Using a Heatless Hair Styler for Gorgeous, Undamaged Hair
Heatless hair styling offers a gentle way to achieve beautiful curls or waves without the damage caused by heat tools. With a variety of options available, it’s easier than ever to embrace a healthier and more sustainable haircare routine.
Editor’s note: Our team was saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Curls’ founder Kris Akins. Charlie Curls is no longer in business, but I wanted to leave this article as it highlights Kris’ kindness, thoughtfulness, and intelligence.
Every morning for nearly two decades, I washed and dried my long, thick hair before school or work. Most of those mornings, my routine also included some form of heat styling (straightener, curling wand, or big hot rollers) to smooth it out or add curls or waves.
After leaving the corporate world to be a stay-at-home and then a work-from-home mom, I worried less about trying to look polished every day. I also started to realize the toll all that washing and styling had taken on my hair. So I cut back to washing every two to three days.
I was still using a hair dryer or some form of heat styling most of the time. Then we moved to hot, humid Florida, and sweating under a hair dryer wasn’t exactly a pleasant way to start the day.
The problem is that my hair doesn’t air dry in a flattering way. If I leave it completely alone, the only way to describe it is… Medusa-esque. But even combing or brushing it as it dries just leaves it half kinky, partly frizzy and oddly poofy.
So, you can imagine my interest when our friend Carissa Berg shared her obsession with the CharlieCurls heatless hair styler at a wellness conference. We mentioned how great she looked despite an overnight airport delay and almost no sleep.
She said, “Oh, I kept my hair pulled back in the CharlieCurls styler. Took it out this morning, ran my fingers through it, and here I am!”
She introduced us to Kris Akins and Amber Sims, their founder and marketing director. They’ve been two of the loveliest people to get to know, and they sent us samples of the CharlieCurls. After a bit of experimentation to find the right techniques for my hair, I’ve been thrilled with the results.
In fact – it’s the only option I’ve found to get my hair smooth without heat.
The Benefits of Heatless Hair Stylers
There are so many benefits to simplifying life with kids. Whether it means streamlining your morning routine or easing tricky situations with your child’s hair – all the sanity saving makes a difference.
Heatless hair styling tools are a game changer for busy parents, eco-conscious individuals, or anyone who wants to simplify their haircare routine.
Here are more reasons why moms love them:
- You get great curls or waves without the damage of heat styling.
- No wasted energy because there’s no heat involved.
- You don’t need chemical hair products (or to waste plastic bottles of styling product)
- Less effort – whether you’re doing your own hair or your child’s.
- Speaking of kids – if your child has long hair, they’ll wake up to soft waves instead of morning tangles.
- You can use it anytime and anywhere (while playing with your kids, doing work from home, walking the dog, working out, etc.).
- Heatless styling can retrain your scalp to produce less oil, so you can wash your hair less often.
- You can travel without corded tools – especially helpful for international travel.
- The brands we recommend are plastic-free.
How to Use Heatless Hair Stylers
The exact steps depend on the tool you choose, but most heatless stylers follow a similar process:
- Start with Dry or Slightly Damp Hair: Second-day hair often works better than freshly washed hair. If your hair is dry, lightly mist it with water to dampen the cuticle.
- Wrap Hair Around the Styler: Depending on the tool, you might roll your hair up into loops, spiral it around a rod, or twist it into a band. Secure it according to the tool’s design.
- Let It Set: For loose waves, leave it in for at least 2 hours. For tighter curls, keep it in overnight.
- Release and Style: Gently remove the tool, shake out your curls, and use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to style.
Is There a Learning Curve?
Your first few times using a CharlieCurls styler may involve a bit of trial and error. The good news is that it’s nowhere near as complicated (or as high stakes) as learning to use a menstrual cup.
The worst I’ve experienced is that my ends look a little wonky if I didn’t tuck them properly before rolling it up. And sometimes I don’t leave it in long enough to get waves that stay all day. But the experimenting is definitely worth the immediate and long-term benefits to your hair… and your time.
It’s actually easy enough for kids to use, too. And you won’t have to worry about your child getting a burn from a curling iron. Plus kids feel empowered not having to wait for a parent to do their hair.
The no-heat approach has an added benefit where you can wash your hair less often, retraining your scalp to stop overproducing oils. The result is a naturally balanced ecosystem for your hair.
Popular Heatless Hair Styling Tools
While the CharlieCurls styler is no longer available, here are some excellent alternatives to achieve gorgeous, heat-free curls:
- Kitsch Satin Hair Rollers: Made from soft satin to minimize frizz, these rollers are comfortable to sleep in and easy to use. Kitsch is the same brand that makes the amazing rice shampoo bar we rave about. It leaves hair clean and beautifully moisturized. Plus it’s plastic free and helps us achieve our almost zero waste bathroom goals.
- Heatless Curling Headbands: These foam or fabric headbands let you wrap your hair into smooth curls overnight.
- Flexi Rods: Flexible rods that can create a variety of curl sizes and styles.
- Foam Rollers: A classic option for soft curls, often available in different sizes for customizable results.
- Ribbon Curlers: Spiral-shaped curlers that create natural-looking curls without any heat.
Tips for Success
- Experiment – It may take a few tries to find the right method and tool for your hair type.
- Use a fine mist sprayer – This helps evenly dampen your hair without making it too wet, which can lead to frizz.
- Secure ends properly – Tucking in the ends prevents awkward bends or wonky curls.
- Be patient – For thick or very straight hair, leaving the tool in overnight will yield the best results.
Why Heatless Hair Styling is Worth It
Heatless hair stylers save time, protect your hair, and align with a more sustainable lifestyle. They’re perfect for busy mornings, eco-conscious living, or teaching kids how to care for their own hair.
Whether you’re looking for soft waves, bouncy curls, or a more polished look, these tools offer a simple, effective, and damage-free solution.
While we miss the ingenuity of CharlieCurls, we’re inspired by their legacy and the growing movement toward healthier, more sustainable haircare.