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Did you know that there’s a beauty tool hidden in your sock drawer? This editor is always on the hunt for DIY beauty tricks, and I couldn’t help my curiosity upon discovering this viral heatless curl method. All you need is a few pairs of women’s socks — yes, regular old socks — to create big, shiny curls that last all day long.
Believe it or not, socks are one of the most popular TikTok beauty products right now, with sock curls racking up over 772 million views and counting on the app. It simply involves securing your hair in sock twists overnight, similar to hair rollers, and removing the socks in the morning to reveal super bouncy coils. While I’ve tried nearly every hair curling tool on the market, from curling irons to hot rollers and even complicated braids, I’ve never achieved results quite this impressive. In fact, the day I tested the sock hair curling method, it had our beauty commerce editor exclaiming, “It looks like you just got a fresh blowout!”
A quick scroll under #sockcurls on TikTok will reveal countless ways to do heatless curls with socks, from artful twists to hybrid techniques with rod tools. I discovered one that totally simplifies the process, where all you need is a handful of your go-to adidas socks or gym socks to cover your whole head of hair. Among all the overnight curling processes, this method is the most comfortable, and, coming from someone with long layers and curtain bangs, it’s a surprisingly low-lift technique for a polished style. Gone are the days of waking up extra early to style my ‘do — I’m never going back.
Whether you have damaged hair or are looking to hone in on hair health in the new year, creating heatless curls with socks is an excellent option. Not only are cotton socks widely available and affordable, the method is far less damaging than hot tools. The socks secure the hair in a protective style, which means, unlike heated hair tools, there’s no risk of breakage or drying out your hair’s natural moisture. This is also a technique you can do anywhere and everywhere, so you don’t have to worry about packing bulky tools while you travel. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to make new use of old socks that have holes or don’t fit anymore.
So, if you just received a huge haul of sock gifts over the holidays, or you’re looking for a quick, healthy hair styling solution that won’t run you a pretty penny, here’s how to do TikTok’s easy blowout hack using sock curls.
How to Curl Your Hair with Socks — Sock Curls Tutorial
Before you begin curling your hair with socks, it’s important to keep in mind that different socks will garner different results. For example, a thick sock, such as a fuzzy sock, will create bigger, voluminous curls, whereas a thin sock, like a no-show sock, will make for tighter ringlets. Upon testing this method, I used basic crew socks, which proved successful for loose curls. Also make sure your socks are either stretchy or long, as this will be important as you tie the curls to secure them.
I browsed dozens of sock curling tutorials on TikTok and collected inspiration from a few different creators. I took notes for how to effectively section my hair from a video by @_nouuurs, and followed steps from @mrtaliegnell as I curled each strand. @elizseguin also shows how to utilize the same sock technique for those who have bangs or want extra volume at the crown.
Here’s how to do sock curls at home:
- Start with dry or damp hair. Brush your hair out thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles.
- As an optional step, apply a small amount of a product, such as a leave-in conditioner, hair serum, or hair oil, so that healthy moisture infuses into your strands as the curls set. This will help to create hydrated, shiny curls, and create long-lasting texture on dry hair.
- Separate your hair into four to six even sections, depending on the thickness of your hair. Since my hair is long, I started by splitting it into three horizontal segments (a bottom section, middle section, and top section) and then split each of those in half vertically for a total of six sections. The number of sections you create will correlate with how many socks are needed. To keep each piece separate, it’s helpful to use hair barrettes or elastics so they don’t mix together as you curl.
- Next, grab a clean sock. Select a section of hair and hold it taut from the bottom with one hand. In the other, place the sock horizontally at the ends of the hair.
- Then, tuck the ends around the sock and begin curling the hair into the sock upwards toward the root (similar to hair rollers). Make sure to wrap the hair as tight as possible for a secure, defined curl.
- Once you’ve curled up to the root, use the remaining ends of the sock (the cuff and toe) to tie a single knot. Then, open the cuff of the sock, flip it inside out, and wrap it over the entire knot. This will look like a bun and act as a protective cover to secure the curl in place. Repeat this process with each section.
- Once your whole mane is curled, leave the socks in for at least four hours, or sleep with them overnight.
- After they’ve set, simply uncover the sock cuff and untie the knot. Gently roll the sock out of the hair to reveal bouncy coils. Then, style your hair to your preference, by shaking out the curls for volume and applying a small amount of hairspray or dry texture spray to lock in the look.
Shop the Best Socks for Curling Hair
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Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. Olivia loves testing new DIY beauty hacks at home and collecting new additions for her overflowing sock drawer.
