Robe Curls

By: | Last Updated: May 9, 2023

If you hang around the beauty side of Tiktok, then you’ve probably heard about the viral hair trend known as ‘robe curls’.

Since you’ve seen how gorgeous those curls turn out on your favorite creators, you also wanted to know if it’ll work on your hair.

So now you’re on the mission to find the best tutorial to teach you how to create your own robe curls.

Luckily, this article will break down the steps you’ll need to perfect your robe curls. So if you’re ready to wake up with bouncy and voluminous curls, read more below.


What are robe curls?

What are robe curls

In the age of social media, it’s hard to pinpoint who started the trend of doing robe curls. But the hairstyle trick has gotten millions of viewers curious enough to try it out.

So what are robe curls?

Also known as ‘bathrobe curls’, the method uses your bathrobe belt to create overnight heatless curls.

If you follow hair trends, you know that using everyday objects to style your hair isn’t new. 

But the simple trick of using a bathrobe belt to curl your hair is such a huge lightbulb moment that everyone jumped on the bandwagon to see if it will actually work on their hair.

Aside from the convenience of using a robe belt that you probably already have at home, the concept of not using heat to curl your hair is a bonus, so you won’t have to worry about hair damage after. 


How do you do robe curls?

Now that you know what robe curls are, let’s discuss how to do them properly.

First, you’ll need to brush out your hair to get rid of any tangles to make the process easier.

Then, divide your hair into 2 parts and position the middle part of your robe belt on top of your head.

On the first part, grab a 1-inch section of hair near your face and wrap it around your belt until you get back to where you started. 

Then, grab another section of hair at the back of your head and wrap it around the belt. 

Keep wrapping alternate sections of hair until you get to your ends and secure it with a hair tie.

Then, do the same process on the opposite side of your hair.

Once you’re done with both sides, you can tie the extra belt around the back of your head so it won’t get on your face while you sleep.

Leave the belt on overnight and slowly unravel each side to reveal voluminous curls the next day.


How long does it take for robes to curl?

How long does it take for robes to curl

Like any heatless curls method, robe curls are typically left overnight to maximize the curling capacity of your hair.

While it will only take you 10-15 minutes to wrap all your hair up, it will take around 7-8 hours for your hair to form the curls.

The longer you leave the robe belt on, the longer the curls will last the next day.

But if your hair has a hard time holding up curls, you can spray your hair with water until it’s damp before you start wrapping it up. This will train your hair to hold the curl pattern longer if it’s naturally straight.


How long do robe curls last?

How long your robe curls can last will depend on how well your hair texture can hold up curls.

But if done right, your robe curls can stay voluminous for an entire day.

But if you need a bit of reinforcement, you can also apply hairspray to give your hair some extra hold.

If you want to preserve your curls for another day or two, you can also wrap your hair around a silk scarf or bonnet when you sleep. This will avoid flattening your curls down and keep them frizz-free.

Applying dry shampoo the next day will also freshen up your hair and absorb excess grease that will weigh your curls down.


Bathrobe curls alternative

If the robe curls method has caught your attention, but you don’t have a bathrobe at home, there may be a few alternatives that you can find at home.

So what can I use instead of curls for a robe? 

1. Pantyhose

Pantyhose can be a good alternative for your robe curls if you don’t have a bathrobe at home.

The leg part of the pantyhose is long enough to wrap all of your hair up, especially if your hair is on the longer side.

The nylon fabric is also slippery, so it’s gentle on your hair and won’t cause friction throughout the night.

The only problem is that it’s thinner than your bathrobe belt, so your curls will turn out tighter the next day. 

So if that’s not the look you’re going for, if you have another pair of pantyhose, you can double it up to get bigger curls.

2. Scarf

A scarf can also be another alternative for the robe belt, as long as you pick one long enough to fit all of your hair.

Just remember to avoid a really chunky scarf as it will be difficult to wrap your hair around it. 

Also, steer clear of using one with a rough texture as it can create friction since you’re going to sleep with the scarf on.

A silk or satin scarf would be the ideal type to use on your hair since its smooth texture will allow your hair to glide through so it stays shiny and smooth the next day.

3. Towel

Not everyone will love this substitute, but if you have an old towel lying around at home, you can use it to do the robe curls method. The only catch is that you’re going to cut it up, so it fits on your head.

But the silver lining is that you can customize how big you want your curls to be depending on how thick you’ll cut the towel into. 

So if you want tighter curls, you’ll need to cut your towel into a 2-inch wide strip. 

But if you want medium-sized curls, a 4-5.5 inch strip would be enough. If you’re only looking to create waves, you’ll need to cut your towel into a 7-8 inch strip.

But since you’ll have extra fabric left after one strip, why not cut the rest of the sizes so you can pick any curl size you want?


Bathrobe curls vs. RobeCurls

Bathrobe curls vs. RobeCurls

With the popularity of the robe curl method on the video streaming platform, Emily Kenison came up with an improved version of the bathrobe curls method. She turned it into a proper hairstyling tool known as the RobeCurls.

The RobeCurls uses the same concept as the bathrobe curls method but with a fancier look. Their curling headbands consist of silk charmeuse, so it’s gentler on your hair compared to your regular terrycloth bathrobe belt.

They also have wires integrated inside, so it’ll keep your hair secure for however long you have them on.

Since the RobeCurls look like a regular hair accessory, it won’t be embarrassing to go out and about if you have them on since they look like regular headbands.

The RobeCurls are also available in black, cobalt, rose, cream, and mauve, so you can also coordinate them according to what you’re wearing.


The final takeaway

It’s easy to get swept away with experimenting with curly hairstyles. But if you want to maintain healthy hair, it’s essential to give your hair a break from your curling iron once in a while.

But just because you’re giving your curling iron a rest doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to play with curly hairstyles anymore.

Good thing that more heatless curling methods have popped up over the years. That’s why everyone was ecstatic when the robe curls method became viral since you don’t need to use heat and products.

As long as you have a bathrobe belt and a few hours of sleep, you can get the curls that you always dream of.

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