Her video showing how to use the tool has over 20 million views, and the hashtag #octocurl has been seen by nearly 29 million people. As high as those numbers are, I'm not shocked, especially after seeing Jurchak's near-perfect results. Since my quest to find the best heatless curlers is apparently never-ending, I had to try it for myself. And now you can, too - because the sell-out hair tool is finally back in stock.
Overview of Octocurl Heatless Hair Curlers
There are so many styles to try. Before ordering, make sure you choose the Octocurl that works best for your hair length. With four different sizes to choose from - short, standard, long and extra long - there's something for everyone. They even have kids' sizes for the beauty gurus in training. There are also several patterns available in three different fabrics: microfiber, satin and cotton poplin. The Octocurl site features a comparison guide to help you figure out which length and fabric works best for your hair type. After a quick look at the guide, I opted for a size long in the cotton material.
Design and Comfort
It may not look it, but this was one of the easier heatless hair tools I've tried. The hardest part was deciding which method to try first. The Octocurl comes with a detailed booklet that includes easy-to-follow instructions, styling tips and several different curling approaches - from bouncy spirals to "hair bends" to beach waves, and so many more. My hair falls on the thicker side and can flatten easily, so I chose the "Voluminous Body" method to start.
Setup and How It Works
It's easy to use. I followed the instructions to section off my crown pieces before placing the Octocurl onto my head. For overnight curls, the directions say you can start with dry hair to avoid potential frizz, but I used a spray bottle since I know my hair curls best when a little damp. After that, all I had to do was separate my hair into equal sections, wind each strand around one of the strips - the same way you would while using a curling wand - and secure the ends with the attached elastic loop. For softer curls, the brand suggests wrapping hair around two strips at a time. Just make sure to comb through each strand before wrapping, so that it doesn't dry with tangles.
It took me about 20-25 minutes to do my whole head, and I'm pretty sure I can knock 5-10 minutes off next time now that I know what I'm doing.
Comfort for Overnight Use
It's comfortable enough to sleep in. Believe it or not, this tool was actually enjoyable to sleep in. The cotton poplin material is soft and cushiony, so resting my head on each strip was like sleeping with extra mini pillows. The elastic band around the forehead might be uncomfortable for some, but after adjusting the sizing, I barely noticed it for the rest of the night.
One thing I should note: Make sure to do your night routine before curling. Washing up and brushing my teeth was a challenge while wearing this and changing in and out of pajamas felt like nothing less than an acrobatics exercise.
Results and Look
The next morning, I unwrapped each strand and found a full head of tight coils. Since I placed the elastic headband below my crown pieces, I was able to avoid unflattering crimping at the roots. I used my fingers to break apart each curl. The brand recommends finishing your style with a hair oil, so I went in with the Olaplex Bonding Oil to tame any leftover flyaways. I also gave my roots a boost with a detoxing dry shampoo.
- Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil for shine and frizz control
- Dry shampoo to refresh roots and add lift
I was impressed with how tight these curls managed to get with zero heat - but not as impressed as I was about the staying power. Plus, I didn't experience any frizzing problems despite wetting my hair the night before.
Practical Tips and Variations
- Choose the right size and fabric using the comparison guide on the Octocurl site to match your hair length and texture.
- For more volume, try the "Voluminous Body" method and wrap hair around one strip at a time before securing.
- To avoid tangles, comb each strand before wrapping and consider dampening slightly for better curl formation.
- Finish with a lightweight hair oil and a clarifying or detoxifying dry shampoo to extend hold and reduce frizziness.
In short, Octocurl offers a versatile, heat-free approach to creating a variety of curl styles-from tight coils to beach waves-without the damage associated with heat styling.
