How to: Curl your hair - Sans Heat

Image source

I have naturally super straight hair so all through my life, I've always craved for curly hair. Not super curly ringlets, but loose waves that give my hair more volume and life. My mum won't let me get my hair curled permanently (until I graduate high school) and since I'm really bad at curling my own, I only get to have my hair curled at the salon on very special occasions as a treat (think prom, weddings etc.). But sometimes, I just can't wait for those moments! Since constant heat products on your hair can damage it, I've looked to sans (without) heat methods to help me achieve my desired head of curls - which I will share with you in today's post!:

1. Braids

The one that everyone knows best. Just simply braid (regular/french braid) your damp hair, sleep with it overnight and wake up with a hair full of curls (:

Tip 1: The more braids you have, the tighter and smaller your curls will be. Tip 2: Similarly, the tighter you tie your braids, the tighter the curls will be (as opposed to loosely braided braids) My verdict: This kind of hairstyle often gives me crimps instead of beachy waves but different hair types achieve slightly different end results so give it a go (:

2. Messy bun

Another super easy method. Tie you hair in a messy bun and sleep with it! It doesn't even have to be neat! You can either do one big bun (which I do) or lots of baby buns - depending on the amount of hair you have OR you can do the basic sock bun method and sleep with it (:

Image source

Tip 3: Works best on medium to long hair

Tip 4: Don't tie it too tight or you'll hurt your scalp the next day! My verdict: I do this every single night because since the twists aren't as small and tight as braids, this gives me big, loose, natural beach-like curls. My favourite and simplest method yet (:

3. T-shirt/Paperbag Method

You can use either an old t-shirt or a paper bag for this (: 1. Cut your material (tshirt or paperbag) into long strips - the wider they are, the bigger the curl 2. Separate your damp hair in sections and line your strip with the end of your hair 3. Roll it upwards to your roots, keeping the strip in place the whole time 4. When you get to the scalp, tie the ends together to keep the strip in place 5. Continue until your whole head is in strips! 6. Sleep with it overnight - don't worry, it's not uncomfortable and slowly take it out the next day (: Because I can't explain, here's a video tutorial by Michelle Phan

My verdict: I tried this method with a paperbag and it worked! Although the curls were a bit too tight and small for my liking, they stayed throughout the day (:

4. Headband method

You will need: A soft elastic headband (the kind that goes all around your head) 1. Wrap your headband around your head - hippie style (all your hair should be under the headband) 2. Simply put sections of your hair over the headband and tuck it in 3. If your hair was wet or damp to begin with, blow dry your hair 4. Sleeeeeeep with it! Here's a video tutorial by auniesauce:

My verdict: Tried this and it didn't work for me :( In fact, the headband came out in the middle of the night! But maybe that's because I used a super thin one... try this though, it could work for you (:

5. Bobby Pins

You will need: A gazillion bobby pins 1. Wrap sections of your hair around your finger 2. Pin it to your scalp with a bobby pin (or two)

Image source

Tip 5: The larger sections of hair you twist, the larger the curl
My verdict: Never tried this because bobby pins hate me :(

Curling hair Top Tips

1. NEVER comb your curls - it will frizz! 2. If they are too tight and you want them loosened up, simply run your fingers through your curls gently. More times you run your fingers = looser curls 3. Set with hairspray or mousse to make it stay the whole day (: 4. Longer you leave your hair in the above methods, the curlier they become 5. Experiment! See what works and what don't because everyone's hair is different (:
Hope these curling sans heat tips help! Do leave me a link in the comments if you've tried them! (: Here's to healthier hair!
P.S: Linking up with: Tip Tuesday & Random Wednesday & Lovely Blog Hop Follow me on:  Bloglovin' //Tumblr // Twitter // Polyvore // Google + //Google Friend Connect