Your blow dryer might be your best friend when it comes to creating salon-worthy hairstyles, but did you know that it can also cause some serious damage? Many of us rely on our heat styling tools in the morning, whether it’s for a volume boost or adding curl. However, heat can dry out the hair cuticle and harm the structure of hair proteins over time. And once your hair has suffered heat damage, cutting it off is the only way to fix it.
Luckily there are plenty of ways to rock beautiful hair without resorting to heat styling. You can sleep your way to beautiful curls with the help of foam rollers or create instant volume with velcro rollers. So step away from that hair dryer for a while and give one of the following heatless hair tools a try.
Do hot tools cause hair damage?
Hot tools might be great at transforming flat, limp locks into red carpet-worthy styles, but they will not keep your hair healthy. Hairdryers, straightening irons, and other heat styling tools all put thermal strain on your hair. When you put any sort of heat onto your hair, it creates small holes in the protective layer which can lead to breakage, frizz, split ends, and permanent damage. Heat is bad for every hair type and texture, and it can even compromise your natural curl pattern. The more heat you use, the worse the situation will get.
Of course, it’s all about moderation. Try not to use hot tools too frequently, or on a high setting. High temperatures of 450 degrees and above can permanently break the disulphide bonds within hair, leading to burnt and damaged locks. The worst hair care tools to use are typically iron barrels and plates, since they come into direct contact with hair.
Best heatless hair styling tools
The good news is that you can still get beautiful, voluminous hair safely, no heat required. There are tons of great heatless hair styling tools available these days, from velcro rollers to ribbon wraps and spoolies. Here are some of our top picks:
1. Flexi rods
When it comes to creating defined ringlets, nothing beats flexi rods. These rods bend into any shape and can be secured into place without hair clips or pins. They can be used on a wide range of hair types and are especially useful for adding definition to curly textures. To use, simply section off one to two-inch pieces of slightly damp hair and roll vertically from end to root. Drying time depends on the thickness of your hair. Once dry, take out the rods and brush through with your fingers to break curls apart.
2. Foam rollers
If you want to style your hair overnight, foam rollers are one of the most comfortable styling tools available. Their soft, spongy material protects your head from the outer clips that hold the roller in place. Just remember to keep them looser around your hairline to prevent pulling while you sleep. Use on dry hair and roll them in different directions to create a natural curl look. In the morning, simply unravel the rollers and brush through hair with a large paddle brush for fuller volume and texture.
3. Hair Extensions
Think hair extensions are only for adding length? Think again. Extensions can also be used to boost hair to new heights. All you need to do is trim your extensions to match your hair’s natural length. Our 16” length is the perfect length to add a boost of volume to medium length hairstyles.
4. Pillow soft rollers
Without heat, it can take a while for your curls to set so styling hair while you sleep is ideal. Fortunately the best overnight heatless hair tools are comfortable to sleep in and also save time in the morning. These pillow soft rollers are super versatile and will let you wake up to crimp-free curls. You can wrap them in the middle of your hair for smooth waves, at roots to end for more body, or just at the ends for a straight-to-curly style.
5. Spoolies
Created back in the 50s as an easy way to get the pin curl look without bobby pins, spoolies are a retro favorite. Today’s version has been redesigned with heat-resistant silicone material, which won’t take the natural oils from your hair. To style, simply wrap a section of hair around the stem of the cap, snap the cone over, and repeat.
6. Ribbon wraps
For big bouncy curls, ribbon wraps deliver every time. This tool creates effortless, heat-free curls with minimal damage to hair. The satin material helps hair retain moisture, leaving it shinier and healthier. Braid your damp hair around the wrap and let your hair curl as it dries. After removing the ribbon, spray in a texturizing spray for an extra dose of volume.
7. Velcro hair rollers
Our Luxy Hair velcro hair rollers are ideal for both short and long hairstyles and will help you achieve amazing volume in a matter of minutes. This velcro roller set includes 18 black velcro hair rollers in small, medium, and large sizes, as well as nine creaseless clips to help secure into place while styling.
How to use velcro rollers
Contrary to popular belief, velcro rollers are not just for grandmas getting ready for a fancy night out. Whether you’re trying to get tousled waves or defined curls, velcro hair rollers are a great option for styling your hair.
Not only are velcro hair rollers a healthier alternative to hot styling tools, but they are also easy, affordable, and work for all hair types and textures.
In just minutes, they can transform flat, lifeless locks into voluminous hairstyles that last for days. Keep in mind that velcro rollers are customizable depending on your style goals and hair type. Smaller rollers are best for creating defined ringlets and curls, while big rollers will give you va-va-voom volume with less curl.
To use velcro rollers for yourself, here’s all you need to get started: some rollers, hairspray, styling cream, and hair clips. Start by putting styling mousse into damp hair and letting it air dry. You can begin rolling while hair is still slightly damp. Pull a section of hair straight out from your head and brush it. Prep with hairspray and then, keeping hair pulled tight, begin to roll the ends around the roller. Always roll them inwards, from your ends to your roots, using the velcro grip to get hair to stick. Make sure hair doesn’t fall off the sides, as this can create tangles. Once your hair is secured in the rollers, keep them on for 15 to 20 minutes to lock in the style. Alternatively, if you’re looking for the best velcro rollers for volume, put some rollers around the crown of your head, wait a few minutes, and then take them out to unleash voluminous locks.
When taking the velcro rollers out of your hair, try not to unroll them. It’s best to grab them directly and pull from the roots, since this allows you to brush your hair and take the rollers out at the same time. Once the hair rollers are all out, use your fingers to brush through the curls, add in some light styling cream, and give your hair a flip or two. The result? Amazingly soft, bouncy hair without any of the damage.
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Written by: Mikayla Uber
