Hair routines you’ll love

How to do heatless curls?

There are many ways to achieve heatless curls, and the best method for you will depend on your hair type, desired curl shape, and how much time you have. At Ulta Beauty, we're your one-stop shop for everything heatless curls!

1. Prep is Key

• Shampoo and condition your hair for a clean, manageable base. You can use a leave-in conditioner or styling product to help hold the curls. Browse Ulta’s selection and take our hair care quiz to find the perfect formula for your hair type.
• Towel dry your hair till its damp. Dripping wet hair will take too long to dry and won't hold the curls as well.

2. Choose Your Heatless Curl Method: Our collection includes a variety of options to meet your needs. Here are a few popular options:

• Flexi-rods: Flexi-rods are soft, bendable rods that can be used to create a variety of curl shapes.

  • Tight curls: Use thin or medium-sized flexi rods and wrap small sections of hair around them in a spiral motion for tight, bouncy curls.
  • Loose curls or waves: Use larger flexi rods and wrap larger sections of hair around them for looser curls or waves. You can also experiment with different wrapping techniques, such as folding the hair in half before wrapping it around the rod, to create different wave patterns.
  • Voluminous curls: Flexi rods are also a great way to add volume to fine or limp hair. Use larger rods and wrap thicker sections of hair to create loose, voluminous curls.

• Foam Hair Rod: For a quick and easy curling option, consider a single, large foam hair rod. This is a simple yet effective way to add volume and body to your hair, particularly for those with long hair.

  • Loose waves: Slightly dampen your hair and wrap large sections around the foam rod, starting at the ends and rolling up towards the roots.
  • Voluminous bounce: For added lift at the roots, twist the hair at the crown before wrapping it around the foam rod. This will create volume and body throughout your hair.

• Heatless Rollers: Heatless rollers are another fantastic option for heat-free curls. They come in a set of various sizes, allowing you to create different curl shapes and volumes.

  • Tight curls: Use smaller rollers and wrap small sections of hair around them for a defined curl.
  • Loose curls or waves: Use larger rollers and wrap larger sections of hair for looser results. Experiment with wrapping techniques to create various wave patterns.
  • Voluminous curls: Use larger rollers and wrap thicker sections of hair to create loose, voluminous curls.

3. Lock in Your Curls: Secure heatless curling rods or rollers in place with a scrunchie, hair clip, or the roller/rod's fastening mechanism (if it has one).
4. Let Your Hair Dry: Patience is key! Allow your hair to dry completely for the most defined curls.
5. The Grand Reveal: Gently unwind your hair and unleash your gorgeous curls! Explore our wide-tooth combs and picks designed to separate and fluff your curls for your desired style.

What is a hair gloss treatment?

A hair gloss treatment is a hair treatment that adds shine, enhances hair color, and can temporarily improve the look and feel of hair. Here's a breakdown of its benefits:

• Shine Boost: Hair gloss treatments coat your hair strands in a light, reflective layer, boosting shine and making your hair appear healthier and more vibrant. Explore our selection of gloss treatments, from luxurious masques to convenient sprays, formulated to deliver a mirror-like finish.
• Color Vibrancy: For colored hair, hair gloss can be a game-changer. Many glosses deposit a sheer layer of pigment that can neutralize brassy tones and add a subtle color boost.
• Shiny, Smooth Hair: Hair gloss treatments can smooth the hair cuticle, leaving your hair feeling silky and soft to the touch. This is especially beneficial for hair that's dull, dry, or frizzy. Discover our range of glosses infused with nourishing ingredients that add shine while improving hair texture.

Do heatless curls work on short hair?

At Ulta Beauty, we know that short hair shouldn't stop you from rocking gorgeous curls! That's why we carry a wide range of heatless curling products to help you achieve the perfect amount of bounce and definition, no matter your hair length.

Not all heatless curlers are created equal! Our experts can help you find the perfect fit for your hair type and desired result. Here’s a breakdown:

• Curl definition: Shorter hair might not hold very tight curls for as long, especially very fine or straight hair. However, heatless curls can still add definition and texture to your hair. You can achieve loose waves or soft bends.
• Curling methods: Some heatless curling methods may work better than others for short hair. Flexi-rods and single foam hair rods are good options because they can be customized to fit the shorter hair strands.

Here are some tips for using heatless curls on short hair:

• Use smaller curling rods or rollers. This will help create tighter curls that are more likely to hold in shorter hair.
• Curl your hair in the opposite direction of your haircut. This can help the curls to look more natural and voluminous.
• Use a strong-hold hairspray to help the curls last longer. Our selection of styling products includes strong-hold options, perfect for helping curls last longer on shorter hair.
• Set the curls for longer. The shorter the hair, the longer it may need to dry completely in order for the curl to set.

How to get a bouncy blow out?

At Ulta Beauty, we understand the desire for voluminous, salon-quality blowouts. But who says you need a professional to achieve that bouncy perfection? With the right products and a few key techniques, you can create stunning blowouts at home in no time!

Preparation is Key:

1. Shampoo and condition your hair: Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to create a good base for the blowout. Whether you crave weightless volume or targeted root lift, we have the perfect formula to boost your hair's natural body.
2. Towel dry: Don't rub your hair roughly with a towel, as this can cause frizz. Instead, gently pat or squeeze out excess water with a microfiber hair drying towel or wrap.
3. Detangle: Gently detangle wet hair with a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage and ensure smooth blow drying.

Styling with Heat:

1. Apply heat protectant: This is crucial to prevent heat damage from the blow dryer. Explore our range of heat protectant sprays and creams designed for all hair types.
2. Rough dry: Using a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer, rough dry your hair until it's about 80% dry This preps your hair for smooth blow drying and helps build volume at the roots.
3. Section your hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections, usually starting at the back and working your way up. Clip the sections you're not working on out of the way. This allows you to focus on one section at a time for a more polished blowout.

The Blowout Technique:

1. Brush and dry: Grab a round brush and your hairdryer. Choose the brush barrel size based on your desired curl- bigger barrels create looser waves, while smaller ones create tighter curls. Place the brush under a section of hair near the roots and lift it upwards.
2. Direct the airflow: While lifting the hair with the brush, point the hairdryer nozzle at the section and brush down the hair towards the ends. This creates tension and smooths the hair cuticle for shine.
3. Curl the ends: As you reach the ends, slightly roll the brush inwards or outwards to create a slight curl or flick (depending on your preference).
4. Repeat: Continue section by section, lifting, drying, and curling the ends until your entire head is dry.

Setting the Style:

1. Cool shot: Once a section is dry, use the cool shot button on your hairdryer to set the style. This helps the curls hold their shape for longer.

2. Finger fluff (optional): Once your hair is completely dry, use your fingers to gently fluff the roots and loosen the curls for a more natural, bouncy look.

3. Finishing touches: Use a light hairspray to add a touch of hold and control frizz.