Easy No Heat Hairstyles to Try Today

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author/source: Thomasina Ferrera

Photo COurtesy of Mike Von on UnsplashProtecting your hair is crucial to prevent unnecessary breakage and damage. Heat styling, a common practice for many, can cause significant damage to your hair, leading to dryness, split ends, and breakage. Even with the correct use of heat-styling products, frequent heat styling can compromise your hair's health in the long run.

From time to time, it can be a good idea to explore heatless styling options for your hair. This allows your hair to take a break from heat styling while still enabling you to create stunning hairstyles that let you step out in style.

So, what are your options for controlling your hair and keeping it styled sans heat?

Bantu Knots

Bantu Knots are a traditional African hairstyle originating from Southern Africa, specifically the Zulu region. They are a protective style that prevents breakage at the ends and helps to retain moisture. While Bantu Knots hold significant cultural significance, those wishing to style their hair this way can choose exactly what size knots they want.

You must section your hair into even parts and twist each section until you form the knot. This is, of course, a simplified examination of Bantu Curls. This article goes into more depth on Bantu Knots: What Are They And How To Style Them so you can perfect the look. Not only are they a great way to protect your hair, but they can also produce lovely curls if you're after a heatless curl option.

Photo Courtesy of Dellon Thomas on UnsplashBraids

Braids are a versatile and creative no-heat styling option. They can be worn overnight to protect hair or as a fun and stylish look for the day. The humble braid can be created in various ways, from box braids to fishtail braids, allowing you to experiment and express your unique style. The possibilities are endless; you can let your creativity run wild with braids.

Perfecting your braiding technique can take some time, and unless you're lucky enough to know someone skilled at various braids to take over this for you, it might not be as easy to replicate some of the more complex styles of braids. However, for a classic, no-heat look, braids are most definitely the way forward.

Finger Waves

Finger waves are ideal for shorter hair and can give a sophisticated look that is simple to achieve.

Photo Courtesy of Danny GIt would help if you had some mousse, a rat tail comb, and lots of patience to create the finger waves.

  • Add enough mousse to wet the hair but still leave flexibility
  • Start at the crown and work down towards the nape of the nack ensign. You keep it to even sections.
  • Use your fingers and the rat tail comb to separate the hair and create the wave
  • Use a silk scarf to tie around the hair once you've finished your look until it dries

Slicked Back Wet Look

The wet hair look has made a comeback and is particularly effective on short hair. You have likely seen many celebs sporting this look on red carpets recently, and Nicole Kidman, Anne Hathaway, and Clare Danes are all celebs who have stepped out in this style. It's a simple style to create, perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look for the day. Just apply a small dollop of conditioner to wet hair, comb through evenly, and let it dry for an effortlessly chic wet look.

When your hair is wet, apply a small dollop of conditioner and comb it through evenly. Then, simply leave it to dry, and you'll get the wet look with minimal effort.

Photo COurtesy of Daniel Apodaca on UnsplashHigh Ponytail

The high ponytail is a classic look that doesn't require any heat, but if used too much, it can cause excessive hair breakage and strain on the scalp roots. It's a look that has been created as a signature style by Ariana Grande, who perfected the sleek high pony look, and it is now synonymous with her for many people. The high ponytail is not only stylish but also simple to achieve, making you feel confident and ready to take on the day.

To achieve this look, you need to scrape back all of your hair in a sleek manner; you might need some styling products to help you achieve this look. Then, position the ponytail as high as you can get it, ensuring that you smooth down all wispy bits of flyaway hair. For a smoother look, wrap a piece of hair around the band to cover it.

Heatless Curlers

Heatless curlers are a fantastic way to achieve beautiful curls without the need for heated styling products. These are exactly how they sound. Heatless curlers are products you can put in your hair and then sleep in, preferably so you have nice curls the next day without using heated curling products. They offer a fun and adventurous way to style your hair, and you can experiment with different sizes and styles of curls to find the perfect look for you.

You can use anything to help you create the heatless curl. From purpose-made curling bands to socks, tights, cords off dressing gowns, or strips of materials, you can make any size or style of curl you desire. Simply hold the curling items in place, use a scrunchie overnight to secure them if required, and sleep. You will wake up the next day with easy, effortless curls you can style any way you please.

Photo Courtesy of Alberto Bobbera on UnsplashBraided Low Pony

The braided low pony is a style that combines two of the techniques already mentioned in this post. You braid a section of your hair, either on the top, one side, or both sides and then tie it into a low ponytail at the back, near the nape of your neck. This style is easy to create and gives a modern twist to classic hairstyles.

Need more inspiration? Zendaya, Nicole Scherzinger, and Cara Delavigne have all modeled this in 2024 and are excellent style icons from which to take fashion and hair care advice.

Allowing your hair to breathe and relax in its natal state can be a great way to support healthier hair and avoid the overuse of heated products for creating epic hairstyles.

As demonstrated in this post, there are many heatless hairstyles you can choose to recreate for maximum impact. They are also a great way to give your hair a day without excessive styling.