Easy Heatless Overnight Waves (No Curling Iron)

Soft waves without a curling iron are possible, and they happen while you sleep. Heatless overnight waves are gentle on your hair, free of hot tools and surprisingly easy once you have tried them a couple of times. Here are two simple methods and what to keep in mind.

Start with the right prep

Hair that is slightly damp holds a wave best. Towel-dry gently, then comb through any tangles with a wide-tooth comb, which is kind to damp hair and helps spread product evenly. Add a light mousse or leave-in cream for a bit of hold. Soaking wet hair takes much longer to dry and can leave your waves flat, so give it some time to air-dry first.

Pick your overnight method

Each of these works well on most hair types, so choose the one that feels easiest.

The headband wrap

Wear a soft, stretchy headband like a crown. Take a small section of hair, wrap it up and over the band, and tuck the end in. Keep going around your head until all your hair is wrapped. This gives loose, bouncy waves with a natural look.

A heatless curling headband (opens Amazon in a new tab)

A soft, padded band you wrap your hair around at night for loose, bouncy waves.

Budget pick

Shop on Amazon

Loose braids

Divide your hair into two or more loose braids and secure the ends with soft hair ties. More, thinner braids give you tighter waves, and fewer thick braids give you looser, softer ones.

A woman seen from behind with her dark hair in one long, loose braid against a blue sky Save

Sleep comfortably, style in the morning

A silk or satin pillowcase lets your hair glide instead of snagging. In the morning, take your braids or wraps down slowly, then gently loosen the waves with your fingers instead of a brush. A tiny bit of hair oil on your palms can tame frizz and add shine, and a light spritz of hairspray can help waves last through the day. Be patient, because the first try may look different from the next.

A silk scrunchie set (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Gentle on hair, with no tight tugging, for braids and wraps.

Check the current price on Amazon

Shop on Amazon

Quick tips for better waves

Make sure your hair is completely dry before you take the waves down, or they may fall out.
Use your fingers, not a brush, to separate the waves.
Start with one method, then adjust to find what works for your hair.

If one method is not quite right, tweak it: slightly wetter, drier, looser or tighter. Try it on a Sunday night and see how it feels.