Heatless Curls with a Scrunchie: 4 Easy Overnight Methods

Heatless curls are soft curls or waves you set overnight without a curling iron, straightener or blow-dryer. The easiest way is to twist slightly damp hair into buns or braids, tie each one with a soft scrunchie, sleep on it and loosen the hair in the morning. A smooth satin scrunchie works well for this because it holds the twist without the tight pull of a thin rubber band. Below are 4 easy methods, all done with our satin scrunchies.

Every method here needs only one or two scrunchies and about 10 minutes before bed. All 10 of our printed designs are one size and cost Rs 40 each.

Quick answer: how do you get heatless curls with a scrunchie?

1. Start with hair that is about 80% dry, not dripping wet.
2. Split it into two sections and twist each one tightly away from your face.
3. Wrap each twist into a bun (or plait it) and tie it with a scrunchie.
4. Sleep on it for 6 to 8 hours.
5. Take the scrunchies off, loosen the curls with your fingers and finish with a drop of hair oil or serum.

What you need

• 2 satin scrunchies. Any of our 10 prints works; pick soft colours for daily wear or bright ones if you want to show them off.
• A wide-tooth comb to detangle before you start.
• A leave-in cream or setting spray (optional) to help the curls last through the day.
• A soft headband, dupatta strip or old t-shirt sleeve for method 3 only.

Method 1: Twisted buns for bouncy curls

This is the best method for medium to long hair and gives the most defined curls.

1. Part your hair down the middle and take one half at a time.
2. Twist the section tightly away from your face until it starts to coil.
3. Wind the twist around itself into a bun on top of your head.
4. Loop a scrunchie around the bun two or three times so it stays flat enough to sleep on.
5. Repeat on the other side. Sleep, then unwind in the morning.

Tip: buns placed higher on the head give curls that start near the roots; lower buns give curls mainly at the ends.

Method 2: Braids for soft beach waves

Braids give looser, beachy waves rather than tight curls, and they are the most comfortable to sleep in.

1. Make two loose plaits, one on each side, starting just below the ears.
2. Tie the end of each plait with a scrunchie. A satin scrunchie is gentle on the ends compared with a tight elastic.
3. For more wave, make 4 smaller plaits instead of 2.
4. In the morning, undo the plaits and run your fingers through. Do not brush, or the waves will go frizzy.

Method 3: Headband or robe-tie curls

This is the method behind the viral heatless curl videos. You wrap your hair around a soft rod, such as a robe belt, a rolled dupatta or a soft headband, and secure the ends with scrunchies.

1. Place the middle of the rod on top of your head, with the ends hanging down beside each ear.
2. Take a small section of hair from the front and wrap it around the rod, moving away from your face.
3. Keep adding hair to each wrap, like a French braid, until all the hair on that side is wrapped.
4. Tie the end of the wrapped hair to the rod with a scrunchie. Repeat on the other side.
5. Sleep, then slide the rod out gently in the morning.

Method 4: Scrunchie twist curls for short hair

If your hair is shoulder length or shorter, a full bun may not hold. Instead, make 3 or 4 small twists, coil each one and slide a scrunchie over it. You will get soft bends rather than full curls, which suits a bob or lob.

Which method should you choose?

Method	Best for	Result	Scrunchies needed
Twisted buns	Medium to long hair	Bouncy, defined curls	2
Braids	Any length past the shoulders	Soft beach waves	2 to 4
Headband or robe tie	Long hair	Big, glossy curls	2
Small twists	Short hair, bob or lob	Gentle bends	3 to 4

How do you make heatless curls last all day?

• Do not start with wet hair. Wet hair often stays damp by morning, and the curls drop. Aim for about 80% dry.
• Use a little product. A leave-in cream or a light setting spray before twisting helps the shape hold.
• Give it time. At least 6 hours works best; a quick 2-hour set gives looser waves.
• Loosen gently. Separate curls with your fingers, not a brush.
• Tie it half-up. If the curls start to drop by evening, a half-up style with a scrunchie keeps them off your face and looks finished.

Why use a satin scrunchie for overnight curls?

You will be sleeping on the tie for several hours, so comfort matters. A scrunchie spreads the hold over a wider band of fabric, so it is softer to lie on than a thin rubber band. The smooth satin cover glides over the hair instead of gripping it, which helps avoid a sharp dent or kink where the tie sat. For a deeper look at why fabric matters, read our guides on why silk and satin scrunchies are good for your hair and cotton vs satin scrunchies.

Once your curls are set, you can style them with one of our 10 easy scrunchie hairstyles, such as a low ponytail or a messy bun.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Twisting too loosely, which gives limp waves instead of curls.
• Tying the scrunchie so tight that it pulls at the scalp. Two or three loops are enough.
• Brushing the curls out in the morning, which turns them into frizz.
• Using a hard plastic clip to sleep on, which is uncomfortable and can leave a dent.

Not curling tonight? Try one of these 5 gentle hairstyles for sleeping. If your hair is naturally curly, our scrunchies for curly hair guide shows how to tie curls without frizz.

Frequently asked questions

Pick your scrunchies

Two scrunchies are all you need for tonight’s heatless curls. Choose from all 10 designs of our printed satin scrunchies, one size and just Rs 40 each, from the Strawberry and Rainbow Sky prints to the softer Sunset Mauve Marble.