The lazy girl’s guide to perfect curls (with extensions)
If you wear extensions, curling irons come with risks. Heat weakens tape bonds, loosens beads, melts synthetic fibres, and fries ends—natural or not. It’s one of the fastest ways to shorten the life of your hair (and your install).
Heatless curls are the workaround. They create shape without the side effects. No adhesive breakdown. No tension on your roots. No split ends from daily styling. Whether you’ve got clip-ins, sew-ins, tape-ins, or synthetic hair, skipping the heat is often the smartest option.
They also work well for hair that’s already been chemically treated or colored, since most extensions are, by default. And if you’re wearing a synthetic set or a blend? Heat usually isn’t even an option.
Discover below which heatless methods actually deliver, how to prep your hair so curls hold their shape, and the mistakes to avoid if you want your style to last longer than your morning coffee.
Firstly, what are we working with?
Not all heatless curl hacks work on extensions, and some can actually cause damage if you're not careful. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective methods, including when to use them and when to skip.
Flexi rods
Bendable foam rods that hold their shape while your hair dries. Just twist, wrap, and let set.
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Foam rollers
A classic for a reason. Lightweight, soft, and easy to use with damp or dry hair.
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Heatless curl ribbons
The TikTok-famous method: a satin ribbon wrapped around sections of hair, usually worn overnight or for a few hours.
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Braids, twists, and buns
Low-tech, high-impact. These rely on your natural hair (and extensions) drying into a set shape.
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Which method fits your routine?
Some heatless curl techniques work best overnight, others while you’re working from home or running errands. Sometimes it’s more about your schedule than your hair type.
→ Overnight sleeper? Satin ribbons or braids are your go-to. They stay secure and don’t press into your scalp like harder rollers.
→ Short on time? Foam rollers or twist buns on slightly damp hair can set in a few hours while you go about your day.
→ Prefer control? Flexi rods give more defined shape, but need extra attention during wrapping and longer setting time.
→ Work-from-home or weekend styling? Try switching between methods depending on the weather, humidity, or how much staying power you want.
A little planning goes a long way when heat’s off the table!
Satin ribbon heatless curls tutorial—hair extension edition
The satin ribbon method is everywhere for a reason: it’s simple and low-effort. But if you’re wearing extensions, you need to tweak the technique slightly to protect your bonds and get an even curl pattern.
Prep
1) Make sure your extensions are dry. Damp hair can weaken adhesive or bonds, especially for tape-ins and keratin tips. Work with dry or just barely misted hair.
2) Brush gently, starting from the ends. Detangle everything—your natural hair and the extensions—using a loop brush or wide-tooth comb to avoid tugging at seams.
3) Add light hold. Use a flexible mousse or a light setting spray. Avoid anything heavy or oily—it can weigh curls down and cause slippage.
Method
1) Place the ribbon. Center the ribbon over the top of your head like a headband, securing the middle with a claw clip or tying it loosely behind.
2) Section your hair. Take one- to two-inch sections from each side. Make sure you’re wrapping both your natural hair and the extensions evenly.
3) Wrap and twist. Start from the front and wrap each section away from your face around the ribbon, adding hair as you go—similar to a French braid but wrapped.
4) Secure the ends. Use soft scrunchies or small elastics at the bottom of each side to hold everything in place. Avoid anything tight or metal that could tug at the wefts.
5) Leave it to set. Leave for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer it sets, the more defined the curl.
6) Remove and separate. Gently unravel the hair, starting from the ends. Don’t tug, just shake out the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
7) Finish with product (if needed). A bit of lightweight hairspray or texturizing mist can help set the shape without making the hair stiff.
How long do heatless curls take?
We mentioned earlier that longer is better—but let’s be more specific.
Most heatless curls need a minimum of 4 hours to set properly. That’s for soft waves on hair that holds shape easily. For tighter curls or long, thick extensions, overnight is best—around 8 to 10 hours.
If you’re working with freshly washed hair, make sure it’s 90% dry before you start. Too wet, and it’ll stay damp inside the curls. Too dry, and the shape won’t hold. If you’re short on time, use a very light mist and a product with hold—just don’t rush the process. Heatless curls are all about the slow set.
How to make heatless curls last
Once you’ve nailed the curl, the next challenge is keeping it from falling flat. Here’s how to help your heatless style go the distance, especially when you’re working with extensions.
Start with the right prep
The curl holds better when the hair has grip. Use a styling mousse or light-hold foam before wrapping—nothing too sticky or heavy. Dry shampoo at the roots can also help with volume and prevent oil from weighing things down.
Let them set fully
This sounds obvious, but many curls drop early simply because they didn’t have enough time to dry or mold into shape. Overnight really is best if you want long-lasting results. Don’t cheat the clock.
Avoid brushing it out too soon
Separate curls gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Brushing right away can undo the shape you just created—in particular for looser waves.
Use the right finishing product
A light mist of flexible hold hairspray or a texturizing spray adds staying power without making hair stiff. Avoid anything with alcohol near extension bonds, it can dry out adhesive or weaken keratin tips.
Protect it overnight
If you want to keep the curls for a second day, loosely pin them up at night using a satin scrunchie or wear a silk bonnet to reduce friction.
Don’t over-style
Heatless curls aren’t built for constant reworking. Try not to restyle them every few hours—let them settle and move naturally. Touch up with dry shampoo or a light mist if needed, but resist the urge to over-handle.
Take extra care when using heatless curls with extensions
Heatless curls are gentler than hot tools, but that doesn’t mean they’re foolproof. A few common missteps can flatten your results—or worse, damage your extensions.
⚠️ Don’t apply too much product
More product doesn’t equal more hold. In fact, heavy creams or gels can weigh down curls, cause buildup at the roots, and make clip-ins or tape-ins slip. Stick to lightweight mousse or setting spray—and use it sparingly.
⚠️ Don’t forget to section based on your wefts
If you wrap large chunks of hair without paying attention to your weft placement, you’ll end up with uneven curls—or extensions that pull at the seam. Always section around your install, not just your part line.
⚠️ Don’t use methods that tug at the bonds
Tight buns, over-twisting, or heavy rollers can all pull on adhesive or sewn seams. Over time, that tension causes slippage, fraying, or even breakage. Use soft, low-tension methods that don’t stress the roots.
Have you considered wigs or hair toppers?
If you’re steering clear of heat tools, chances are you’re also thinking about long-term damage. For some, that means avoiding traditional extensions altogether. Wigs and hair toppers are smart alternatives, even more so for anyone experiencing hair thinning, traction alopecia, or medical-related hair loss. They offer volume, length, and styling flexibility without putting stress on your natural hair or scalp.
Heatless curls for wigs
Wigs are easy to style heatlessly—no roots to protect, no seams to worry about.
1. Secure the wig on a mannequin head or wig stand.
2. Brush and section the hair, depending on your chosen curl method.
3. Wrap each section using your preferred technique—ribbons, flexi rods, foam rollers, etc.
4. Use pins or clips to secure the hair in place as needed.
5. Leave to set for several hours or overnight.
6. Unwrap and separate gently using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
7. Finish with light product (if desired), then wear or store the wig as usual.
Heatless curls for hair toppers
Toppers focus on the crown and are great for subtle volume without full coverage.
1. Place the topper on a mannequin head or secure it at the crown if already worn.
2. Lightly mist the top section of hair if dry, or use setting product.
3. Wrap small sections loosely to avoid over-tightening near the base.
4. Let it set for a few hours or overnight.
5. Release and fluff to blend the topper into your natural hair.
Heatless curls aren’t just safer for your strands; they’re ideal for protective pieces too. No matter if you're using a full wig or just adding volume at the roots, this method gives you shape, softness, and staying power (without risking damage).
Curls without compromise
Heatless curls aren’t just a workaround, they’re a more savvy way to style, particularly if you’re wearing extensions, toppers, or wigs. With the right prep and method, you can get lasting shape and volume without risking your hair’s health—or the life of your install.
If you're looking for more ways to style safely, maintain your extensions, or choose the right piece for your hair type, explore The Lauren Ashtyn Collection. From high-quality toppers to expert tips on damage-free styling, everything is designed to help you protect your hair and still look your best.
