Heatless Curls for Thick Hair

Thick hair holds a curl beautifully once it's set. The challenge is getting all that hair to set evenly overnight. Here's how to get heatless curls on thick hair, from root to end.

Elisabeth's long, voluminous thick red curls after a criss-cross CurlBand wrap

Why thick hair needs a slightly different method

Thick hair has more strands per section and often holds water longer. Big sections can leave the inner layers loose, and hair that goes in too wet may not finish drying by morning. The fix: the Long size, small sections, dry or slightly misted hair, and the criss-cross wrap.

The criss-cross wrap: our recommended method for thick hair

The criss-cross wrap is the best way to wrap thick hair. Crossing each section over the band makes sure every section is wrapped securely and curls evenly, including the inner layers.

  1. Start with dry or slightly misted hair, fully detangled with the Cozy Smoothing Brush.
  2. Place your CurlBand™ (Long size) over the top of your head and clip the middle at your crown.

Elisabeth starting the criss-cross wrap at her crown with a white CurlBand

  1. Take a small section, about 1 inch, at the front on one side and cross it over the band.
  2. Take the next small section from the other side and cross it over the band in the opposite direction.
  3. Keep alternating left and right, crossing each new section over the band as you work down its length, so every section is secured on its own.
  4. When you reach the ends, wrap them smoothly around the band and secure them with a scrunchie.
  5. Sleep, and unwrap in the morning once every section feels dry.

Watch the criss-cross wrap: Criss Cross tutorial.

Close-up of Elisabeth's thick red hair in a criss-cross wrap around a white CurlBand

Elisabeth relaxing in a cozy chair with her thick red hair criss-cross wrapped in a copper CurlBand

Curls last all day, and many customers say they relax into soft waves over the next few days.

Best CurlBand™ for thick hair

The CurlBand™ Classic in Long gives full, voluminous curls. For smooth volume, try the CurlBand™ Blowout. For textured waves, try the CurlBand™ BeachWave. Get everything in the Curl Kit.

More thick-hair guides

Thick-hair FAQ

Will it hold all my hair?

Yes. Use the criss-cross wrap with small sections so the band holds every section securely.

Should I wrap wet hair so it sets more?

No. Wrap dry or slightly misted hair. Wet thick hair often doesn't dry overnight.

Full method: How to Get Heatless Curls Overnight. Fine hair? See Heatless Curls for Fine Hair.