How to Curl Your Hair With Socks

Last Updated: December 28, 2019 Tested

If you want to achieve lasting curls or waves without damaging your hair with hot styling tools, then you're in luck! There are many ways to curl your hair using no heat at all. Read this article to learn how to achieve lasting curls using just tube socks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Ringlet Curls

1
Gather 6-8 dress socks. The longer and thinner they are, the better. The amount of socks you need will depend on how thick your hair is. If you have very thick hair, you might need 10-12 socks.
2
Wash and towel-dry your hair. Be sure to condition your hair and brush out any tangles prior to styling. Hair should be damp, but not dripping.

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3
Style your hair in 2-inch sections. Grab a section with your non-dominant hand and hold it at the end. Place a tube sock across your hair so that it is perpendicular. The sock should be placed halfway between the roots and ends of your hair.
4
Wrap the end of your hair around the sock. You should leave about one or two inches at the end loose.
5
Roll the sock up toward your roots. Once you reach the roots of your hair, tie the ends of the sock securely together.
6
Repeat on each section of your hair. It's easier to start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up. Don't style bangs, if you have them.
7
Allow hair to dry. You can sleep with the socks in overnight, or if it is daytime, sit out in the sun and allow hair to dry.
8
Release the socks from your hair. Do this one-by-one using each section, and gently tousle your hair to release the curls. Be sure your hair is fully dry before removing the socks.
9
Spritz hair with hairspray for lasting curls. You should use hairspray if your hair is naturally straight and does not usually hold a curl for long.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Voluminous Waves

1
Cut the toe off of a tube or dress sock. You should cut off about two inches of the sock.
2
Roll the sock into a donut shape. You might consider using two socks for a thicker ring. This will result in larger waves.
3
Pull your hair into a high ponytail. Hair should be slightly damp. You can either shower and towel-dry hair prior to styling, or spritz your dry hair with water. Fasten with an elastic hairband.
4
Hold the ponytail vertically above your head. Place the end of the ponytail through the hole in the sock ring. Now wrap the end of your ponytail around the ring and roll down the sock until you reach your head. The bun should stay in place.
5
Allow hair to dry overnight. If it is daytime, then leave the sock in place for 3-4 hours, or as long as it takes for hair to dry completely.
6
Remove the sock and hair tie. Gently tousle your hair to release the waves.
7
Use hairspray to set the waves. Spritz your hair with hairspray if you have naturally straight hair or if you want to achieve lasting waves throughout the day.
8
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

Do socks damage your hair the same as hair ties?

Community Answer

Hair ties are not meant to damage your hair unless you pull them off hard. Make sure to get out all the knots in your hair before wrapping your damp hair around the socks. These methods are used to avoid damage from heat-styling tools. Make sure to pull your hair gently apart from the sock.
Question

Do they have to be tube socks?

Community Answer

No, but the longer the sock is, the easier it will be because that way you can tie it easily.
Question

Does the second option work for already-curly hair?

Community Answer

It will give you neater-looking curls rather than frizzy curls.