How to Master Bathrobe Curls Just in Time for Prom

Heatless curls are nothing new — people have been finding creative ways to curl their hair without using hot tools for quite some time. But recently, bathrobe curls have seen a major resurgence in popularity thanks to thousands of TikTok creators experimenting with the technique. 

While the process to create them does look a bit bizarre, the results are often stunning and they’re achieved sans the high curling wand temperatures that can cause hair hair damage. If your prom is around the corner and you’re trying to preserve the health of your hair, then there’s no better time to master bathrobe curls. Do it right and you’ll have a chic, voluminous prom hairstyle. Ahead, we’re breaking down how to nail this TikTok hairstyle trend in just five easy steps. 

1. Make Sure Your Hair Is Damp

To ensure your curls have hold and are long lasting, start with damp hair. You can let your hair dry about 75 percent of the way after washing it, or dampen it slightly with a spray bottle and some water. If you try this out with soaking wet hair, your strands will still be pretty wet after letting the curls set for several hours. 

2. Position Your Robe Belt 

If you have a silk or satin robe, remove the belt and use it for your bathrobe curls. If you don’t, no worries — companies are now making products similar to a bathrobe belt that are specifically meant for creating this hairstyle. You can find inexpensive options on Amazon. 

Editor’s note: Be sure you’re using something made of silk or satin as cotton or terry cloth can cause friction and frizz. 

Part your hair in the center and then find the middle of the belt and secure it at the top of your head using a bobby pin or hair clip. 

3. Wrap Your Hair Around the Belt

Create two sections in the front of the head (one on each side) and two in the back. Then place the best on the top of your head in the center (just behind your ears) which will separate the front and back sections.  

Section by section, wrap your hair around the belt. For a modern look, wrap the sections going away from your head just like you would if you were using a curling iron.

4. Secure the Hair to the Belt

After you wrap each section, secure the hair to the belt using a scrunchie or a thin hair tie that won’t leave a dent in your hair. Wrap the hair tie at the ends of the twists to secure the hair in place. 

Sleep with your hair like this overnight or let the bathrobe curls form and set for at least five or six hours.

5. Set the Curls 

Remove the hair ties and unravel your hair from the belt. Gently comb through your hair with your fingers to break apart the sections and create a natural look.

To ensure your heatless curls last all day and night, set them in place with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented. The ultra-fine mist will lock in your style and add a shiny finish to the hair.  

Next: 20 Gorgeous Prom Makeup Ideas to Try This Year

Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: iStock