Sock Curls: How to Curl Your Hair with Socks

You probably already know how to use a curling iron or wand to add spirals throughout your mane. You may even know about heat-free alternatives like foam rollers and overnight twists. But did you know a certain clothing item you wear on your feet can turn your straight strands into perfect ringlets? Yup, sock curls are a thing, and we’re just a little obsessed. Curious about this hairstyling method? Read on to learn how to curl your hair with socks.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Shampoo

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz-Defy Conditioner

L’Oréal Kids Burst of Sweet Pear Tangle Tamer for All Hair Types

Wide-tooth comb

Long, clean socks

L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Frizz Finish Oil-In-Serum

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Volume

Get the look:

STEP #1. WASH YOUR HAIR

Sock curls work best on damp hair, so start by washing your strands with a coordinating shampoo and conditioner that combats frizz. If you’re working with second-day hair, use a spray bottle to dampen your strands with water.

STEP #2. DETANGLE YOUR STRANDS

Knots and tangles will keep your sock curls from forming smoothly. Spritz a detangler spray throughout your mane, then brush through with a wide-tooth comb to ensure your mane is tangle-free. Allow your hair to air dry until damp.  

STEP #3. GRAB YOUR SOCKS

Like we said, you want to work with hair that’s damp, not wet! After letting your hair dry a little post-shower, it’s time to create your sock curls. Gather a two-inch section of hair and place the ends of the section on the center of your sock. Roll the sock toward your roots, rolling your hair with it as you do so. When you reach your roots, use the ends of your sock to tie a knot. Repeat this process throughout your mane until all of your hair is rolled into sock curls. The size of the sections of hair you’re using can vary depending on how tight or loose you’d like your curls to be. The smaller the section, the tighter the curl.

STEP #4. WAIT IT OUT

After all your sock curls are in place, all that’s left to do is wait it out. You’ll want to allow enough time for your hair to dry fully. This will be dependent on how thick your hair is, and will give your sock curls a chance to set. If you’re trying the sock curl method at night, this would be a great time to catch some Zs. If you’re trying the technique in the morning, do your makeup while waiting for your strands to finish drying.

STEP #5. REMOVE YOUR SOCKS

Once your mane is dry, remove your socks one by one. It doesn’t matter which order you do this in, though it’s easiest to go from top to bottom. Hello, curls! To loosen things up, feel free to gently comb through with your fingers.

STEP #6. TAME ANY FRIZZ

If you slept on your sock curls, your hair might be a tad frizzy. Pump a smoothing hair serum into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and work the formula throughout your mane to tame unwanted frizz and give your curls a sleek finish.

STEP #7. BOOST YOUR ROOTS

You may notice that your ends have more volume than your roots, thanks to your bouncy sock curls. To even out the look, spritz a volume spray onto your roots for the extra lift you need.

STEP #8. SEAL YOUR STYLE

You wouldn’t want your sock curls to fall flat after a few hours, would you? If you play your cards right, you can make your curls last for days! As a final step, mist your hair with hairspray to keep your curls from falling as the day goes on. Bonus points if your hair spray has a volumizing formula to give your mane even more body.

Next up: Thought this was the end of the line when it came to socks and hairstyling? Think again! There’s always the sock bun. Here’s How to Create a Sock Bun.