Best Heatless Hair Curlers

Last Updated: Jun 12, 2023 @ 10:33 am.

Best Comfort: Heatless Curling Rod Headband

This set of hair curlers was the most comfortable headband we tried—and yes, we think you can actually sleep with this on. The difference with this set: it’s made of a rubber-like material that stretches, unlike the foam curlers you often see in this category.

What We Liked

• Simple to use.

• Lightweight.

• Comfortable.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Not the best choice for thinner hair.

• Best for longer hair.

Best Foam Curlers: IVYU Hair Rollers for Long Hair Curlers Heatless

Yes, heat damage is real.

Heatless hair curlers are one answer to curling your hair, without the risk of damage from curling irons or hot rollers. And, yes, we can say after trying out several brands, they do work . . . albeit with a bit of a learning curve.

One tip: consider using mousse or other hair products to help the curls set. 

When it comes to foam curlers, we thought IVYU’s rollers worked the best. This set includes five pieces and works rather simply—start with wet hair and then attach the rod to your head with the included clip. You braid one side at a time, holding the ends of your hair with the included scrunchies. 

What We Liked

• Works, once you get used to the learning curve!

• Affordable.

• Works well with damp hair. 

What Needs Work

• Not the best choice for shorter hair.

• Hard foam isn’t easy to sleep on.

Best Budget-Friendly: Women Heatless Hair Curlers for Long Hair

No, you don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy hair curling solutions to get good results—we think these curlers work great, yet are easy on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Impressive results.

• Doesn’t leave hair frizzy.

• Affordable. 

• Easy to use.

What Needs Work

• Chemical smell when first removed from packaging. 

Best For Thick Hair: 40 Pcs Pink Magic Hair Rollers

If you are looking to do pin curls, this silicone hair roller set would be our choice. We were impressed with the quality here and all the included accessories. 

What We Liked

• Washable.

• Comfortable,

• Easy to use.

• Both large and small size curlers included.

• Silicone material is non-slip.

What Needs Work

• Doesn’t work as well for fine hair.

• Takes more time to roll up hair than other solutions.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!