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Make heatless curls with a soft curling ribbon

Choose a soft curling ribbon when your loose hair is long enough to wrap down both sides of one padded form. It creates a temporary curl or wave setting pattern without a heated barrel.

A woman wraps damp hair from one side around a padded curling ribbon while the other ribbon end hangs free.

Step by step

  1. A woman with damp long loose hair centers a padded curling ribbon across her crown and holds its top clip with both hands.
    STEP 1 OF 4

    Center the ribbon

    • Part detangled damp hair into left and right sides.
    • Place the ribbon across the crown and use its top clip to keep both ends even.
  2. A woman wraps damp hair from one side around a padded curling ribbon while the other ribbon end hangs free.
    STEP 2 OF 4

    Wrap the first side

    • Take a front piece, pass it over and around the ribbon, then add the next piece to the same wrap.
    • Continue downward with both hands in front of your shoulder, keeping the turns smooth and comfortable.
  3. A woman secures the wrapped end of a curling ribbon near her shoulder while the opposite side is also wrapped.
    STEP 3 OF 4

    Secure both sides

    • Fasten the first end with the ribbon’s smooth tie, then repeat the same direction on the other side.
    • Check that the crown and roots do not pull; remove the top clip after both wrapped ends hold securely.
    • Repeat on the second side, then check that every intended length is wrapped and both end fasteners feel comfortable.
  4. A woman unwinds one fully dry side from a soft curling ribbon while supporting the curl with her other hand.
    STEP 4 OF 4

    Dry and unwrap

    • Feel inside both wraps and wait longer if either side is damp.
    • Remove the end fasteners, unwind each side from the bottom upward, then lift the ribbon away.
    • After both sides are free, arrange the dry curls lightly with your fingers and collect the ribbon, its fasteners and any sectioning clips.

About 5–15 min hands-on for parting, wrapping both sides of a soft ribbon, securing and later unwrapping them. Start with damp, detangled hair. Add complete air-drying and optional overnight wear.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. Two broad wraps are quicker than a full roller set; first attempts and long hair can take longer.

You’re done when…

The ribbon, clip and both fasteners are out, each wrap was fully dry before release, and no section was pulled or snagged.