Mamamia’s Tried and Tested series provides an unfiltered look at the latest beauty, health, and wellness trends. This week, our Beauty Editor explores the increasingly popular sock roller method for curling hair—a technique gaining traction for its supposed ability to deliver stunning curls without the use of heat.
From outlandish beauty hacks to surprisingly effective ones, we’ve seen it all. Some notable successes include using AHAs for peeling nails and a unique zinc concealer trick. However, the latest method capturing attention is the ‘sock roller’ technique, which promises bouncy curls without exposing your hair to heat damage.
The Sock Roller Technique Explained
The ‘sock rollers’ method first garnered attention from renowned New York-based hairstylist Matthew Newman, known as Matt Loves Hair on Instagram. With his enviable, glossy locks, Newman demonstrated this technique, showing off voluminous curls achieved simply by rolling socks into his hair overnight.
Here’s a quick rundown of the method: Divide your hair into sections, roll each section around a sock, secure the ends with knots, and then fold the sock over. Leave them in overnight or for a few hours, then remove the socks to reveal your curls. Variations of this technique suggest dampening the hair before wrapping or using a crisscross motion for different results.
My Experience with the Sock Roller Hack
Curious to see if this method lives up to the hype, I decided to give it a try. Following Matt’s technique, I separated my hair into sections, rolling each one around a sock. However, managing multiple socks proved more challenging than anticipated. My attempts to secure them resulted in an uncomfortable sleep and a somewhat chaotic appearance.
The process took longer than expected, and the socks seemed to scatter around my head. Despite a few frustrating moments, I persevered and completed the setup. Admittedly, I felt a bit self-conscious about the look—socks in your hair can be quite the fashion statement, but not necessarily a flattering one.
The Results
Upon waking and removing the socks, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. My hair was indeed curly, featuring a blend of tight ringlets and softer waves. The result was quite different from the Hollywood-style curls I had hoped for, and the overall volume was more than I usually prefer. My natural curls, which are often frizzy and typically straightened, had more body but lacked the smoothness I desired.
In retrospect, the tightness of the sock wraps might have influenced the curl pattern, and a looser approach could yield more relaxed curls. Despite the high volume not quite suiting my style, the sock roller hack proved effective. It offers a no-heat alternative for those looking to avoid potential damage from curling irons and straighteners.
Final Thoughts
The sock roller hack is a creative and accessible method for curling hair, particularly for those seeking to minimize heat damage. While it may not fully replace the convenience of heat styling tools for everyone, it’s a valuable option for those moments when heat tools aren’t available. With some practice and adjustments, it could be a worthwhile addition to your hair styling routine.