Heatless curls can look beautifully relaxed, but only if the tool gives enough tension without flattening the roots. The Curler by The Hair Edit review is best summed up as a low-effort option for soft bend and loose shape, rather than a guaranteed replacement for tong-sharp, uniform curls by morning.

Product overview

The Curler by The Hair Edit is a heatless hair styling tool designed for creating curl or wave shape without direct heat. Its main appeal is straightforward: it lets you set the hair while you get ready, relax, or sleep, then remove the tool to reveal a softer finish than you would usually expect from curling tongs.

The quick verdict: it is most convincing for medium to long hair that already holds a bend reasonably well. It suits anyone who wants a gentler styling routine, dislikes clamp marks, or is trying to reduce regular heat exposure. It is less convincing if your hair is very short, very slippery, extremely layered, or resistant to holding shape without heat and styling product.

This is not the kind of product where the result comes only from the tool. Prep, wrapping tension, drying time, hair texture and how you release the curls all matter. If you are switching from hot tools, expect a softer, more lived-in finish rather than a carbon copy of a curling wand set. Shortlist it if your goal is healthier-looking everyday shape, not high-gloss event curls with identical sections.

Key specs

Brand: The Hair Edit.
Product name: The Curler by The Hair Edit.
Product type: heatless curler.
Styling method: hair is wrapped around the curler to encourage shape without direct heat.
Main styling goal: soft curls, bends or waves, depending on hair type and prep.
Heat requirement: no curling tong, wand or heated barrel is required for the setting process.
Hair length to check: verify that your length can wrap securely around the tool before buying, especially if your hair sits above the shoulders.
What to verify with the retailer: included accessories, fastening method, material, care instructions, current UK availability, returns policy and price in £.

Pros and cons

Pros

Useful for reducing reliance on curling tongs and wands during an ordinary weekly styling routine.
Creates a softer, less “done” curl pattern that can look modern and wearable for daytime hair.
Avoids the clamp marks and scorched-end feeling that can come from rushed hot-tool styling.
Works well as part of a low-maintenance routine if your hair keeps shape from braids, buns or rollers.
Easy to build into evening styling because the hair can set while you do something else.
Can be a sensible option for lengths that need movement through the mid-lengths and ends rather than root-to-tip ringlets.

Cons

Results are more variable than with a heated tool, particularly on very straight, glassy or heavy hair.
It may feel too gentle if you want crisp curl definition, strong root lift or a salon-style blowout effect.
Short layers can escape during wrapping unless you prep carefully and secure the sections well.
Sleeping comfort depends on your preferred sleep position and how bulky the set feels once wrapped.
Fine hair can flatten at the crown if you wrap too tightly or start too close to the roots.
You need to verify the fastening and care details before buying, as those small practical points affect daily use.

Performance in real use

The Curler by The Hair Edit performs best when treated as a setting tool, not a magic shortcut. Hair that is slightly prepped, fully detangled and wrapped with even tension will usually look more intentional than hair that is twisted around quickly before bed. A light styling cream, mousse or flexible hold product can help, but the right amount depends heavily on your texture and how easily your hair becomes weighed down.

On fine hair, the biggest risk is losing volume at the top. The curler can still be useful, but the set needs a lighter hand. Keep roots airy, avoid overloading with oil or cream, and release the curls gently rather than pulling them straight. Fine, flat hair may prefer a looser wrap and a little root support from styling technique rather than relying on the curler alone.

On medium-density hair, this is where the tool is likely to feel most balanced. There is usually enough body to create a visible bend, but not so much weight that the curl instantly drops. For this hair type, the finish can sit nicely between a brushed-out tong curl and a soft blow-dry wave.

On thick hair, the result depends on section size and drying time. Large sections may give a pretty bend but not much definition. Smaller, neater wrapping tends to help, though it also takes longer. Dense hair that holds moisture for hours should not be wrapped when too wet, because it may still feel damp when you remove the curler and the shape can collapse quickly.

For wavy or curly hair, the tool is more of a reshaping aid than a curl creator. It can help encourage a smoother, more uniform pattern through stretched-out lengths, but it will not replace a full curl routine if your hair needs hydration, hold and frizz control. If your natural texture is prone to halo frizz, the release stage matters: unwind slowly, separate with fingers, and avoid brushing unless you deliberately want a looser wave.

Compared with curling tongs, the trade-off is clear. You gain a gentler, heat-free set and a softer finish, but you lose the instant control and high-definition polish of a hot barrel. If you are trying to make that move gradually, the technique shift is just as important as the tool choice; the steps in switching from curling tongs to heatless curls are a useful next read.

Comfort is personal. Some users tolerate heatless curlers overnight easily; others prefer wearing them for a few hours in the evening and sleeping with the finished curls protected instead. If you are sensitive to anything around your head while sleeping, test the set during the day first so you know whether it feels secure without being irritating.

Durability and maintenance are also worth checking before purchase. Look at the material, stitching, surface feel and care guidance from the seller. A curler that is awkward to clean or difficult to secure neatly will be less appealing over time, even if the first result looks pretty.

Who it’s best for / who should skip it

The Curler by The Hair Edit is best for people who want softer everyday styling with less heat exposure. It is particularly suited to shoulder-length or longer hair, medium textures, lightly layered cuts, and anyone whose hair already forms a bend from plaits or buns. It can also be a good fit if you like the idea of styling ahead rather than standing with a hot tool in the morning.

It is also a sensible pick for heat-styled hair that is starting to feel dry at the ends. Heatless setting will not repair damage, but using fewer hot tools can make a routine feel less harsh while you improve conditioning, trimming and product choice.

You should skip it, or at least keep expectations modest, if your hair is cropped, very heavily layered, or so smooth that curls drop within minutes. It may also disappoint if you want strong root lift, tight curls, or identical sections for a formal style. In those cases, a mixed routine may be more realistic: heatless setting for normal days, with controlled heat reserved for occasions when you need extra hold and precision.

For beginners, the learning curve is mostly about sectioning and tension. If your first attempt looks uneven, that does not automatically mean the tool is wrong for you. Try adjusting how damp the hair is, how firmly you wrap, and whether you need a touch more hold product through the mid-lengths.

Alternatives

If your main aim is preserving curls rather than creating them, a dedicated overnight holder may be more useful than another curling tool. The Sleepy Tie is worth considering for hair that has already been curled and needs protection overnight; our review of whether it is better for preserving heatless curls overnight explains where that kind of accessory fits.

If you want more lift at the crown or a bouncier blow-dry effect, Velcro hair rollers may suit you better than The Curler by The Hair Edit. Rollers are not always as comfortable for long wear, but they can be more targeted around the fringe, crown and face-framing layers. A satin heatless curling rod is another close alternative if you prefer a more familiar wrap-around format; compare the fastening style, surface feel and size before deciding.

Common questions

Can The Curler by The Hair Edit replace curling tongs?

For everyday soft shape, yes, it can reduce how often you reach for tongs. For sharp, long-lasting, uniform curls, curling tongs still offer more control, especially on resistant hair.

Should hair be wet or dry before using it?

Follow the brand’s instructions, but avoid soaking-wet hair. Slightly damp or product-prepped dry hair is usually more predictable because the set can dry fully and hold its shape better.

Will it work on fine hair?

It can, but fine hair needs light prep and careful wrapping. Too much product or too much tension near the roots can make the finished style look flat rather than softly curled.

How do you stop heatless curls turning fluffy?

Unwrap slowly, separate with fingers, and smooth only the surface. For a more detailed method, use these steps for smoothing flyaways after heatless curls without brushing them out.

Is it comfortable enough to sleep in?

That depends on how you sleep and how securely the curler sits. Side sleepers and light sleepers may prefer setting the hair for a few evening hours instead of overnight.

Verdict + score

The Curler by The Hair Edit is a strong soft-styling option for people who want heatless movement, looser curls and a gentler routine, provided they are happy to trade hot-tool precision for a more relaxed finish. It is not the most suitable choice for very short hair, highly resistant textures or anyone expecting identical barrel curls with no practice. For medium to long hair that holds shape reasonably well, it earns 8.1/10.