreyvictora_’s heatless blowout video, start by placing towel-dried hair in a high ponytail. Section off a few one to two-inch sections, roll them up into small buns and wear overnight. In the morning, remove the clips for beautiful, bouncy blowout results without any heat.

Another way to keep heat off of your hair is to extend the time between styling sessions. In order to get the most bang out of your blowout, try twisting your hair into a bun and securing it with a silk scrunchie before bed. TikTok user @brubinich demonstrates how simple and effective this method is and her results are stunning. Silk scrunchies work because silk limits friction — aka frizz — between strands. With over 1,300 5-star ratings, this pack of three silk scrunchies holds hair without tugging.

The internet is filled with tutorials on how to get heatless curls, but these colorful strips help you achieve a retro crimped style. Yes, they look a bit intimidating, but I promise they are incredibly easy to use. In fact, one five-star reviewer said she was able to apply a whole set in less than 30 minutes. If the countless TikTok videos can’t convince you (@sariasaadio’s video is my favorite), then take my word for it. I tried these viral crimpers myself and could not believe the results.

I have said it before and I will say it again: you do not need a bunch of fancy tools to achieve fabulous heat-free hair. In fact, you can use stuff laying around your home, including old T-shirts in a method popularized by TikTok user @mypawfectfamily. The first step is to take an old T-shirt and roll it into a log shape. Then, connect each end with a scrunchie. After it is attached, it should form a circle. Place the circle on top of your head, and wrap one-inch sections of hair around it. You can use dry or damp strands, but damp hair will create the most definition. To keep your hair damp while you work, use a spray bottle like this highly-rated one from Amazon.

Another way to prolong time between washes and heat styling is to spritz your hair with dry shampoo. Dry shampoo helps absorb excess oil around the root, so your hair looks fresh even if you have been rocking the same style for a few days. This Garnier Fructis dry shampoo uses rice starch to soak up grease and has a beachy scent. Make sure to hold the bottle at least six inches away from your scalp when spraying to avoid white stripes across your hair and check out this video from @lindsaymariecolor on TikTok that demonstrates how to blend in the powder without disturbing your ‘do.

Sometimes no matter what you try, your hair does not cooperate. When all else fails, try tying your hair up in a silk head scarf. A printed pattern offers a stylish touch to your outfit while disguising any oil or frizz that you don’t want out and about. Not sure how to tie it correctly? @karenbritchick can show you how.

Calling all curly girls! Next wash day, try incorporating a dual-sided brush into your hair routine. The heavily bristled side breaks down knots without harming delicate strands while the less populated side defines and shapes. @Hermela_solomon puts mousse directly on the brush and the result is frizz-free, shapely ringlets without the help of a diffuser or iron.

Applying hair oil to second-day hair can seem counterintuitive, but using oil instead of heat really does work. Nourishing oils not only help hydrate your hair, but they also increase shine, especially for curls. This hair oil from Verb promises to add shine without weighing down your hair. One of the over 4,000 five-star reviewers swears by this oil for her curls. “It eliminates that crunchy feeling and tames any frizz,” she says. Pro tip: Spray dry shampoo onto your roots for an extra fresh ‘do and, for an easy second-day refresh, check out @brookethestylust’s video.

Rollers are a major must-have in a heat-free styling routine because of their versatility. They can be used to increase the longevity of your curls or to add some bounce to the ends of an otherwise straight hairstyle. (@elissakincade details exactly how to apply the rollers for a bouncy blowout look in this TikTok video.) To add some extra body without heat damage, section off the top layer of your hair, and let these pieces air dry. I love this particular set of rollers for their multiple sizes, clips, teasing comb, and affordable price point.

If you want smooth hair without having to pull out your straightener, it’s important to care for your hair in the right way. Sleeping on pillowcases made from cotton or linen can friction on the hair while you sleep which in turn creates unwanted fuzz. Silk on the other hand is smoother and using a silk pillowcase is a great way to preserve your hairstyle. For more benefits of sleeping on a silk pillowcase, check out @joannaleachen’s video.

If using headbands, ribbons, and t-shirts look like too much work, don’t fret. You don’t need special instruments to achieve heat-free hairstyles. Instead, try braiding your hair before bed. A single braid results in the loosest waves, and multiple braids, like the ones in @briciaemilyn’s heat-free styling video, result in tighter, smaller waves. Not only is this method super comfortable, but it’s also super accessible. For even more definition, apply mousse to your hair before braiding.