11 best sleep in rollers and heatless curlers for the perfect overnight blowout
As someone with dead-straight, fine hair that's seriously lacking in volume, sleep in rollers have been a game-changer for my morning routine. With locks that just hang there looking lifeless when not properly styled, factoring in extra time for styling my hair has always been essential — whether it's just using my trusty curling tong to add some much-needed texture to my tresses, or transforming my freshly-washed limp locks with a bouncy blow dry. But now, I'm a complete convert to heatless curlers and rollers — and love nothing more than waking up knowing my hair is basically already done.
From slinky curling ribbons and bands, to pillow rollers and flexi rod sets, there are loads of different types of heatless solutions to choose from — but the type that's right for you will depend on the kind of style you're hoping to achieve. Whichever product you pick, you'll only have to factor in time each morning for removing your rollers or rod, gently combing through your locks, and finally finishing off the look with some hairspray or smoothing hair oil.
Don't mind the sound of going to bed looking like a 1950s housewife as long as it means you can savour some extra time in bed each morning? Keep reading to find the right overnight rollers, rods, headbands, and ribbons for you.
SKIP TO: Is it bad for your hair to sleep in rollers everyday? | What are the most comfortable hair rollers to sleep in? | Our full reviews.
Best sleep in rollers at a glance:
- Best sleep in rollers for a bouncy blowout: Kitsch Heatless Curling Rollers 6 Pack
- Best band or rod for a bouncy blowout: Heatless Bouncy Blow Curl Band®
- Best sleep in rollers for ringlets: Locisne Flexible Foam Sponge Hair Curlers
- Best sleep in rollers for comfort: GLOV Coolcurl Heatless Hair Curling Rollers Set
Is it bad for your hair to sleep in rollers everyday?
No. In fact — as long as they're put in properly — sleeping in rollers or rods every night will likely have more of an impact on the quality of your sleep than the quality of your hair. But there are still a few extra steps you can take to make sure that your hair is properly protected, and not put under too much tension.
“Sleeping in classic rollers is not bad for your hair as long your hair is fully dry and pinned correctly,” says Migle Mia, Hair Stylist at Blush + Blow London. “I would also always suggest sleeping on a silk pillowcase, as this helps reduce frizziness, and protects the hair from damage — especially when wearing rollers.”
Although they can obviously be used alone, sleep in rollers and rods can also be a great tool for helping you maintain a bouncy blowout that's been achieved using a hair dryer or hot brush. In fact, Advocate Stylist at Josh Wood Colour, Samuel Ashcroft, actually recommends using heated rollers to get the look — and then using flexi rods overnight to help it last as long as possible.
“Wrapping your hair around satin rods while you sleep will have you waking up with gorgeous cascading waves — but for a really bouncy look that lasts, heated rollers are a foolproof option," explains Samuel. “If you want to give heated rollers a go, then aim to use them a maximum of twice a week — with heat protectant spray — to keep your hair looking fresh and healthy.”
What are the most comfortable hair rollers to sleep in?
More pliable and pillow-soft than many of the other options, satin-wrapped rods and pillow rollers are your best bet if you want a good night's sleep. “Because they're made of a softer and more flexible material, these kind of rods are much easier to bend into a position that isn't too uncomfortable when you lie your head down,” Migle Mia adds.
And as someone who's tried pretty much every type of sleep in roller or rod you can think of, I definitely agree. Designed to be secured without any pins, they do stay in place for the most part — but I'd definitely recommend wearing a satin bonnet to ensure they stay in place.
Find out how we tested.
Scroll on down for our round-up of the best sleep in rollers and curling rods worth trying in 2024.
1. Kitsch Heatless Curling Rollers 6 Pack
With their soft satin casings that help prevent breakage and snagging while you sleep, and their handy poppers for easy application, these clever pillow rollers stay comfortably and securely in place. They can be applied in loads of different ways to suit your hair length and type, and will reveal bouncy Hollywood-esque curls when removed in the morning.
2. Locisne Flexible Foam Sponge Hair Curlers
For gorgeous ringlets that don't require the use of a curling iron, get to work twisting small sections of your hair into these forty separate rollers. They secure without clips, and will leave you with lovely tight curls when tightly wrapped.
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3. brushworks Heatless Curling Scrunchie
Designed with those with long locks in mind, this curling scrunchie will work best on hair that hits the bra strap. Simply pop the scrunchie on your wrist and gather your mane into a high ponytail, split the hair into two sections and wrap it around the curling rod, and then secure it in place with the scrunchie.
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4. GLOV Coolcurl Heatless Hair Curling Rollers Set
For bouncy lengths and ends, simply divide your hair into four sections, and wrap a roller around each one — making sure you secure it by tying the ribbon. You get four rollers in a pack, and they all boast GLOV®’s unique microfibre composition casing that's super kind and soft on your strands.
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5. Kitsch Satin Wrapped Flexi Rods
Get glamorous curls that look and feel really shiny and soft with this pack of satin-wrapped flexi rods. The satin casing is great for the hair, and ensures no accidental crimping — but it is rather slippy, so you may want to secure them in place with pips or a head wrap if you've got fine locks.
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6. Boots Heatless Hair Curl Headwrap
If you're keen to return your dressing gown cord to its rightful place, then swap it out for this lovely headwrap. Pick up a little more hair each time when wrapping it — like you would do for French braid — and pull it tighter or looser depending on whether you're after a proper curl, or more of a beachy wave.
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7. Pefei Comfortable Heatless Curlers Headband
One of the bestselling heatless curling headbands on Amazon, this one has heaps of great reviews — and customers love that it keeps your hair completely off of your face. It's long enough to work with all different hair lengths, and the soft velvet material is suitably plush and comfy for sleeping.
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8. GLOV Coolcurl Heatless Hair Curling Satin Ribbon Rollers Set
In this pack, you'll get four fabulous satin rollers — each easily secured by an adorable ribbon. For a full-on bouncy blowout look, buy an extra pack if you've got particularly thick hair, use your favourite curl products beforehand, and divide your sections in a zig-zag pattern for maximum volume.
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9. Heatless Bouncy Blow Curl Band®
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, The Bouncy Blow Band®️ is a must-have for big and bouncy locks. With its clever quad band design, it can be used in a range of different ways depending on the look you're hoping to achieve — whether that's classic ringlets, big barrel curls, or loose and beachy waves.
10. Xnix Flexi Curling Rods 47pcs
The OG of heatless curling, basic flexi rods are super easy to use and secure, and can be used with all different hair types and lengths. Super versatile, do the TikTok trick of putting them in socks if you want a more comfortable night's sleep.
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11. Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set
An absolute classic, this Kitsch heatless curling kit comes with a foam curling rod for wrapping your hair around, and two scrunchies for securing each both sections of hair in place. For classic heatless curls with minimal faffing, it's tricky to beat.
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