If you’re blessed with curly hair, you already know it can be both a gift and a challenge—bouncy, voluminous spirals are very much sought after yet, keeping your locks frizz-free and defined isn’t always a walk in the park. Luckily for us, social media—specifically TikTok—has become the ultimate treasure chest of curly hair hacks and trends, and today we’re diving into five of the best Hairtoks around that actually deliver on their viral promise.
1. The Ice Bowl Hack
@caiyad I’m so happy with how my curls turned out using this method!🤭💗🧊✨ @notyourmothers has my favorite go to products to ensure frizz free curls!🫶🏽 Shop Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk at @target using the link in my bio!💖 #ad #NYMpartner #curlyhairroutine #curlyhaircheck #curlyhaircare ♬ did i tell u that i miss u - adore
If you’ve been struggling with frizz and lackluster curls, then the ice bowl hack might just be your new best friend. Its simplicity is perhaps the major selling point—just dunk your curls into an ice-cold bowl of water after you finish styling them. Genius, right? You may have wondered about the science behind this Tiktok hair trend—cold water helps to lock in moisture, smooth the cuticles, and prevent frizz. Plus, it gives your curls extra shine.
How to Do It at Home
Apply a styling product to damp hair and scrunch it in. We recommend the Lu Freedom “Free to Be" Styling Cream, which provides a flexible hold that leaves your curls looking shiny and silky all day long. Then fill a large bowl with ice and cold water. Flip your head over and dip your curls into the cold water for about 10-15 seconds. This quick cold dip helps your curls set while reducing frizz and enhancing their natural shape.
2. The Pasta Water Hair Hack
@dietitianlaurenoconnor Save that pasta water! It's liquid gold. ✨ . You can thicken sauces, use it for stews, and even use it to nourish your plants. And -- as I've gotten a chance to try -- conditioner your hair! . You'll save waste by repurposing your pasta water. So don't throw it away. . Check out 13 Uses For Leftover Pasta You Need To Know in my latest article for Daily Meal (use clickable ✨link in bio ✨) or go to: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1177983/uses-for-leftover-pasta-water-you-need-to-know/ . #pastawater #liquidgold #manyuses #keepit #useit #repurpose ♬ Up Beat (Married Life) - Kenyi
Quirky? Yes, but you can’t deny creativity is the root of most beauty hacks. Using cooked pasta water to rinse your hair might sound strange—however, many TikTokers claim that it works wonders for curl definition and shine. Apparently, the starch in the pasta water can help your curls stay hydrated and smooth, especially if you’re tired of your curls feeling crunchy after applying mousse or gel.
How to Do It at Home?
Cook your pasta as usual and save the water (make sure it’s not salted). Wash your hair with Lu's Freedom Shampoo and Conditioner, which delivers what curls need most: deep, penetrating hydration and definition that keeps hair from getting dry, frizzy, greasy, or tangled. Then use the reserved pasta water as a final rinse after conditioning. Gently massage it into your hair, and let it sit for a minute before rinsing it out with cool water. This technique helps to set the curl and remove any stiffness—think of it like “setting” your curls, much like you’d cook pasta. And who doesn't love their curls al dente?
If you’re not feeling the idea of pasta water in your hair, you can skip this hack and go straight to the “Free to Be" Styling Cream, which has tapioca, a natural starch that produces much the same effect (without remaining in your hair or making it sticky).
3. The Pasta Strainer Hack
@emily.demian no bcs why did this acc work😭 #viral #curls #fyp #curlyhair ♬ original sound - 𝑒𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎❤︎
Following the pasta hair trend, the strainer hack uses a pasta strainer (or colander) to “scrunch” your curls after applying your styling products, creating bouncy, defined curls without the hassle of using your hands or a towel. Why did it become that successful, you may ask? Simply because the holes in the strainer allow curls to lift and separate while they dry, giving them more volume. It also helps reduce frizz because it doesn’t disturb your curl pattern the way towels or hands might. Plus, it can help prevent that dreaded "triangle head" look by allowing the curls to form naturally without being weighed down by excess water. We can't verify if it has the same effect on pasta.
How to Do It at Home?
Wash your hair and condition as usual—Lu’s Freedom Conditioner is our pick as it seals moisture in, resulting in shiny, defined curls that’ll look even better when paired with the pasta strainer hack (or any hack!)—then, grab a colander. You’ll want a strainer that has enough holes to allow airflow but won’t be too big to handle easily. If you don’t have one, a fine mesh colander can work, too.
Next, flip your hair upside down and, with your curls hanging loose, gently hold your damp curls over the pasta strainer, letting them fall naturally. Slowly move the pasta strainer up and down, kind of like you would when scrunching your hair with your hands. The strainer helps to separate the curls in a way that avoids clumping and minimizes frizz. You can do this in sections or all over—just be gentle. Once you’ve "scrunched" your curls with the strainer, you can either let your hair air dry or use a diffuser to help speed up the drying process. It may be time-consuming, but results are guaranteed—a quick scroll on TikTok will prove us right!
4. Plopping
@moonstoneseven The Plop will soak up moisture without creating frizz while your hair dries, significantly cutting down your drying time. The best thing about hair plopping is that it enhances the curl definition and produces bouncy curls. Since your hair is tightly wrapped into a cloth, it prevents static that makes your hair frizzy. It helps to dry your curls quicker than ever, significantly cutting down your drying time while providing lift at the root! #hairplop #hairplopmethod #hairploptechnique #hairplop101 #frizzyhairtips ♬ Unholy - Sam Smith & Kim Petras
Plopping is one of the OG TikTok curly hair hacks, and some say it is the best option for drying curly hair. Even after all these years, it still gets rave reviews, so you know this trick actually works. But what exactly is it? Plopping is a method of drying your curls using a microfiber towel, cotton T-shirt, or a satin bonnet. The magic of plopping is that it enhances definition by allowing curls to dry in their natural shape while absorbing excess water, leaving them more voluminous and less prone to frizz.
How to Do It at Home?
Plopping is probably the easiest hack there is for your hair. Just place a microfiber towel or t-shirt on a flat surface. After applying your favorite styling products, flip your head over and gently lower your curls into the cloth. Wrap it around your head, tie it securely, and leave it on for about 20 minutes to an hour. Then style as needed, and voila!
5. Bathrobe Curls
@hanneyildirim take a bathrobe belt if you don't have curlers 😍✅ #heatlesscurls #heatlesshair #heatlesstutorial #heatless #heatlesshairstyles #heatlesscurlstutorial #heatlessblowout #heatlessovernightcurls #heatlesshacks #heatlesstightcurls ♬ original sound - harley
Who knew your bathrobe could double as a curling tool? If you want heatless curls with minimal effort, TikTok’s "bathrobe curls" hack will make you feel like you’ve just walked out of a salon. It’s simple, comfy, and gives you perfect curls without the need for any heat tools. The best part is that it’s gentle on your hair regardless of the type—which is something you need if you have curly yet fine or damaged hair.
How to Do It at Home?
Start with damp hair, making sure it’s not soaking wet. Take the belt from your bathrobe (or any long, soft cloth—even socks work for this hack!) and place it at the top of your head. Split your hair into two sections, and twist each section around the belt, one at a time. Tie the ends of the belt securely and leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
Curly hair is an adventure, and more often than not, an unpredictable one—bouncy, beautiful curls require patience, practice, lots of love, and the right products for your hairstyle and texture. Whether you’re looking for heatless methods, like bathrobe curls, or clever tricks, like the ice bowl hack, these TikTok’s curly hair hacks can help you get the curls of your dreams without all the stress. Just be sure to start with Lu’s Freedom Collection, the ultimate hack for curly hair!
