How to Get Pro-Level Volume Without Damaging Your Hair

There’s nothing like that fresh-from-the-salon feeling. Who doesn’t dream of soft, bouncy curls, big volume, and healthy, glossy shine? But for most of us, spending an hour with a blow-dryer at home just isn’t realistic. And if you’re trying to repair or protect your hair, constant heat styling can do more harm than good.

We asked Jessica Cerna for her solution to this catch-22. A professional hairstylist with over 18 years of experience, she’s perfected what she calls the “ultimate lazy girl blowout hack”: a simple, overnight trick that gives you all the lift and movement of a pro blowout without a single hot tool.

“If you’re a busy mom, or just trying to be kinder to your hair, this is definitely a must-try.”

Jessica

With one simple change to your nighttime routine, you can wake up to hair that looks like it just left the salon. Here’s how Jessica makes it happen.

Jessica’s Ultimate Lazy Girl Blowout Hack

Step 1: Start with dry hair and place three soft heatless curlers—one at the top of your head and one on each side.

Step 2: Wrap your hair in a satin scarf. The scarf helps reduce frizz overnight and allows the curls to set smoothly.

Step 3: Sleep on it!

Step 4: In the morning, remove the scarf and rollers. Don’t be alarmed if the curls look big at first! Jessica says this is part of the process.

Step 5: Let the curls settle over the next few hours into a soft, bouncy blowout.

“This routine gives me big curls, healthy ends, and zero heat.”

Jessica

Why Zero- Heat Styling Works

Skipping hot tools doesn’t just protect your hair in the moment—it can make a noticeable difference in its health, texture, and strength over time. High heat from blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners weakens the protein bonds in your hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz. By using heatless curlers, you’re creating shape without compromising those bonds, which means your hair stays stronger and smoother in the long run.

Other benefits of going heat-free:

• Improved moisture retention: Without heat stripping natural oils, your hair maintains its hydration longer.
• Longer-lasting color: Heat can cause dye molecules to fade faster—especially in blondes, reds, and fashion shades.
• Stronger ends: Less breakage means your ends stay healthier between trims.
• Better texture over time: Many people notice their natural wave or curl pattern becomes more defined with reduced heat exposure.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra hold, lightly mist your hair with water or a setting spray before adding curlers. This helps the hair mold more easily into shape and can make your blowout last even longer.

Prep, Set, and Protect Your Heatless Blowout

Before you even think about styling, there’s one step that can make all the difference in how your blowout turns out—and it happens before you touch a single roller.

Hydration and protection are key to achieving smooth, glossy results. Applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner or styling cream before setting your hair helps control frizz, lock in moisture, and enhance curl longevity. This step also creates a barrier that protects your hair from friction while you sleep.

When you remove the rollers in the morning, resist the urge to brush right away. Instead, gently shake out the curls with your fingers and let them settle naturally over the next few hours. This allows the volume to soften while still keeping that bouncy, lifted shape.

Why It Works: A Smooth Start and a Soft Finish

Prepping your hair ensures that each curl forms neatly and holds its shape longer. Conditioning and smoothing products reduce frizz, add shine, and make your blowout look more intentional—just like a stylist would do in the salon. Letting the curls relax before styling them fully creates a softer, more natural finish that lasts longer.

💡 Pro Tips: Focus your leave-in conditioner or styling cream on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair to avoid weighing down the roots. If your curls feel too bold after they settle, lightly mist them with water or a flexible-hold hairspray and run your fingers through to soften them without losing bounce.

Before you go…

You don’t need to spend hours at the salon (or risk heat damage!) to get the blowout of your dreams. With Jessica’s lazy girl blowout hack and other zero-heat styling methods, you can wake up to volume, bounce, and healthier hair.

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For more tips and tricks from Jessica, follow @jesscernahair on TikTok and Instagram