Curls overnight: simple methods including instructions

Many people with straight or slightly wavy hair desire more intense curls. But making this dream come true doesn't always require a perm. Even without chemicals and with just a few tools and know-how techniques, you can make straight hair curly in no time. It's really not difficult!

We'll show you how to achieve simple, large curls overnight . And all without the heat required, like with a curling iron. The great thing is that the curl look is only temporary, meaning you have total flexibility when it comes to styling and can try out different types of curls. There are many more ways to do this than just the classic method of curling your hair overnight.

Some methods are even suitable for every hair type and length - so overnight curls don't have to remain a dream, even for short hair.

How do I get curls overnight?

Overnight curls work even without curlers . Whether you want bouncy, large curls or small corkscrew curls, you can create many different looks overnight while you sleep. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? Don't worry, with a few simple home remedies, you can achieve magnificent overnight curls . Here's how!

Curls overnight with socks

This method might sound a bit exotic at first, but it's effective and currently totally trendy. You'll need a few socks (they should be fresh, of course! 😂) and a bit of skill. Depending on how big you want the curls to be and how thick and full your hair is, 6 to 10 socks are ideal...

And here are the “ curls overnight with socks ” instructions :

1. Your hair will curl best when it's slightly damp. To do this, first spray your hair with a spray bottle . Alternatively, you can also use our Rainbow Curls Curl Spray Bottle .
2. Then divide your hair into about 6 to 10 sections.
3. Wrap a section of hair from the ends to the roots around a sock.
4. Tie a knot at the top of the sock against the direction of winding.
5. Repeat this process until all sections of hair are wrapped. Make sure to knot the hair in a way that won't interfere with your sleep.
6. You now have several bundles on your head, knotted together by socks. The whole thing will remain in your hair until the next morning .
7. Carefully remove the socks from the individual strands. Et voilà, the sock curls are finished.

Expert tip: Depending on the thickness of the socks you use, the sock curling method can, in the worst case, result in a less than comfortable night's sleep. So feel free to experiment with different types of socks. Thin socks are also worth a try.

Generally speaking, the thicker the sock , the larger the curls will be. The beauty of this curling technique is that it's very time-consuming. The socks can be knotted in about 10 minutes , and untying them the next morning only takes a few minutes.

By the way, there's another technique for sock curls , which is especially suitable for longer hair. With this method, the hair is tied crosswise around the previously clipped sock. This also creates great, hair-friendly curls! We explain exactly how it all works in our special guide : Curls with socks .

Curls overnight with the hairband

It might be a bit more comfortable than the socks method to Use a hairband for curls overnight . Since it's relatively thin, it won't interfere with sleep. Alternatively , you can use a regular scarf or a thin shawl instead.

However, pay attention to the material and use fabrics that are as smooth as possible, such as satin or silk . Our curling towel is perfect for this. Cotton roughens your hair overnight, quickly making it frizzy and brittle.

1. As with the sock method, you can dampen your hair slightly beforehand to encourage stronger curls.
2. Then tie the scarf or hairband around your head above your ears and knot it at the forehead. This also works well with an elastic headband. Check out our Rainbow Curls 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Headband .
3. Now pull a strand of hair from top to bottom through the cloth and wrap it completely around the fabric.
4. Repeat the process strand by strand until all of your hair is wrapped around the scarf .
5. Now you can go to sleep. The next morning, carefully remove the hairband and admire your new curls.

Expert tip: Ideal for the "hairband with curls" method are scarves or bands that allow you to undo the knot in the morning. This way, the hair only has to slide off the band. With closed hairbands or headbands, you have to unwrap each individual strand. This takes more time and puts more strain on your hair.

Keep in mind that with this method, the roots themselves remain smooth, and the curls only form in the lengths . However, this technique is perfect for creating a wonderfully wavy, beachy look!

Braid your hair for curls overnight

You can also achieve beautiful curls overnight by braiding your hair . This works using various braiding techniques that you can use in the evening before bed. This way, you don't have to do much and you'll wake up with curls in the morning.

Braids are also a “ protective hairstyle ” – which protects your hair from friction, frizz and hair damage.

1. As always, moisture can help enhance curls, so feel free to use the spray bottle again if you wish.
2. Then divide the hair into different sections – depending on the desired size of the curls and waves.
3. Then braid each section of hair . The more braids you make and the tighter you braid them, the more intense the curls or waves will be.
4. The next morning, your mane only needs a few touches. Undo the braids and shake out your hair, or run your fingers through the lengths. You can also use a little hairspray to hold it in place . Done!

Expert tip: With around 10 to 12 braids, you'll get small waves that are somewhat reminiscent of crimped hair. Braiding large French braids, on the other hand, will create large, voluminous beach waves. Dutch braids braided at the roots create smaller waves. Braid your hair as tightly as possible, of course, without damaging it! It should be pain-free and avoid excessive strain on the hair lengths.

The closer you start braiding the braids to your roots , the more curls you'll have on top. Otherwise, your hair will only curl at the ends. Also, try securing the braids with a hair tie as low as possible toward the ends. This way, the ends of your hair will also curl and won't stick out the next morning.

No matter which braiding technique you choose, it's best to allow a little more time for this method. Depending on your hair density and length, braiding can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. But the new curly hairstyle in the morning is definitely worth the effort!

Straws: For small curls overnight

For a long time, a straw method worked very well for small curls and curly hair overnight . This was done using a pack of standard straws. However, this method wasn't particularly environmentally friendly, and plastic straws have been banned for some time now and are no longer available in the EU.

Unfortunately, the new, eco-friendly paper straws don't allow you to achieve the technique of creating small curls overnight. However, there is a great alternative! Instead of straws, you can simply use a paper towel to make curlers .

1. Cut four equal squares from each sheet of kitchen roll. Roll these rectangles together from one side to the other to form a tube.
2. Then divide your hair into many smaller strands. Don't wet your hair beforehand, as this obviously won't work with the paper towels! ;-) So, your hair should be thoroughly dry.
3. Starting from the ends of your hair, roll a strand around the paper papillote and tie it together close to your hairline.
4. Repeat this with each strand of hair. The more strands you wind, the curlier your curls will be.
5. After sleeping, remove the kitchen roll curlers and admire the curly result.

Expert tip: Depending on how tightly and tightly you wind the hair strands onto the paper rollers, you can even create Afro curls overnight with this method. However, you'll need some time and patience for this method, as it takes a while to wind all the strands and unwind them the next morning. One advantage is that this method also works wonderfully for shorter hair. Let's curl!

Create curls overnight with a bun cushion

Most of us have a bun cushion , or what this accessory is colloquially called because of its appearance, a donut at home. This can also be used to create beautiful curly hairstyles . A donut is perfect for softer, gentler waves .

You can find out how it all works here:

1. First, wet your hair if you want to intensify the wave look. You can also add some hairspray, mousse, or, our ideal choice, a conditioning treatment.
2. Then you tie your mane into a high ponytail.
3. Hold the braid upwards and pull it through the opening of the donut. Now wrap the ends of your hair around the donut once and pull them back out through the opening.
4. Now you can roll the donut down toward your hairline. This will create a bun on your head.
5. The next morning, you can remove the donut and carefully shape the waves with your fingers.

The donut bun method is relatively easy and requires little time to complete. You can also use two donuts and attach them to the top of your head, like two bear ears. If the bun is too loose, you can secure it with a few bobby pins or hair clips.

Expert tip: Don't have a bun cushion handy? You can also cut off the tip of an old sock and then roll it up into a thick ring. You've just made your own bun cushion!

Curls overnight - Tie your hair into a bun

This method is practically a classic among curl-styling tricks: creating bouncy curls overnight by tying a bun. This approach is ideal for everyday use because it's quick and won't disturb your sleep at night with the hairstyle or curling tools.

1. As with other overnight curl tricks, a little moisture will help create more intense curls. So, the water spray bottle can be your best friend here, too.
2. Then simply twist one or more sections of hair into a bun . Depending on your preference, you can place these hair curls in different positions on your head.
3. Secure the hair balls with a hair tie or hair band.
4. Overnight, while you sleep, you let the bun create waves.
5. In the morning, all you have to do is loosen the tangles and shake your hair into shape. Now you can show off your wavy hair to the world!

Expert tip: For smaller waves, simply divide your hair into several buns. However, make sure to position them on your head in a way that's comfortable and still allows you to sleep well. A low bun at the nape of your neck, several curls on top, or a large bun at the crown of your head will guarantee a comfortable sleeping position.

The choice of hair tie is also important when using the bun method for curls . It should be a hair-friendly model.

• without metal pieces
• or rough surface.

Metal hair clips are generally problematic for securing your hair, as their sharp metal surface can damage the hair structure and promote breakage . Satin-covered hair ties or silk ribbons are ideal for securing your bun.

Curls overnight with the Curly Girl method

If you want to have more than just a temporary head of curls, you simply can't avoid this method! The Curly Girl Method has been a true game-changer for countless people.

Because with it, even weak waves or lifeless, curly strands become what they should be—natural, defined, bouncy curls. Some people who tried CGM didn't even know they had natural curls before.

If the Curly Girl Method is new to you, we will briefly introduce it to you here:

As you can see, CGM is the perfect way to permanently take your hair to a new level of curl . This hair care routine also has a positive effect on your hair overnight and can help strengthen natural curls . With the adequate supply of moisture and nutrients, your hair is always well cared for, even while you sleep.

The Curly Girl Method recommends sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase at night. This material is beautifully smooth and reduces the friction of a cotton pillowcase, which is harsh on natural curls. Long hair can be tucked up over the pillow. Check out our mulberry silk pillowcase for curls . Our customer reviews speak for themselves.

Alternatively , you can also use a silk turban or tie your hair up with a silk scarf . If you want to learn more about how to keep and protect curls overnight , check out our article.

For us, discovering the Curly Girl Method was a game changer and that's why we love it so much!

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Conclusion

There are plenty of hair-friendly tricks to

• beautiful curls,
• Beach Waves,
• Waves
• or even Afro curls.

And all this without the use of heat, chemicals , or other techniques that could damage your hair.

However, you should keep one thing in mind when using gentle curling methods : Hair needs several hours for curls to form and settle. Therefore, it's ideal to use the night as the "curl-formation phase."

This way, you can easily create a variety of curls and waves without much effort, giving your hair a whole new look. We hope you have fun trying them out and celebrate your new curly-haired look!

Want to learn more about curl styling and techniques ? Click here.

FAQ about overnight curls

How can I prevent my curls from falling out overnight?

To prevent your curls from falling out overnight, make sure your hair is reasonably dry before going to bed. Also, use hairspray or curl cream to improve the hold of your curls.

Use a satin or silk scarf or satin pillowcase while sleeping to avoid friction and frizz, which can lead to flat or falling curls.

How often can I curl my hair overnight?

It's not recommended to curl your hair every night, as this can cause hair damage. If you want to curl your hair overnight, limit it to once or twice a week.

Make sure to moisturize your hair before curling and always use a heat-free method to minimize hair damage.

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