Heatless curls with socks or a robe tie
Quick answer
To do heatless curls with socks, roll a clean long sock into a tube or ring, lay it on top of your head, wrap slightly damp sections around it and tie the ends together, then leave it overnight. A robe tie works the same way as a long soft rod. Both are free, but they hold less evenly than a purpose-made rod, and the wraps may slide.
Key takeaways
- A sock or a robe tie acts as a homemade curling rod; both are free and use what is in your house.
- A long soft belt gives waves; a rolled sock gives a bigger loop.
- Use slightly damp hair and secure the ends so the wraps do not slip.
- They tend to hold less evenly than a purpose-made rod, because the fabric slides and the shape is uneven.
- If you will do this often, a curling rod or ribbon is a modest step up in consistency: Kitsch's set is $18 and The Hair Edit's is $17.99.
How do heatless sock curls work?
It is the same idea as a curling rod, built from household things. A sock (or a soft robe tie) forms a tube on top of your head; you wrap sections of damp hair around it, and the hair dries in the shape of the wrap.
The tube's thickness decides the curl: a thin tube gives tighter curls, a thick one gives loose waves. A rolled tube sock gives a very soft, large wave.
What do you need?
What you'll need
- Option A: a clean long sock (a tube or knee sock works best) or two
- Option B: a soft robe tie or fabric belt, about the length of your hair circumference
- Two hair ties or scrunchies
- A comb, clips and a spray bottle
- A satin bonnet or pillowcase if you are sleeping in it
A cotton robe tie is wide and soft. A thin sock will compress into a thin tube, so roll it before you start.
How do you do heatless curls with a sock, step by step?
- Make the tube. Cut the toe off a clean sock, or use it as is. Roll it lengthwise, like a rope, and tie the ends together so it forms a ring that sits on your head.
- Start with slightly damp hair. Comb through.
- Place the sock like a crown or like a headband, depending on the look.
- Take a small section. About an inch wide for curls, two inches for waves.
- Wrap the section around the sock, from the ends up, and tuck the end under the sock.
- Continue around your head. Overlap slightly.
- Secure with a hair tie or by tucking the final sections in.
- Leave it for several hours or overnight.
- Unwind gently. Finger-comb.
The finished curl looks like a soft wave, since the sock's circumference is usually larger than a curling rod.
How do you use a robe tie?
A robe tie is the simplest version.
- Fold the tie in half and lay the middle across the top of your head.
- Take a section of hair on one side and wrap it around the tie, working away from your face.
- Keep wrapping section after section down the tie.
- Tie the ends together at the bottom of your head, or knot them.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Leave in for several hours, then unwrap.
This is basically what a curling rod does, but with a flatter, floppier fabric, so the wraps may slide.
How long should you leave it in?
For waves, a couple of hours on nearly dry hair is enough. For curls that last, leave it overnight. A satin bonnet over the top keeps everything in place; see how to sleep with heatless curls.
When is a purpose-made tool better?
If your socks slip, the curls are uneven, or you do this weekly, a purpose-made tool is a small upgrade.
| Option | Cost | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Sock or robe tie | Free | Wraps slide; uneven shape |
| Curling rod or ribbon | Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set $18; The Hair Edit set $17.99 | Needs buying; soft rod keeps shape |
| Flexi rods | Kitsch jumbo flexi rods $21 | More steps, more control |
See curling tools vs braids and twists for the other DIY options.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Using a thin sock that compresses; roll it first.
- Wrapping hair that is too wet.
- Skipping the ends tie, so the wraps slide.
- Leaving the sock loose on your head.
- Expecting tight curls from a thick tube.
Frequently asked questions
Can you really curl hair with a sock?
Yes. Wrapped damp hair dries in the shape of the sock, which gives soft waves or loose curls.
What kind of sock works?
A long, clean tube sock rolled into a rope is easiest. A thin sock may compress into a thin tube.
Is a robe tie better than a sock?
A robe tie is longer and lies flatter. It works like a curling rod. A sock gives bigger, softer waves.
How long do sock curls last?
It depends on your hair; no brand publishes a number. Fully dry hair and a light hairspray help.
Can I sleep in a sock curl?
Many people do. Use a soft tube and cover your hair.