Kristina is the founder of Lockenbox & Lockenexpertin. She has been intensively involved with the topic of curly hair care since her youth, when her straight hair suddenly turned into curls.
Many people who have straight or slightly wavy hair want more intense curls. But to make this hair dream come true, you don't always have to get a perm. Even without chemicals and just with 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 get simple, big curls overnight . And all without using any heat , like you'd need with a curling iron, for example. The nice thing is that the curly look is only temporary, which means you're totally flexible when it comes to styling and can try out different types of curls. There are a lot more practices than just the classic curling 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 without curlers . Whether you want big, bouncy curls or small corkscrew curls, you can create lots of different looks overnight while you sleep. Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? Don't worry, with a few simple home remedies you can achieve overnight curls . Here's how to do it!
Curls overnight with socks
This method may sound a bit exotic at first, but it is effective and currently very trendy. You will 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 :
- The hair takes the curls best when it is slightly damp. To do this, first spray the hair with a spray bottle . Alternatively, you can also use our Rainbow Curls curl spray bottle .
- Then divide your hair into about 6 to 10 sections.
- Wrap a section of hair from the ends to the roots around a sock.
- Tie the sock at the top against the direction of winding.
- Repeat the process until all sections of hair are wrapped up. Make sure that you tie the knots in such a way that they do not interfere with your sleep.
- You now have several bundles on your head, tied together by socks. The whole thing will remain in your hair until the next morning .
- Carefully remove the socks from the individual strands. Et voilà, the sock curls are ready.
Expert tip: Depending on the thickness of the socks you use, the sock curling method can, in the worst case, make for a less 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 bigger the curls will be. The great thing about this curling technique is that you hardly need any time for it. The socks can be knotted in around 10 minutes and you only need a few minutes to untie them the next morning.
There is also another wrapping technique for sock curls , which is particularly suitable for longer hair. With this method, the hair is tied crosswise around the previously clipped sock. This can also be used to create great curls that are gentle on the hair! We explain exactly how it all works in our special guide : Curls with socks .
Curls overnight with the hairband
A more comfortable option than the sock method is to use a hairband for curls overnight . Since it is relatively thin, it does not disturb you when you sleep. As an alternative to a hairband, you can also use a normal cloth or a thin scarf .
However, pay attention to the material and use fabrics that are as smooth as possible, such as satin or silk . Cotton roughens up the hair overnight and quickly makes it frizzy and brittle.
- As with the sock method, you can dampen your hair slightly beforehand to encourage stronger curls.
- Then tie the scarf or hairband around your head above your ears and knot it at the forehead. This also works very well with an elastic headband. Take a look at our Rainbow Curls 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Headband .
- Now pull a strand of hair from top to bottom through the cloth and wrap it completely around the fabric.
- Repeat the process strand by strand until all of your hair is wrapped around the scarf .
- Now you can go to sleep. The next morning, carefully remove the hairband and admire your new curls.
Expert tip: Scarves or bands that allow you to undo the knot in the morning are ideal for the "hairband with curls" method. This way, the hair only has to slide off the band. With closed hairbands or headbands, you have to unwrap each individual strand. This means more time is spent and more stress on your hair.
When using this method, remember that the hairline itself remains straight and the curls only appear in the lengths . But this technique is perfect for a wonderful, wavy beach waves look!
Braid your hair for curls overnight
You can also get beautiful curls overnight by braiding your hair . This works using different braiding techniques that you can use in the evening before going to bed. This way you don't have to do much and you wake up with curls in the morning.
Braids are also a “ protective hairstyle ” – which protects your hair from friction, frizz and hair damage.
- As always, moisture can help to enhance the curls, so feel free to use the spray bottle again if you wish.
- Then divide the hair into different sections – depending on the desired size of the curls and waves.
- Then you braid the individual sections of hair . The more braids you make and the tighter you braid them, the more intense the curls or waves will be.
- 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 fix it . Done!
Expert tip: With around 10 to 12 braids you get small waves that are a bit like crimped hair. If you braid large French braids, however, you get large, voluminous beach waves. Dutch braids braided at the hairline create smaller waves. The hair should be braided as tightly as possible. Of course, without damaging the hair! It should not hurt or put too much strain on the length of the hair.
The closer to the hairline you start braiding the braids, the more curls you will have on the top of your head. Otherwise, the hair will only curl in the lengths. Also try to secure the braids as far down as possible at the ends with a hair tie . 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, you should plan a little more time for this method. Depending on the thickness and length of your hair, you may spend around 45 minutes to an hour braiding. But the new curly hairstyle in the morning is definitely worth the effort!
Straws: For small curls overnight
For a long time, a method using straws worked very well for small curls and curly locks overnight . A pack of commercially available straws was used. However, this method was not really environmentally friendly and plastic straws have been banned for some time and are no longer available in the EU.
Unfortunately, the technique of getting small curls overnight is not possible with the new, environmentally friendly paper straws . However, there is a great alternative! Instead of straws, you can simply use a kitchen roll to make curlers .
- Cut 4 equal-sized squares from each sheet of kitchen roll. Roll these rectangles from one side to the other to form a tube shape.
- Then divide your hair into many smaller strands. Don't wet your hair beforehand, because that obviously won't work with the kitchen roll paper! ;-) The hair should be well dried.
- Starting from the ends of your hair, roll a strand around the paper papillote and tie it together close to your hairline.
- Repeat this with each strand of hair. The more strands you wind, the curlier your curls will be.
- After sleeping, the kitchen roll papillotes are removed and you can admire the curly result.
Expert tip: Depending on how tightly and tightly you wind the strands of hair onto the paper rolls, you can even create Afro curls overnight using this method. You should plan on some time and patience for this method, however, as it takes a while to wind up all the strands and unwind them again the next morning. One advantage is that this method is also great for shorter hair. Let's curl!
Create curls overnight with a bun cushion
Most of us have a bun cushion or, as the accessory is colloquially called because of its appearance, a donut at home. This can also be used to create great curly hairstyles . A donut is perfect for gentler and softer waves .
You can find out how it all works here:
- If you want to intensify the wave look, wet your hair first. You can also add some hairspray, mousse or, our ideal choice, a care product with a styling effect to your hair.
- Then you tie your mane into a high ponytail.
- Hold the braid upwards and pull it through the opening of the donut. Now wrap the ends of the hair around the donut once and pull them back out through the opening.
- Now you can roll the donut down towards your hairline. This will create a bun on your head.
- The next morning, you can remove the donut and carefully shape the waves with your fingers.
The donut bun method is relatively easy to do and takes very little time . You can also use two donuts and attach them to the top of your head on the left and right - like two bear ears. If the bun is too loose, you can also secure it with a few hairpins 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 the sock up into a thick ring. You've made your own bun cushion!
Curls overnight - Tie your hair into a bun
This method is almost a classic among curling tricks: create bouncy curls overnight using a bun. This method is ideal for everyday use because it is quick and you won't be disturbed by the hairstyle or curling tools while you sleep at night.
- As with other overnight curl tricks, a little moisture will help to create more intense curls, so the water spray bottle can be your best friend here too.
- Then simply twist one or more sections of hair into a bun . Depending on your preference, you can place these hair buns in different positions on your head.
- Secure the hair balls with a hair tie or hair band.
- Overnight, while you sleep, you let the bun create waves.
- 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 place them on your head in a way that is comfortable and allows you to sleep well. A low bun at the nape of the neck, several hair curls on the top of the head or a large bun on top of the crown of the hair 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 hair, as their sharp metal surface can damage the hair structure and promote hair breakage . Hair ties with a satin coating or silk ribbons are very suitable for securing the bun.
Curls overnight with the Curly Girl Method
If you want to have curly hair for more than just a few days, you simply can't avoid this method! The Curly Girl method has been a real 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 the CGM didn't even know that they had natural curls.
If the Curly Girl Method is new to you, we will briefly introduce it to you here:
As you can see, the CGM is the perfect way to permanently take your hair to a new level of curls . And this hair care routine also has a positive effect on your hair overnight and can help to strengthen natural curls . Thanks to the sufficient 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 pillow or a satin pillowcase at night. This material is beautifully smooth and reduces the friction of a cotton cover, which is stressful for natural curls. Long hair can be placed upwards over the pillow. Take a look at our mulberry silk pillowcase for curls . Our customers' reviews speak for themselves.
Alternatively, you can 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!
Discover the exciting world of curly hair care now! Experience the surprise that awaits you when you click on the button. We present you 4-5 first-class curly hair care products & unique accessories from our shop, month after month.
The best part? The value of this box far exceeds the price you would pay for the individual products. What are you waiting for? Click on the curl box now and immerse yourself in a world full of curl care!
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, there is one thing you should keep in mind when using gentle curling methods : the hair needs several hours for curls to form and settle. It is therefore 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 completely new look. We hope you have fun trying it out and celebrate your new look as a curly-haired woman!
Would you like to learn more about curl styling and techniques ? Then click here.
FAQ about overnight curls
How can I stop my curls from falling out overnight?
To prevent your curls from falling out overnight, make sure your hair is fairly dry before you go to bed. Also, use a hairspray or curl cream to improve the hold of your curls.
Use a satin or silk scarf or satin pillow when sleeping to avoid friction and frizz, which can lead to flat or falling out curls.
How often can I curl my hair overnight?
It is 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.
Read more of our top posts:
