This 5-Minute Hack for Getting Beachy Waves With Just a Blow-Dryer Is Going Viral on TikTok

It seems like every new day brings another TikTok hair hack, but there’s a new viral hair trick making the circuits right now and it’s really good. It doesn’t involve having to wear uncomfortable curlers while you’re trying to sleep, and it literally takes about five minutes.

Plus, while it’s not quite a “heatless” curl trick, it gets super close since it seriously minimizes how long you’re using a blow-dryer. And no curling iron or flat iron is required! The result is low-glam curls and texture that are shiny, healthy, and last all day. We’ve got the full tutorial below.

How to Do the TikTok 5-Minute Curls Hack
This might just be the easiest way to get gorgeous curls! Like, just a few steps and five minutes easy. Here’s what to do.
1. Gather Your Goods
All you need is a heat protectant, a brush, your blow-dryer, and maybe a little volumizing mousse if you want more lift, says Kate Ross, a hairstylist at Irresistible Me.

2. Start With Damp Hair
One of the keys to these quick curls is starting with damp hair. “Start with damp hair and not soaking wet,” Ross says. Spritz on your heat protectant and any styling products and brush through.

3. Divide & Twist
Divide your hair into two equal sections. Twist one section tightly, holding the end with your hands to keep everything wound tight. Don’t use a ponytail holder since it will create an unwanted crease.

4. Blow Dry
Next, use a blow-dryer to gently dry the twisted section of hair. “Keep the blow dryer setting on medium heat versus max blast. You want to style, not scorch,” Ross says. “Hold it about six inches away and focus on small sections for 10 to 15 seconds each.”

Keep holding the twisted section until it’s completely cooled. This is what helps set the style. Repeat on the other side. (Pro tip: You can divide your hair into more sections depending on how tight or voluminous you want the curls.)

5. Finish
Once you’ve finished blow-drying, gently separate your curls with your fingers and lock it in with a finishing spray, dab of serum, or texturizing product.

And there you have it—beautiful, shiny, and bouncy curls in less time than it takes your coffee to brew or rideshare driver to show up—zero curling iron required. Leave it to TikTok to churn out such a genius hair hack.