How to Curl Your Hair Overnight

Co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang

Last Updated: September 5, 2024

If you have a big event tomorrow and don't want to fry your hair with constant heated styling, there are ways to create curls and waves with no heat. These styles take very little preparation time and set overnight to minimize effort on your part. Here are some simple hair styles you can do overnight to create beautiful no-heat curls.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Braiding Your Hair

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You can actually use as many braids as you want. The fewer braids you use, the larger the curls will be. So decide how many braids to use based on how large you want your curls to be.
To braid hair, you just divide the part you want to braid into three sections and bring the far left piece across the middle section, then repeat with the left piece. You continue doing this (alternating between the left and right pieces) until you have no more hair left. Tie off the end with an elastic band.

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When you wake up, take the elastics out of all the braids.
Set your style with some hair spray.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

French Braiding Your Hair

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It is usually best to split the hair down the middle, but if you have a natural part in your hair that is close to the middle, that can work too.
2
Create a french braid on one side. To do this, you simply start by taking a section of hair from the top of your head. Split this section into three parts and start braiding like normal, except that you keep adding hair to each side as you braid. Keep going until there is no remaining hair to braid.^{[1]
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Research source} Tie off the French braid with an elastic band.
- This style will result in straighter hair on the top half and curly hair on the bottom half.
This will result in two French braids in your hair, one on each side of your head.
When you wake up, undo the braids.
The bottom should only be curled. Set the style by spritzing it with hair spray.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Twisting Your Hair

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1
Divide your damp hair in two parts. The sections should be even and split in a place that makes sense for your hairstyle. Keep the part of your hair in mind when choosing where to divide the hair.
- If your part is in the middle, consider dividing your hair down the middle. If your part is off to one side, it might be a good idea to divide your hair using the side part.
Take one section of your hair and twist it repeatedly until it is in a tight twist (though do not keep twisting once the section starts to twist on itself and create a bun). Take the twisted length of hair and clip it on top of your head using a crab-clip.^{[2]
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Make sure both sides are clipped properly and comfortably. Remember, you'll have to sleep with this style in.
When you wake up, take out the clips and run your fingers through your hair. Set the waves by spraying them with the hair spray.^{[3]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Mini Buns in Your Hair

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1
Take a section of hair and twist it. This step will be similar to what you did for Method 3. Take one section of your hair and twist it repeatedly with your hand until it is wound as tightly as it will go into a little bun.
- Note: If you want tighter, smaller curls, you can divide your hair into more sections. The more sections you have, the smaller your curls will be.^{[4]
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2
Secure the bun in place. For this step, you can use any kind of elastic band or hair clip.
- Note: Remember that you'll be sleeping with the clips in your hair. So try to clip them in locations on your head that will still allow you to sleep comfortably.
- If the clips are too painful to lay on, you can use elastic bands to secure the twists or use two bobby pins in an X formation at the base of each twist.
Twist mini buns all over your head, making sure to use all of your hair.
When you wake up, take the buns out.
5
Run your fingers through your hair. This makes your hair very curly. It may come out as frizzy, so make sure to put a serum in the night before.
- Try doing an updo or a high ponytail with this style.

Community Q&A

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Question

Will my hair be messy and frizzy if I didn't put hairspray, hair mouse or serum in?

Community Answer

It may be somewhat frizzy. All you should have to do is gently brush it with a wide-tooth come to prevent further frizz.

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Question

Are there other ways to curl your hair overnight?

Community Answer

You can do pin curls, where you take a section of hair and wrap it around 1-2 fingers and place it on your scalp. Then, you can pin it into place with bobby pins or actual clips.

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Question

I have short shoulder-length hair. How can I curl it?

Community Answer

Use the headband trick. Just put a headband on over your damp hair and then wrap sections into the headband. You can find many videos online.

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