Summer is the perfect time to embrace your natural curls without subjecting them to damaging heat styling. Heatless curling methods preserve the health and integrity of your hair for your hair’s long-term health. Let’s dive in!
Constant heat application damages the hair cuticle, causing irreversible harm over time. The cortex is also affected, leading to the breakage of disulfide bonds and the weakening of the hair fiber. Heat damage results in dry, brittle, and frizzy hair prone to breakage. Heatless methods rely on the power of water and air to set the curls without causing any harm. Embracing heatless styling allows your hair to maintain its natural strength and elasticity, resulting in healthier, more vibrant curls.
The Plop Method:
The Plop method is an excellent technique for creating defined, bouncy curls while encouraging maximum curl formation.
Step 1: Prep your hair. Start by applying our Custom Leave-in Conditioner to damp hair. Add two drops of Custom Hair Serum to provide additional moisture and shine. Gently distribute the products throughout your hair, ensuring even coverage.
Step 2: Place a t-shirt or microfiber towel on a flat surface. Flip your hair forward, carefully lowering your curls onto the center of the fabric. Use the edges of the fabric to wrap your hair, creating a “plop.”
Step 3: Secure the plop. Tie the ends of the fabric together, creating a loose but secure knot at the nape of your neck. This will hold your hair in place and encourage the formation of defined curls.
Step 4: Let it set. Leave your hair plopped for a minimum of 30 minutes, or even overnight for more pronounced curls. The longer you leave it, the more defined your curls will be.
Step 5: Unravel and style. Carefully untie the fabric and release your curls. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently separate and arrange your curls. Finish with a light-hold hairspray for extra hold and longevity.
The Sock Method:
The Sock method is a popular technique for achieving heatless curls with volume and body. You’ll need a couple of socks – at least four and up to eight depending on how thick your hair is.
Step 1: Prep your hair. Start by applying our Custom Leave-in Conditioner to damp hair. Add two drops of Custom Hair Serum to provide additional moisture and shine. Gently distribute the products throughout your hair, ensuring even coverage.
Step 2: Take a section of your hair and place the tube sock perpendicular to the ends of your hair and roll the hair around the tube sock.
Step 3: Secure the sock by tying the two ends of the tube sock together.
Step 4: Sleep or wait for your curls to set. Allow your hair to dry completely, either overnight or for a few hours. The sock will provide structure and shape to your curls, creating natural-looking waves.
Step 6: Unroll and style. Gently remove the sock from your hair, unraveling the curls from the base to the ends. Use your fingers to separate and fluff your curls, and apply a light-hold hairspray to set the style.
The Braid Method:
The Braid method is a versatile heatless technique that offers various curl patterns, from loose waves to tight coils. Follow these steps to achieve stunning curls using the Braid method:
Step 1: Begin with damp hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner (LIC) and two drops of hair serum to nourish and protect your curls.
Step 2: Section your hair. Divide your hair into multiple sections, depending on your desired curl size and hair thickness. Smaller sections create tighter curls, while larger sections result in looser waves.
Step 3: Braid each section. Take one section at a time and create a standard three-strand braid, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Secure each braid with a small hair tie or an elastic band.
Step 4: Allow your hair to dry. Leave the braids overnight or for several hours until your hair is completely dry. This allows the natural air and water within your hair to reshape and set the curls.
Step 5: Undo the braids and style. Gently unravel each braid, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Once all the braids are undone, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to separate and define your curls. Apply a lightweight curl-enhancing product for extra hold and definition.
Heatless styling methods offer a fantastic way to achieve stunning curls while protecting your hair from the damaging effects of heat. By embracing techniques like the Plop, Sock, and Braid methods, you can rock gorgeous curls all summer long.
