What could be better than cutting your morning hair styling routine in half? Perhaps cutting it all together? Heatless curlers are the way to a simpler morning routine as well as more sustained curls throughout the day. Of course, you can also accompany your current routine, be it with a blow dryer or curling iron, with heatless curlers to help them cool in the right shape and make them last even longer. Whatever your routine, if you curl your hair or love a blowout look, this list is for you.

But the allure of heatless curlers extends beyond their ability to protect and nurture your hair. They offer versatility, allowing you to experiment with an array of hairstyles, from voluminous waves to defined curls, all without subjecting your strands to unnecessary harm. Whether you’re a seasoned stylist or a novice in the world of haircare, heatless curlers offer a user-friendly alternative that promises salon-worthy results from the comfort of your own home.

So, whether you’re seeking to streamline your morning routine or embark on a journey toward healthier hair, consider embracing the transformative power of heatless curlers. Say goodbye to the days of sacrificing the well-being of your hair for the sake of style, and say hello to a new era of effortless beauty, one curl at a time.

Click to go straight to our winners of the best heatless curlers by category:

In testing for the best heatless hair curlers, I tried them all on my straight, shoulder-length hair to see which ones truly delivered. I have a lot of fine hair, so I was able to test usage on thick hair by using larger sections as well as finer hair by using small sections. Some of these, like the Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers, I have used for years while some, like the Kitsch Heatless Hair Flexi Rod Curlers, were new to me as someone with a lifetime of heatless hair styling experience. These six heatless curling systems are the ones I will go back to again and again now depending on my desired result and the length of my hair.

In using the curlers, I looked out for the following criteria:

Achieve effortless curls with the Kitsch Flexi Rod Curlers, crowned the best overall choice for heatless curling. These innovative curlers offer versatility, ease of use, and outstanding results for all hair types, making them a must-have in your styling arsenal. We love the Kitsch curlers because they work on most hair lengths, are crafted with luxe materials, are crazy comfortable to lounge and sleep in, and look pretty cute to boot. They have plenty of padding around pliable wire, so we never felt any poking throughout the night.

Short hair deserves love too, and the Octocurl Soft Hair Rollers deliver just that. Tailored for all lengths, these rollers provide gentle and easy yet effective curling without the need for heat. Because the curler set wraps around the head and uses gravity to curl rather than any sort of updo, it’s ideal for those with shorter lengths. As someone with hair just above shoulder length, I’ve looked for heatless curlers for short hair for some time and the Octocurl system blows the rest out of the water. It’s innovative, comfortable, and (above all) effortless to use even for those of us who lack length.

Long locks can rejoice with The Sleepy Tie, the ultimate choice for achieving gorgeous, billowing heatless curls. Designed with length in mind, this innovative hair accessory ensures that every inch of your hair receives the curling attention it deserves, resulting in stunning, long-lasting curls without the fuss. Unlike other heatless curlers, The Sleepy Tie relies on dry hair to do the job overnight. For long lengths or thick hair, we found this especially helpful since all you need to be able to form is a ponytail — no tying, clipping, or fussing around with extra-long damp hair. It takes all of 1 minute to put on and can even be worn throughout the day as a cute top knot in preparation for evening hair.

Elevate your blow dry game with Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers. These self-grip wonders effortlessly create voluminous curls, adding bounce and texture to your hair without the need for heat damage. That said, they definitely work the quickest when hair is dry and still warm from blow-drying. We found them effective as a totally heatless option as well, though, especially for fine hair. Simply roll damp hair up (this method works best for medium lengths, as long hair can take especially long to dry in the rollers), allow the rollers’ grippy texture to hold themselves in place, and give them anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to work their magic. If you’re patient, you can achieve the perfect heatless blowout.

Wake up to beautiful curls with The Original Sway Hair Curling Ribbon Wrap, our best choice for overnight styling. Simply wrap your hair and let it rest overnight for stunning, heat-free curls by morning. Effortless and effective, it’s the perfect solution for busy mornings and low-maintenance individuals. We love the ribbon wrap style for overnight curls because it lacks bulk, padding, and wiring and feels comfortable all night long. We did find it particularly effective for medium to longer hair lengths, as the wrap does wrap around the head once the hair is wrapped around it, but most lengths can benefit from the ribbon wrap when it comes to achieving loose waves or bouncy, romantic curls easily.

Experience real comfort with the Silke London Heatless Curler, our winner of the best headband-style curler. This luxe kit not only delivers stunning, easy-to-achieve curls but also pampers your hair while you sleep, ensuring a comfortable experience with every wear. We love this modern icon of a hair styler (as do millions of TikTokers) because it combines function with fast application and comfort. Imagine if your silk bonnet contributed to your morning styling routine in addition to protecting your hair from friction: that’s Silke London for us.

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.