Style

The 9 Best Overnight Hair Curlers

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by Emily Estep and BDG Commerce
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Bustle/Amazon

Creating bouncy, long-lasting curls without heat is totally possible: You just need a set of great heatless curlers. But without heat, it can take a while for your curls to set, so styling while you sleep is ideal (isn't that the dream?). The best overnight hair curlers are comfortable to sleep in, and will help to protect your hair from heat damage.

What To Look For In The Best Nighttime Hair Curlers

When looking for the ultimate set of overnight curlers, your number one priority should be comfort. Don't kid yourself, rigid silicone and poking wires will definitely start to bother you throughout the night. Some curling sets are made with memory foam for extra comfort, and there are even sets with soft satin covers. Any overnight curlers that have wires should be thoroughly covered with a thick layer of foam, so it doesn't feel like you're sleeping on a metal pillow.

You also need to think about your hair length and the type of curls you want to create. If you have long hair, you're going to either need a lot of curlers or really big curlers. Want loose, bouncy waves? Opt for big rollers. Ringlet curls? This one's easy — pick up a set of small rollers. Or hey, if you want to invest in a set that can make any type of curl, find a set with multiple sizes.

These overnight curling sets are some of the most comfortable and easiest to use out there.

Shop The Best Heat-Free Hair Curlers

In a hurry? Here are the top picks for curlers that style your hair while you sleep.

  1. A Huge Pack Of Curling Rods In A Range Of Sizes: Tifara Beauty Flexible Curling Rods (42-Pack)
  2. The Viral Headband That Curls Your Hair While You Sleep: Ivyu Heatless Curling Rod
  3. These Flexible Curlers That Work On Any Hair Type: Aimin Hair Overnight Rollers (30-Pack)
  4. Tight Curlers That Make It Easy To Create Ringlets: Curlformers Hair Curlers (40-Pack)
  5. These Ultra-Comfortable Hair Curlers That Are Filled With Memory Foam: Allstar Innovations The Sleep Styler (8-Pack)
  6. A Set Of Rollers You Can Stack To Customize Your Look: Conair Soft, Bouncy Curls Foam Rollers (48-Pack)
  7. Jumbo Foam Rollers That Are Covered In Plush Satin: Annie Silky Satin Jumbo Size Rollers (6-Pack)
  8. A 24-Pack Of Foam Rollers That Feel Like Tiny Pillows: Conair Soft Curlers (24-Pack)
  9. Some Oversized, Self-Gripping Rollers: AFANSO Jumbo Hair Rollers (24-Pack)

1

A Huge Pack Of Curling Rods In A Range Of Sizes

This enormous set of curling rods contains 42 foam-covered rods that are each seven inches long — though they vary in diameter allowing you to create curls of different sizes. With almost 40,000 reviews, this product is a major favorite on Amazon. One user with long hair raved, "These really worked to curl my hair and last all day."

Fans say: "Really love these little foam rollers! I'm in grad school and have to dress business casual to class (even online) but I'm super lazy and love to sleep in. I hate curling my hair with a hot iron so these were a very attractive option. [...] I've done this about 4 times now and it takes me about 5-10 minutes to get everything set. The rollers are very soft, easy to flex and bend, and hold their shape pretty darn well.”

2

The Viral Headband That Curls Your Hair While You Sleep

If you’ve seen this viral curling rod on TikTok, it’s time to try it for yourself, because you can buy one on Amazon for just $14. The kit comes with everything you need to recreate the loose, romantic waves that are all over the internet. Simply position the long rod over the top of your head like a headband, divide your hair into two sections, and wind each one around the long ends of the rod. It comes with matching velvet scrunchies and a banana clip to keep it secure while you sleep, and it’s made of soft velvet that won’t damage your hair.

Fans say: “I have been looking for an alternative to waving/curling my hair. I had bought a waver and the bubble curling iron to try and achieve something this. The bubble curlers were just too short for my waist long hair. Both waver and bubble irons did the job, but fried the heck out of my hair. [...] My hair feels soft and healthy . No more heat damaging my long hair! Highly recommend!”

3

These Flexible Curlers That Work On Any Hair Type

"I have very fine straight hair that does not hold a curl," one reviewer says, while another writes, "I have curly hair to start but it frizzes." Both gave these hair curlers a five-star rating. They're made from soft sponges and have a flexible wire inside, so you can wrap your strands dependent on your hair type and sleep comfortably while the curls set. They come in a pack of 30, so no matter how thick your hair is, you'll always have enough.

Fans say: "We absolutely love these curlers!! So easy to use my daughters even use them overnight every night for perfect ringlets, we all have curly hair but this allows for smooth frizz free controlled curls and if brush them it is beautiful waves. So grateful for an affordable, hair healthy, easy alternative to a curling iron which is a lot of work, unpredictable and I often would burn my forehead.”

4

Tight Curlers That Make It Easy To Create Ringlets

These small curlers create tight, corkscrew-shaped curls and work especially well for shorter hair. They're split into two categories, blue and green, with each color twisting in its own direction making it very easy to know what order to apply these in. Varying the direction of your curls does a better job of mimicking a natural curl pattern, so the effect is effortless ringlets. Some users say that while these aren't always the most comfortable to sleep in, they've still found success putting these in when their hair is wet and then taking out as soon as it's dry.

Fans say: "These curlformers work great. I thought I would have a hard time using them because my hair is natural and very thick but they worked perfectly. I love my tight ringlets.”

5

These Ultra-Comfortable Hair Curlers That Are Filled With Memory Foam

These sleep curlers are made with memory foam at their core, making them so comfortable to sleep in you might forget you're wearing them. They also have an absorbent material that soaks up excess moisture, so you can pop them in shortly after you've taken a shower. They also come in two different sizing options. The original large size (six inches) is intended for those with longer, thicker, or curly hair, or for anyone who has human hair extensions. You'll want to choose the mini size (three inches) if you have longer, but finer hair that you have a hard time getting to hold a curl or if your hair is in more of a bob style, with a length between your chin and shoulders.

Fans say: "I have to admit that I had to get used to using them and getting them to stay in my hair - but after a couple of tries, I have mastered their use. I am not one who sleeps with rollers in, but found that these are more comfortable than other forms of rollers.”

6

A Set Of Rollers You Can Stack To Customize Your Look

These curling foam rollers are perfect for anyone with long hair, because you chose from three different roller sizes to customize your look. Use the bigger rollers for big, beachy waves, and the smaller rollers for tighter curls. You get 48 curlers in for different sizes.

Fans say: "Honestly, these are very, very cheap, but they are also very, very effective. Yes, they come apart and you have to put them back together, but the price is perfect and they WORK. I had Marilyn Monroe curls for 5 straight days after doing a full head of these and there are so many sizes to choose from.”

7

Jumbo Foam Rollers That Are Covered In Plush Satin

These big foam rollers are covered in satin that's gentle on the hair and scalp and keeps your curls extra soft and smooth. They're ideal for jumbo curls, measuring 1.5-inches in diameter. You can buy them in varying pack sizes up to a five-pack.

Fans say: "I wet my hair and roll it with these and I can go days longer without washing my hair and it looks great. these are a must-have if you like that big hair, large curl look. I have used heated rollers for over 20 years and these work better. Love them.”

8

A 24-Pack Of Foam Rollers That Feel Like Tiny Pillows

These overnight rollers are designed to be as soft as pillows, so they won't disrupt your beauty sleep. It's safe to use them on either wet or dry hair, and their gentle nature minimizes hair breakage throughout the night. And though they're super comfortable, a firm wire inside keeps them in place while you get your Zzz's. Inside the pack, you'll get 24 curlers, which is a great amount as several users share that you should avoid wrapping up huge chunks of hair, rather the best results come from taking smaller sections. That way they stay in place longer, too.

Fans say: "I have fine, thin, medium-length hair and these are the only curlers I have found that I can actually comfortably sleep in and they make my hair look beautiful. I have had so many compliments since I started using these instead of hot rollers that damaged my hair.”

9

Some Oversized, Self-Gripping Rollers

These jumbo hair rollers have hook-and-loop surfaces that stick to each other and to your hair without the need to twist, tie, or pin them to your head — which makes them both comfortable and easy to use. They’re best when used with slightly damp hair, and the 2.5-inch rollers create bouncy waves in all hair types. One of the more popular options on Amazon, they boast thousands of five-star ratings from shoppers who say they work surprisingly well.

Fans say: “I use them when I’m drying my layers and to set my hair for more volume. And sometimes I will sleep in three just on the crown of my head and my hair is so beautiful in the morning.”

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