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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TCNJ chapter.

While I do have natural waves in my hair, I always love to accentuate them by doing overnight heatless curls. Finding the perfect hair routine can be hard, and you might have to switch it up every now and then, so here are all the things I have tried.

Sock Curls

This is a hack I learned from TikTok where you can either use two long socks on either side of your head, or you can tie two pairs of long socks together.

If you want to use two separate socks, start by creating a part down the middle of your hair and a rubber band on one side. Take the top of the sock (without the opening) and use a hair clip to secure it to the top of your head. Then take a section of your hair and twist it backward over and under the sock, while adding new strands each time. Continue doing this until all your hair from the one side has been wrapped around the sock, and secure the hair tie at the end. Then, take the end of the sock that has the opening and pull it upwards over the twisted hair, and if needed secure with another hair tie. Then do the same to the other side.

The other method is to separate your hair into two pieces and then tie the two long socks together (or use a rolled-up shirt or towel) and attach the middle portion at the top of the head. Then, twist both sections backward over and under the sock just like the other method. The curls can become loose, so if you want you can twist both sides and claw-clip them at the top of your head.

Braids

Braiding your hair is the easiest way to achieve overnight curls. My biggest issue is achieving volume at the top of my hair while still keeping my waves intact. So my quick go-to method is to loosely tie my hair with a scrunchie at the very top of my head, and then just braid the bottom portion. 

If I want to achieve tighter curls, separate the very top of your hair, or the horseshoe section of hair and braid that section forward. Then either braid the remaining hair into one or two sections. I usually clip the horseshoe section of my hair back, so it won’t keep falling in my face, and stay intact while I sleep.

There are several other types of braids you can try out, including French or Dutch braids that are great for creating curls at the very top of your hair and give you some volume. However, those braids have always been difficult for me to attempt on myself. But, if you can achieve them on your own or  have a friend to help you out give those a try!

You can also try rope braids which, in my opinion, are a lot easier. Start by sectioning your hair into two and rubberband one section. Then, divide one section in half and twist both pieces backward, and once you have done that, twist the two pieces together, and secure them with a rubber band. And then repeat on the other side. Make sure to twist the pieces tightly, as the rope braids can come apart if done too loosely.

Overall, there are plenty of ways to achieve heatless curls, so find out the kind of curls you like the best by trying out a bunch of different methods and feel free to switch things up based on how you’re feeling.

Emma Baby

TCNJ '25

Emma is a junior at The College of New Jersey. She is a Speech Pathology and Audiology major with a Deaf Studies minor.