I don't curl my hear that often because I prefer to wear it up, but I'd like to curl it for special occasions.

I have a curling iron but keep hearing that heat is bad for the hair, but I can't stand the thought of sleeping in curlers.

Are there some options that meld the two techniques?

I don't think there is. The only ways I know are curling irons and curlers. Of course you could get a perm, but this isn't something that you would do for curls once in a while.
I think they make a softer like plastic type of roller that is more comfortable to sleep in. I prefer curling irons, however I don't curl my whole head of hair- that would take a long time.

I had once gotten burned by a curling iron, so now I'm scared of it and won't come near it. I use curlers. If you do not want to wear them overnight, you can curl slightly damp hair and dry it with a blow dryer - it will take some time, and the curl won't be so tight, but it's an option.

Why don't you try hot rollers? I don't think that they are as bad for your hair as the curling iron and they work great. Put them in your hair before you do your makeup. By the time your makeup is on, your hair is ready.

I never thought of hot rollers. I have never tried them but then again I like my hair straight. My trick for body- is to wrap it in a bun in a loose clip when it's wet. Leave it for an hour or so and take it out- My hair has great body then.

I would love to be able to curl my hair, but it's just too short.

You can buy lots of products now that can protect your hair from heat damage. I use serums and heat defense sprays and they do work well. However, I would probably do it the way Lissy has suggested.

Curling irons does the trick of really having nice waves and curls pronto! However one may just have to be extra careful not to cause much damage to the hair. But personally, Id go for curlers if ever Id have the liking of curly hair...

There are soft curlers out there that are very comfortable if you wear them overnight. Plastic ones will make your head hurt, that's for sure.

Yes Antkmom, Thats a good idea. I came to know about the disadvantages of the heat on hair. So, i suggest never use a hair curler iron or a straightener often. If you need it go for a good branded one.
But its better to avoid them and use hot rollers etc.

I don't know what it is about the curlers, but I have never been able to use them properly. I just can't seem to roll my hair around them, especially in the back, so I finally gave up on them. I use the curling iron when I want to have bouncy curls, it is much faster and easier. And since I don't curl my hair too often, I don't think I need to worry about damaging my hair.

I've always heard that the iron burns your hair and causes more split ends. I dunno though, because my little sister curls her hair every day and her hair looks beautiful!