How to Use a Heatless Curling Rod Headband, Step by Step

To use a heatless curling rod headband, place the foam rod over the top of your head like a headband, clip it in place, then wrap slightly damp hair around each side of the rod, away from your face, from the front to the back. Secure the ends with scrunchies, leave it in for several hours or overnight, then unwind. The hair dries in the shape of the rod and comes out as soft curls or waves, with no heat.

What is in the set?

A typical heatless curling set has a long, flexible, padded rod that sits over your head, a claw clip to anchor it at the crown, and two scrunchies or ties to hold the ends. Check your set for exactly what is included.

How damp should your hair be?

Hair sets as it goes from damp to dry. It needs just enough moisture to reshape, and it must be fully dry before you unwrap it.

Before you start

1. Brush or comb your hair so it is free of tangles.
2. Get it to the right dampness: let washed hair dry most of the way, or mist dry hair lightly.
3. Work a little mousse, leave-in or light styling cream through the lengths for hold, if your hair tends to drop curls.
4. Part your hair down the middle, from forehead to nape.

How to wrap, step by step

1. Place the rod over the top of your head, centered, with equal lengths hanging on each side.
2. Clip it to your hair at the crown so it does not slide.
3. Start on one side at the front. Take a section about two to three centimeters wide from beside your face.
4. Wrap it over the rod and away from your face, bringing it around and back underneath.
5. Add the next section. Pick up the hair just behind, join it with the tail of the first piece, and wrap again.
6. Keep going down the rod, adding hair each time, keeping the wraps flat like a ribbon and snug but not tight.
7. Wrap the remaining length around the rod to the ends.
8. Secure the ends with a scrunchie around the hair and rod.
9. Repeat on the other side, wrapping in the mirror-image direction, away from the face.
10. Remove the clip, or leave it if it is comfortable.
11. For sleeping, cross the two ends at the back or on top of your head and tie them together, so they do not flop around.

How long do you leave it in?

Until your hair is completely dry. For most people that means overnight, or four to six hours during the day. Fine hair sets faster. Thick hair takes longer. If you unwrap and the hair is still damp, the curls will not hold.

How do you take it out?

1. Remove the scrunchies.
2. Slide the rod downward and out, or unwind gently from the bottom up. Do not pull.
3. Let the curls hang for a minute.
4. Separate them with your fingers. Do not brush, unless you want soft, brushed-out waves.
5. Finish with a light mist of hairspray or a drop of serum on the ends.

A foam rod set

The Uexim heatless curling rod headband has a soft foam rod that forms soft waves overnight without heat, and it is described as comfortable to sleep in. It comes as one set per pack, in pink or black.

How do you change the result?

• Tighter curls: smaller sections, wrapped more snugly, on slightly damper hair.
• Looser waves: larger sections and a relaxed wrap.
• More volume at the roots: start wrapping close to the scalp and set the rod further forward.
• Flatter roots with curls from mid-length: begin wrapping lower down.
• Longer-lasting curls: use mousse before wrapping and hairspray after.

Common problems and fixes

• Curls fall out by midday. The hair was too dry when wrapped, or still damp when unwrapped. Adjust dampness and leave it in longer.
• Frizz. Sections were twisted like a rope instead of laid flat, or the hair was rubbed overnight. Wrap flat and wear a satin bonnet.
• Creases near the roots. The first wrap was too tight or the clip sat on the hair. Start more loosely.
• Uneven sides. Use the same number of sections on each side.
• The rod slips. Clip it at the crown, and tie the ends together.
• Ends stick out straight. Wrap right to the tips and secure them under the scrunchie.

Who does it suit?

It works best on hair from about shoulder length down, straight to wavy. Very short or heavily layered hair will not wrap around the rod. Naturally curly hair can use it on stretched hair to create a looser, more uniform curl.

Frequently asked questions

Is heatless curling better for hair than a curling iron?

It avoids heat, which is one common source of dryness and damage. The curls are usually softer than those from an iron.

Can I use it on dry hair?

Mist it lightly first. Fully dry hair takes only a faint wave.

Is it comfortable to sleep in?

A soft foam rod is easier to sleep on than hard rollers. Sleeping on your back or side with the ends tied on top helps.

How long do the curls last?

It depends on your hair. Often a day, and longer with mousse and hairspray. Fine, straight hair tends to drop sooner.

The bottom line

Damp hair, rod on top, wrap flat and away from the face, secure the ends, and wait until it is fully dry. The rod does the work while you sleep.