Best heatless curlers
Quick answer
There is no single best heatless curler; the right one depends on hair length and the look you want. For loose curls on medium to long hair, a long rod or ribbon such as The Hair Edit's 69-inch set ($17.99) or Kitsch's XL set ($20) is the easiest start. For defined curls, flexi rods such as Kitsch's jumbo set ($21) give more control. For a premium silk option, SILKE London lists a mulberry silk kit at 45 GBP.
Key takeaways
- Match the tool to your hair length first: ribbons for long, rods and rollers for short or medium.
- Prices for the sets compared range from about $17.99 to $21, with SILKE London at 45 GBP and invisibobble at 14.95 EUR on their own sites.
- Published sizes vary: Kitsch lists 34 and 39 inch rods; The Hair Edit lists 69 inches; SILKE and invisibobble do not list lengths.
- Every brand here describes its tool as comfortable to wear day or night or overnight, but none publishes how long curls last.
- Facts come from each brand's own product page; none of these picks are ranked by testing.
Best for any hair length on a budget: Heatless Soft Ribbon Curl Set
The Hair Edit's set has a 69-inch velour rod, two scrunchies and a storage bag for $17.99, and the brand says it accommodates any hair length. It is machine washable in cold water on a delicate cycle. The trade-off is that its pages offer no diameter, so you cannot compare curl size directly with other rods, and it is sold through Ulta.
Best for long or thick hair: XL Satin Heatless Curling Set (Chocolate)
Kitsch's XL set has a 39-inch rod that is 1.5 inches in diameter, with two scrunchies, for $20. Kitsch describes the extended length as ideal for all hair lengths, especially extra-long. The larger diameter suggests looser waves; the page does not list a tighter size.
Best for loose, defined curls: Satin Jumbo Flexi Rods 4pc (Rosewood)
Four 10-inch rods, 1.2 inches in diameter, for $21. Kitsch says they bend to secure without pins or clips and describes them as creating flowing, loose curls or relaxed waves. The trade-off is more steps than a single rod, and four rods may not cover thick hair.
Best for a silk option: Silk Heatless Curler Kit
SILKE London lists a 100% mulberry silk (22 momme) kit with 2 silk hair ties, a claw clip and a makeup bag, and says it is designed for easy overnight styling. It is priced at 45 GBP on its site, the highest here, and the length is not published.
Best for a lower-priced ribbon with scrunchies: Handle with Curl Heatless Curling Set
invisibobble's set includes a curling ribbon and 2 SPRUNCHIE SLIM scrunchies for 14.95 EUR. The brand says the ribbon is comfortable enough to sleep in and suggests a couple of hours or overnight. The ribbon's length and diameter are not published.
Best for pillow rollers: Heatless Curl Define Pillow Hair Rollers 8-Pack
Eight pillow rollers and a storage bag for $17.99. The Hair Edit describes them as lightweight and comfortable for day or night and suggests 1 to 2 inch sections of slightly damp hair. Roller size is not published, so check fit for your hair length before buying.
How were these picks chosen?
Each pick comes from a brand's own product page, using published facts: size, material, price and what the brand says the product is for. Nothing here is based on testing or personal use, and there are no scores. Where a brand does not publish a fact, the pick says so.
Prices were checked on 2026-10-08 and may change. Two brands show prices in their own currency (GBP for SILKE London, EUR for invisibobble) as listed on their sites.
Which tool types are included?
- Curling rods and ribbons: a long soft piece you wrap hair around. Fastest for a full head.
- Flexi rods: short bendy rods, one per section. More control.
- Pillow rollers and roller clips: wider rollers for bounce and root lift.
- Curling bands: a soft band tied around the head.
Not sure which? Flexi rods vs a curling ribbon and flexi rods vs rollers explain the difference.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Type | Size | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hair Edit Soft Ribbon Curl Set | Ribbon/rod | 69 in | $17.99 | Ulta |
| Kitsch XL Satin Heatless Curling Set | Rod | 39 in x 1.5 in | $20 | Kitsch |
| Kitsch Satin Jumbo Flexi Rods | Flexi rods x4 | 10 in x 1.2 in | $21 | Kitsch |
| SILKE London Silk Heatless Curler | Silk kit | Not published | 45 GBP | SILKE London |
| invisibobble Handle with Curl | Ribbon | Not published | 14.95 EUR | invisibobble |
| The Hair Edit Pillow Rollers | Pillow rollers x8 | Not published | $17.99 | Ulta |
How do you choose between them?
- Hair length. Short hair: flexi rods or rollers. Long hair: a long rod.
- Time. Overnight: any soft tool. A quick set: a headband or roller clips.
- Curl type. Loose waves: a larger diameter. Defined curls: smaller sections.
- Budget. Sets under $20 are available; silk is higher.
- Hair type. See fine hair and thick hair.
What should you check before buying?
- Rod length vs your hair length.
- Number of pieces in the set (4, 6, 8).
- Whether scrunchies are included.
- Whether it is machine washable (The Hair Edit says its tools are, in cold water on a delicate cycle).
- Currency on the site, if it is a UK or EU brand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best heatless curler for beginners?
A long rod or ribbon has the fewest pieces. The Hair Edit's set is $17.99 and Kitsch's is $18 to $20.
Which is best for overnight?
Soft tools designed for sleep. See best heatless curlers to sleep in.
Are expensive heatless curlers better?
Price differences here reflect materials (SILKE uses mulberry silk), not published performance.
Do these work on short hair?
Ribbons are long. For short hair, see heatless curls on short hair.
Can I use more than one?
Yes. Combine a rod with a roller clip at the roots.