We Tested the TikTok-Famous Kitsch Heatless Curling Set With 8,000 Five-Star Amazon Reviews That’s on Sale for $15 Right Now

Olivia Cigliano

March 19, 2024 at 4:12 AM·12 min read

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Listen, us WWD Shop editors love a multi-step beauty routine, but we’ve also got schedules to keep. We’re constantly testing the best hair styling tools, from curling irons, hair dryer brushes, and everything in between, but shaping thick, long, or nearly untamable hair can take up a lot of precious time in the morning. On super busy days, sleep-in heatless curlers can really save the day — and spare your hair from irreversible heat damage. The Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set is the top-seller in the category, so we tested and reviewed the kit over the span of four months to determine whether it was truly worth all the hype.

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Heatless curling routines emerged as a major beauty trend over the last year, as the term racked up over 375 million views and searches on TikTok, and catapulted the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set as one of the most popular TikTok beauty products. The kit is also the number one bestseller in Hair Rollers on Amazon, with over 8,000 rave reviews that sing the praises of its unparalleled convenience and impressive results — and even has shoppers on board to replace their hot tools for good, in exchange for the curler’s hair-healthy bonus benefits.

“Heatless curls were popular around the early 1900s but the first heatless roller product came out in the 1930s and was invented by Solomon Harper,” celebrity hairstylist Becca Mader previously told WWD in an article about heatless hair curlers. “History tends to repeat itself. More and more people are realizing the benefits heatless curls have on your hair. Heat can be very damaging, causing split ends, dryness, and breakage.”

Kitsch’s modern iteration of the technique uses a single, flexible curling rod to get the job done, rather than several small rollers, and comes wrapped in gentle satin, which, similar to the best silk pillowcases, helps to prevent breakage, support healthy hydration and shine, and reduce frizz. Plus, it’s suitable for all hair types, from pin-straight strands to 4C curls, and the range of cuts. If you have especially long hair, the brand offers an Extra Large rod that extends by five additional inches, too.

The best part of Kitsch’s curler? It takes no longer than 10 minutes to fix in your hair, and curls your entire head while you go about your day or enjoy a restful night of beauty sleep. It can prep your locks for a night out while you work from home, sleep in a plane, or during your work commute — as long as you wear the rod for about four hours, you’ll be left with voluminous, blowout-level volume that required pretty much zero effort.

Amazon shoppers, from busy moms to professional hairstylists, rave about the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set. “Ladies, you need to get this,” wrote one tester. “Not only does this give you curls for days, but lasting body. I don’t think I will ever go back to a curling iron again!” Another said, “Professional hairstylist here! I put off trying this for awhile, but what a game-changer it is for maintaining healthy hair. I wrapped my dry hair and was able to get my hair to take curl just by lightly blow drying on a very low heat setting for 20 seconds or so. After just 10 to 15 minutes, I removed the curler for bouncy loose curls. Love it!”

Below, read our in-depth review of the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set, along with step-by-step curling instructions for an effortless blowout.

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How We Tested The Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set

Product tested: Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set
Testing time period: Four months
Number of testers: One
Application method: I tested the curling rod overnight on both wet and damp hair using two different twisting methods, such as wrapping each side of my hair around the rod or weaving my hair around the rod down the back of my head. On damp hair, I tested the kit with and without a leave-in conditioner treatment, and on dry hair I curled with and without dry shampoo.
Materials: Satin
Includes: 1 34-inch flexible curling rod, 2 satin scrunchies
Colorways available: Sunset Tie Dye, Charcoal, Champaigne, Micro Dot, Marble, Malibu Barbie, Universtar, Chocolate, and more
Retailer availability: Amazon, Ulta, Target, Kitsch
Pros:
- Made of gentle satin that prevents breakage and retains hair moisture
- Can be worn as you sleep
- Zero heat damage
- Reduces styling time
- Suitable for all hair types
- Creates long-lasting curls
- Affordable compared to hot tools
- Available in an XL size for very long hair
Cons:
- Rod may be too long for short hair
- Application can pose a learning curve
Testing review: After testing out the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set over a four month period, it’s become a mainstay in my hair-healing and styling routine. Upon first use, I referenced TikTok tutorials to get the hang of its straightforward application, and was immediately impressed at its tight, bouncy ringlet results the next morning. I find that it works best on dry hair (as apposed to freshly-washed towel-dried hair), as it garners the smoothest-looking blowout. I did not notice much difference whether or not I applied preliminary product, and found that hairspray wasn’t required to lock the curls in shape. As an insomniac, I was concerned the rod would interfere with my essential beauty sleep, however it feels comfortable against my pillow and, with the help of one claw clip, surprising stays secure, even through tossing and turning.

Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set

#1 Amazon Bestseller in Hair Rollers
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$15.98 ~~$18~~ 11% off

Buy Now at amazon

Price upon publish date of this article: $15.98

Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set — Editor Testing Review

I am always on the hunt for a DIY hack to simplify my admittedly extensive glam routines and take my beauty goals one step further. I have long, slightly wavy medium-thick hair that has endured many years of damage from bleaching, breakage, and heat exposure. It’s often weighed down by too much product, and tends to drop a curl by day’s end. After one year of working to heal my hair with regular cuts and conditioning masks, the sole blind spot in my routine was consistent hot tool use — which is a great way to cancel out all that effort. I was curious to try heatless curling options like sock curls and flex rods after seeing them all over my TikTok “For You” page, and I can attest that Kitsch’s bestselling kit is the simplest method with the most impressive results.

Upon first use, I referenced TikTok tutorials to learn how to apply the rod, and within just a few minutes my damp hair was secured and ready for bed. I liked that it kept my hair out of my face as I slept (a major pet peeve of mine) and didn’t feel rigid or uncomfortable against my pillow. In the morning, I went about my regular routine, and removed the rod right before I left for work in order to maximize the curls’ hold. I gently removed the scrunchie on each side of the rod, and as each ringlet dropped, so did my jaw. I was left with incredibly bouncy, voluminous curls that were almost too tight, but with a head flip and a quick finger comb, I was left with a fresh-looking blowout. I did not apply any additional product, and after about nine hours spent at the WWD offices, my style stayed intact by the time I got home.

By then I was hooked, so I also began testing the Kitsch Satin Curler on dry hair in-between washes. With this method, I experienced less frizz, smoother results, and a tighter curl. The best part is that either way I use the rod, I can usually get about two days of wear from the curls. Plus, the two satin scrunchies included in the kit can be used on their own to gently secure updos without risk of breakage or scalp strain.

After four months of testing, I can confidently say the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set is a great, affordable hair styling tool to keep in your arsenal, whether you have hair health goals, limited time in the morning, or you struggle to achieve satisfactory results with fussy hot tools. Once you’re past the initial learning curve, the convenient curler practically does the work for you, so you can set it and forget it, and enjoy a bombshell mane whenever you’re ready to get on with your day.

How to Use The Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set

On TikTok, there are many ways to curl your hair with the Kitsch Satin Heatless Curler, like the side-sleeper-friendly “unicorn heatless curls” technique that sits similarly to a French braid, and the inverted “bunny ears” method, which rests higher at the crown. However, I experienced the best volume using Kitsch’s recommended pigtail-like application, which is best for back sleepers.

Here’s how to create a sleep-in blowout using the top-rated hair tool:

Start by brushing slightly damp or dry hair. Additional product is not required to achieve the curls, but feel free to apply your favorite leave-in treatment, dry shampoo, or a small amount of hair oil to aid in a tighter hold and shiny results. Then, from the back of your head, part your hair in two equal sections.
Next, hold the middle of the rod against the top of your scalp, about two inches back from your hairline. Here, it’s helpful to secure the curler in place with a claw clip.
Then, on one side of your hair, grab a small face-framing section and twist it over and around the rod, directed away from your face. Wrap the hair around two times and hold it taut with one hand.
In another hand, grab the next section of hair and repeat the same twist, adding to the existing section (similar to a French braid). Keep in mind that smaller sections of hair will result in tight ringlets, whereas larger twists will create big waves. It’s also important to wrap a new section around the rod at least twice for a secure hold, before introducing the next piece of hair.
Continue this process until the entire section of hair is on the rod. Then, take one of the satin scrunchies included in the kit and tie off the ends on the rod, as if you were securing a braid.
Repeat on the other side of your head.
If you used a claw clip, you can remove it at this point, or leave it in as you sleep. Wear the curling rod for at least four hours or overnight.
To remove the rod, gently slip off the scrunchie. Encourage the curls to fall from the rod with your fingers and shake the rod from the top.
Then, tousle the ringlets or softly comb them for definition and added volume. Style to your preference, whether by misting some hairspray, dry texture spray, or a finishing gloss — or no product at all.