5 Heat-Free Hair Hacks Worth Trying This Summer

Guess what? The best curls can be made with the help of a pair of athletic leggings. This technique, which is easier than it sounds, can create big, bouncy waves that last for days.

To start, make sure your hair is slightly damp; this will help set the curls more effectively. Then, place the waistband of the leggings on the top of your head, letting the legs hang down on either side. From there, divide your hair into two sections and wrap each section around the legs of the leggings, securing the ends with hair ties or scrunchies. Leave the leggings in place for several hours or overnight for best results. Read our full editor review of how to get heatless curls with leggings here.

We'll let you in on a secret: aluminum foil can help you cut down on frizz. To test out this hack for yourself, start by cutting a sheet of foil. Once you have a few pieces ready, divide your hair into four to five sections. From there, take the foil and gently wrap it around one section of your hair at a time, pulling down while creating light tension with your hair. Do this two to three times, and you'll notice smoother, less frizzy hair in seconds. The smooth surface of the foil helps to seal the hair cuticle, which can reduce frizz and add shine without using additional products or heat. This technique works well for all hair types and is particularly great for quick touch-ups throughout the day. No heat, no problem.

Believe it or not, there's a way to straighten wavy and curly hair without applying heat. While it's a bit more tedious than clamping a flat iron over hair, it's worth the hassle since it won't cause any damage.

To straighten your hair without heat, start by brushing your hair out. Then spray it with water, as this will make sure the style holds. From there, section the back half of your hair away and pin it up. Then, bring small sections of your hair from the right side of your head all the way to the left side and comb it down. Do this until you have a full comb-over. Once your hair is combed on the other side, secure it all with a bobby pin where needed. Then, unwrap the back section of your hair and comb it over the other hair. (Just trust the process.) Once all of your hair is combed over, wait a few hours or overnight. Straight, sleek hair has never been less damaging.

To get voluminous, beachy waves without heat, start with slightly damp hair. Then, part your hair in a zigzag formation. (This is the key to nailing the look.) From there, create a French braid on each side. Once you're done, gently tug at the roots of your hair to create volume and ensure your hair isn't flat against your scalp. Keep your hair in these braids for a few hours or overnight. Once your braids have had time to set, take them out and part your hair at your natural part. You'll notice major volume as well as bouncy, healthy waves. (If you have thin hair, we suggest using a bit of hairspray to keep the style in place all day.)

One of the best (and easiest!) ways to enhance shine is by taking a cold shower or ending your regular shower routine with a cool blast of water. Rinsing your hair with cold water helps close the hair cuticles, making the hair surface smoother and more reflective. Plus, cold water helps to seal in moisture, keeping your hair hydrated and healthy.

Cold water also helps maintain the health of your scalp by reducing inflammation and stimulating blood circulation, which can improve hair health over time. Ending your showers with a cold water rinse will increase shine, reduce frizz, and help create healthier hair without the need for more hair products or treatments.

Lauren Harano is a contributor for PS and was an editor for the living, beauty, and commerce departments. She's a Southern California native turned New Yorker with a passion for skin care, murder mysteries, and online shopping. Her work can be found in the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen as well as online from InStyle, Esquire, NBC, and various food and travel sites.