The Most Comfortable Ways To Wear Heatless Curls (Especially If You're A Side Sleeper)

Heatless curls are a brilliant way to wake up with gorgeous, bouncy locks; there's no styling work in the morning, and the lack of heat means that you're not damaging your hair with sizzling tongs and curling wands. In fact, there are tons of heatless curl hacks out there, because who needs hair damage? One of the main drawbacks of heatless curlers is that they can get uncomfortable at night, especially for side sleepers. Many heatless curl designs require curling hair across the crown, resulting in bundles of wrapped hair on either side of the head; this can make it hard for side sleepers to get comfortable during the night. 

The good news is that there are several effective heatless curling methods that mitigate this nuisance. By strategically placing the curling method at the center of the head or lower on the sides, people can still get a good night's sleep and wake up with sensational hair. Also, for any of these heatless curling methods, don't underestimate the protective power of a good hair bonnet. Slipping a satin bonnet over curled hair is among the most comfortable hairstyles for sleeping, while simultaneously protecting hair from pulling during the night. (The unicorn hair technique might be the only exception to this rule.) If you don't have a bonnet handy, fear not; we've rounded up the most comfortable ways to wear heatless curls, especially if you're a side sleeper.

The truth is, if you're a side sleeper and want to do heatless curls, the curls need to either be secured right on top of your head or hang low around your chin. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time getting comfortable. One of the most popular — and one of the silliest — methods is called unicorn heatless curls. The method got its name from the positioning of the soft, bendable curling rod, because it protrudes from the front of the head, like a unicorn. This ingenious method pulls hair away from the sides of the head, allowing side sleepers to get cozy. 

Begin by parting your hair down the middle and very lightly misting it with water or applying a hair oil so that the hair holds the curl. Secure the rod with a clip around the crown of the head or, if the rod is long enough, you can hold the end with your mouth for the moment. Start by taking a small piece from one side of your part and wrapping it around the rod completely, so that the end of the piece is folded back on the same side of the hair you started with. Then wrap a piece from the other side of the part completely around the rod. As if doing a French braid, continue taking pieces from each side of the head and securely wrapping them all the way around the rod. Use a scrunchie to secure the end.

Sponge or foam rollers are great for achieving bouncy, long-lasting curls without heat. But they can be tricky for side sleepers, as they're typically secured all over the head. Thankfully, one brilliant technique allows side sleepers to reap the benefits without the discomfort. (It's worth noting that this technique is best for medium to long hair.)

Prep your hair as you would for any heatless curling method; A light spritz with water works well, and brush through your hair to comb out any tangles. Then take the middle section of hair and curl small pieces away from the face. Making a mohawk shape, do a full line of sponge curlers down the center of the head — there will still be sections of hair on the sides that need to be curled. Wrap small sections of hair around sponge curlers but stop around the chin; do not roll all the way up to your scalp. The final effect will include a mohawk of sponge curlers across the top of the head and a circle of low-hanging sponge rollers around the chin and back of the head. This technique is great for side sleepers because there are no sponge rollers directly on the sides of the head, so you can sleep in peace.

By far one of the simplest and most comfortable heatless curling techniques for anyone — especially for side sleepers — is low sock curls. They sit low on the head, just under the jawline, so there isn't any bulk around the crown. Plus, you only need two clean socks, so it's a very low-maintenance, cost-effective technique.

Start by parting your hair in two and brushing out any tangles. Apply a mist of water, hair oil, or even an air-dry cream, since hair can be slightly damp with this technique. Taking one side of your hair, secure the toe of one sock in your teeth and wrap all the hair in that section tightly around the sock. Make sure to pull tightly. This is a useful technique, as many people make the mistake of wrapping their heatless curls the wrong way. Next, let go of the toe and wrap the toe over the end of your hair. Secure the whole portion by wrapping the sock on top. Repeat with the second side. The final result will be two sock buns that hang low enough that a side sleeper can snuggle in for a good night's sleep without being bothered.

Another easy and effective heatless curling method for side sleepers is the three-rod technique. The best rods for this are velvet rods that lock together. Also, this technique benefits from a bonnet at the end to protect the hair overnight, though it works just fine without a bonnet, too. 

Start by combing your hair and applying your favorite product for hair prep, be it a light mist of water, a hair oil, or a flexible pomade applied to the ends to help the curls hold their shape. Start with a section at the top of the head, wrap hair around the velvet rod, and clip into place. You can roll hair toward the face or away from it depending on how you want your curls to sit the next day. If you're not sure, have some fun experimenting with the two different directions. Take the second section at the crown of the head and wrap the hair and clip it. Then take the final section closest to the nape of the neck and secure the third rod. The final result should be three wrapped rods in a mohawk shape on top of the head. Secure the heatless rods with a bonnet for extra hair protection.

Another great method for heatless curls for side sleepers is the four-sock mohawk. Just as it sounds, the final result of this method is four secured socks down the middle of the head. This method is extremely effective for those with long, thick hair —since the hair has so much volume, the curls hold better if the hair is divided into four socks. 

Brush out and divide your hair in half across the middle of the head horizontally, and consider applying mousse to dry hair to ensure long-lasting curls. Secure the back section with a clip and flip hair upside down. Then divide this front section in half again, and clip back the second section. Grab the very front section, closest to the face. Tie an elastic in a quick-release knot, and roll up the hair in a sock, securing it by folding the opening of the sock over the wrapped hair. Untie the elastic. Follow with the next three sections in this same manner, applying a light amount of mousse to each section. The final result will be four sock buns down the middle of the head. There's the option of a bonnet again, particularly if you toss and turn throughout the night, to add one extra layer of security to hold the socks in place and protect the hair.