With the holiday season in full swing, in this week’s Ask The Beauty Editor, a reader asks about the best hair hacks for maintaining luscious locks..

I shudder to think of all the festive events and Christmas parties that fill every available space in my calendar.
this month and next. As much as I’d like to look polished at every one, I dread using hot tools (almost) daily to style my hair at every party.

I’ve seen a few heatless curling methods on TikTok that I’d like to try instead, but I don’t know where to start. How do I determine which heatless curling method will work best for me? If it helps, I have thick, slightly wavy hair that holds curls pretty well.

You’re not alone in looking to minimize heat styling this holiday season, and heatless curls are a great way to preserve your hair’s condition and save time in the bathroom.

Trust TikTok to showcase the variety of options on offer, most of which make a strong case for a cascade of perfectly tousled braids when you sleep at night (that is, if you think about twisting your hair after one too many champagnes in the company). Christmas to do).

Regardless of the model, the concept remains the same: wrap your hair around a cylindrical object that you leave overnight and wake up with bouncy, voluminous curls or high natural hair texture.

For best results, work with damp (or 80% dry) hair to provide better hold as hair dries.

Here’s your take on curling methods that aren’t really hot at all, but bring truth to the phrase, “I woke up like this.”

What is this : A colorful coterie of mesh uppers that help achieve curly, mermaid-like waves that look totally beach-appropriate. A similar look can be achieved by braiding sections of hair and spraying them with hairspray to finish.

How to use it: This method involves pulling the hair through each mesh post using a hook tool (some brands call this a magic wand). Small sections are a must, and careful sectioning will ensure the curls appear even. A great option to apply to damp hair and wear throughout the day (at home, obviously) rather than sleeping in all night.

Ideal for: Fine, short to medium hair. Longer hair can exceed the length of each shaft, meaning you’ll have a straight strand at the very end. Not ideal.

What is this : A satin-covered foam curling rod that sits on top of your hair (extending from ear to ear like a headband) and is secured using two closed scrunchies. The goal is to create bouncy, smooth curls with no creases.

How to use it: I regularly turn to headband curls and, from my many tries, I have found that the best way to do it is to part the hair into two sections (ideal if you prefer a center part) and then use claw pliers to fix the middle of the center part. curling rod in the middle of your head. Next, wrap your hair around the shaft away from your face, working in small sections and gathering more between your fingers as you go down to the end. Secure with one of the silk scrunchies provided and voila! Remember to remove the claw clip from the middle of your head before taking a nap. I tend to use a third scrunchie to tie the ends of my stem together, forming a quasi-halo around my head.

Ideal for: Its generous length allows it to accommodate most hair types and lengths, but for those of us with XXL hair, there is a longer rod to try. For those of us prone to frizz, try applying a little curl cream before you start twisting. The soft foam is also comfortable to sleep on, so you won’t risk losing your most important zzz’s during the busiest time of the year.

What is this : If you’re looking for corkscrew curls, look no further than flexible rods, which usually come in a pack of 4, 6, or 12 rods that can be maneuvered through the hair and slept there overnight.

How to use it: Wrap small sections of hair around each rod, securing them in place (as close to the scalp as possible if you can) by bending the ends of the rods together. Although effective, this is not the most comfortable method, so consider wearing a hat over it while you sleep.

Ideal for: Short hair, notoriously difficult to style into curls. However, most brands of flex rods also come in different lengths, which helps you create tight curls or waves on short or long hair without leaving bumps or creases in the hair.

What is this : This method requires something you probably already have in your vanity drawer: a scrunchie. You’ll need at least four to get the curliest results, as the hair is wrapped around each scrunchie to create the tightest curl pattern possible. You can use more scrunchies if you like, which will help create even tighter curls.

How to use it: Separate the hair into four sections (two at the top and two at the bottom). Wrap each section of hair around a scrunchie, wrapping the hair several times until all the hair is collected. Twist it once more to make sure it stays tightly wrapped close to your scalp.

Ideal for: Exceptional volume on all hair types, including those with thicker, slightly wavy tresses. Curls can look slightly wild and unkempt (in a cool way) or create a Studio 54 look that even Stevie Nicks would be proud of.

What is this : While it may not be the easiest heat-free curling method, it’s certainly the most convenient: It only requires two (clean) socks to achieve the style. If done correctly, the result is curls that have a more uniform pattern, like a Hollywood or S wave.

How to use it: Separate the hair into two sections (a top section and a bottom section). Using a clean sock, use a bobby pin to secure the end of the sock to the middle of the bottom. Wrap the hair around the sock until you reach the ends, before rolling the twisted hair into a bun and using the open end of the sock to stretch and wrap it. Repeat on the top section.

Ideal for: Side sleepers. If you followed the instructions and both of your sock buns rest in the center of your head, then you will find this method most comfortable when lying on your side. You need a good amount of hair to wrap around the sock before securing it, meaning sock loops are ideal for those with thicker, longer hair to provide grip and hold.

Beauty editor Ashleigh Cometti answers a series of burning questions from our readers.