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If you want to achieve lasting curls or waves without damaging your hair with hot styling tools, then you're in luck! There are many ways to curl your hair using no heat at all. Read this article to learn how to achieve lasting curls using just tube socks.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Ringlet Curls

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  1. The longer and thinner they are, the better. The amount of socks you need will depend on how thick your hair is. If you have very thick hair, you might need 10-12 socks.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    Be sure to condition your hair and brush out any tangles prior to styling. Hair should be damp, but not dripping.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    Grab a section with your non-dominant hand and hold it at the end. Place a tube sock across your hair so that it is perpendicular. The sock should be placed halfway between the roots and ends of your hair.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    You should leave about one or two inches at the end loose.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    Once you reach the roots of your hair, tie the ends of the sock securely together.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    It's easier to start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up. Don't style bangs, if you have them.
  7. You can sleep with the socks in overnight, or if it is daytime, sit out in the sun and allow hair to dry.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    Do this one-by-one using each section, and gently tousle your hair to release the curls. Be sure your hair is fully dry before removing the socks.
  9. You should use hairspray if your hair is naturally straight and does not usually hold a curl for long.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Voluminous Waves

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  1. You should cut off about two inches of the sock.
  2. Roll the sock into a donut shape. You might consider using two socks for a thicker ring. This will result in larger waves.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    Hair should be slightly damp. You can either shower and towel-dry hair prior to styling, or spritz your dry hair with water. Fasten with an elastic hairband.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    Place the end of the ponytail through the hole in the sock ring. Now wrap the end of your ponytail around the ring and roll down the sock until you reach your head. The bun should stay in place.
  5. If it is daytime, then leave the sock in place for 3-4 hours, or as long as it takes for hair to dry completely.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    Gently tousle your hair to release the waves.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Your Hair With Socks
    Spritz your hair with hairspray if you have naturally straight hair or if you want to achieve lasting waves throughout the day.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Do socks damage your hair the same as hair ties?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Hair ties are not meant to damage your hair unless you pull them off hard. Make sure to get out all the knots in your hair before wrapping your damp hair around the socks. These methods are used to avoid damage from heat-styling tools. Make sure to pull your hair gently apart from the sock.
  • Question
    Do they have to be tube socks?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, but the longer the sock is, the easier it will be because that way you can tie it easily.
  • Question
    Does the second option work for already-curly hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It will give you neater-looking curls rather than frizzy curls.
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Things You Will Need

  • Tube or dress socks
    • Six to eight for ringlets
    • One for voluminous waves
  • Scissors (for voluminous waves)
  • Hairspray (optional)

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About This Article

Jasmin Todd
Reviewed by:
Master Hair Stylist
This article was reviewed by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair. This article has been viewed 466,251 times.
72 votes - 64%
Co-authors: 21
Updated: December 28, 2019
Views: 466,251
Article SummaryX

To get beautiful curls or waves without damaging your hair with hot styling tools, try using tube socks! For ringlet curls, gather 6 to 8 long, thin dress socks. Wash and dry your hair, then, when it’s damp, place a tube sock perpendicularly across a 2-inch section of hair. Roll your hair up around the sock until you get to your roots. Tie the ends of the sock together to secure the roll. Repeat on each section of your hair and allow it to air dry. Once your hair is fully dry, untie the socks and gently tousle your hair. For lasting curls, use a little hairspray. To learn how to add waves to your hair with tube socks, keep reading!

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Reader Success Stories

  • Roisin Kelly

    Roisin Kelly

    Aug 26, 2020

    "I have the worst hair texture-like straw without straightening it using irons. Fed up using them as I feel like Im..." more
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