The Sleep Styler Shark Tank story is one of the more memorable hair-care pitches: a San Diego ophthalmologist, a set of soft overnight rollers, and a quick deal with Lori Greiner. If you have seen the Sleep Styler heatless curlers online and wondered what happened on the show, whether the product still sells, and whether it actually works, this guide has the answers.
Here are the 4 facts you need to know, followed by how the curlers work, how to use them, how they compare with other heatless options, and what to expect before you buy. We could not test the product ourselves, so we separate what is documented from what is opinion.
What Is Sleep Styler?
Sleep Styler is a set of soft, heatless hair rollers designed to curl or style damp hair while you sleep. The original product was described as a set of eight six-inch rollers made from an absorbent yoga-towel type material that wicks moisture from the hair while staying dry to the touch. Unlike many traditional foam rollers, it does not require pins or clasps, and it is meant to create loose, beach-style waves from damp hair.
Because it uses no heat, it belongs to the family of heatless hair curlers, along with flexi rods, curling ribbons, and heatless curling rod headbands. The brand also sold a three-inch version in addition to the six-inch size.
Who Invented Sleep Styler?
Sleep Styler was created by Tara Brown, a San Diego ophthalmologist. According to coverage of her story, the idea came to her one morning when she unwrapped her daughter’s hair from a braid she had put in while it was wet the night before and found that it had held its curl. She went on to launch a Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $47,000 against a $10,000 goal, which helped lead to her Shark Tank appearance. The Sleep Styler founder, then, was a first-time product inventor rather than a hair-industry professional.
Sleep Styler Shark Tank: 4 Facts You Need to Know
Fact 1: Which Season and Episode Was It?
The Sleep Styler Shark Tank episode is Season 8, Episode 19, according to IMDb’s episode listing. That season covers the show’s 2016 to 2017 run.
Sources differ slightly on the date. Several outlets place the episode in March 2017, while one profile lists May 3, 2017. If you need the exact air date for citation, check the show’s official episode guide.
In the pitch, Brown asked for $75,000 in exchange for 20 percent of her company. IMDb’s summary also lists the product’s retail price as $39 and its cost to produce as $9.94 at the time of the pitch.
Fact 2: Did Sleep Styler Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Yes. The Sleep Styler Shark Tank deal went to Lori Greiner, who offered $75,000 for a 25 percent stake. Brown accepted after the offer came down from Greiner’s initial ask, and coverage of the episode says no other shark made a competing offer.
Greiner has said she recognized the Sleep Styler as another “hero product” and believed it could become a household name quickly. In interviews, Brown described the time she spent in the Tank as very short.
The sharks on the panel varied by episode, so we are only naming the investor who made the deal. For the full lineup, check the episode listing.
Fact 3: The Sleep Styler Shark Tank Update and Results
The Sleep Styler Shark Tank update tells a story of fast growth. Coverage of the follow-up segment, which aired in Season 9, reports that the company brought in about $1.5 million in sales within 24 hours of the episode, and that it sold out again after Greiner featured it on QVC. Greiner called the response unbelievable.
About three weeks after the episode aired, AllStar, the logistics and fulfillment company that handles many of Greiner’s products, took over the day-to-day management of the Sleep Styler, according to a profile in Success magazine.
Some websites claim the product eventually reached $100 million in total sales. We could not verify that figure from an official source, so treat it with caution.
So what were the Sleep Styler Shark Tank results overall? A deal, a rapid sales spike, and a long-lasting retail presence.
Fact 4: Is Sleep Styler Still in Business?
Based on what we found, yes, Sleep Styler products have continued to be sold through major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and QVC, and Lori Greiner has continued to list it among her Shark Tank products. The brand has appeared on Amazon under the AllStar Innovations name.
Stock, pricing, and listings change, so check the retailer’s current page rather than relying on an older article.
Sleep Styler Shark Tank Net Worth: What We Can and Cannot Say
Searches for the Sleep Styler Shark Tank net worth return a lot of pages with confident figures. We could not find a reliable, sourced net worth for the company or for its founder, and several of those pages appear to be generic, auto-written content. For that reason, we are not going to give a number.
What is documented is the deal terms ($75,000 for a 25 percent stake), the reported first-day sales of about $1.5 million, and the retail price and production cost mentioned in the pitch. A company’s valuation changes over time, and private companies rarely publish their financials.
How Does Sleep Styler Work?
Sleep Styler works by wrapping damp hair around a soft, absorbent roller and letting it dry or set overnight, which shapes the hair without heat.
Here is the idea behind it:
- Absorbent material: the rollers are designed to wick moisture from the hair while staying dry to the touch, which can help hair dry faster than with a wet towel or tight braid.
- Soft construction: the rollers are described as soft rather than rigid, so they are meant to be comfortable to lie on.
- No pins or clips: the design relies on winding and securing the roller, so there are no metal clips to dig into the scalp.
- Shape from drying: hair tends to take on the shape it is dried in. When damp hair dries around a roller, it holds that shape.
The heatless curlers Shark Tank pitch focused on convenience: styling while you sleep so mornings are faster. The product’s results depend on your hair type, how damp the hair is, and how long it has to dry.
How to Use Sleep Styler Curlers
These steps work for most heatless rollers of this type. Always follow the instructions that come with your product.
- Start with clean, damp hair. Towel dry until it is damp, not dripping. Hair that is too wet may not dry overnight, and hair that is fully dry will not hold the curl as well.
- Detangle. Brush or comb the hair so the sections wrap smoothly.
- Apply a light product if you like. A small amount of mousse, curl cream, or leave-in conditioner can help the curl hold. Avoid heavy products that weigh hair down.
- Section the hair. Divide it into sections sized to your roller. Smaller sections create tighter curls and larger sections create looser waves.
- Wrap each section. Starting at the ends, wrap the section around the roller toward the scalp, keeping it smooth and not too tight.
- Secure the roller. Fasten it the way the product instructs, so it stays in place without pulling on your scalp.
- Sleep. You can sleep in curlers of this soft type if they are comfortable, but if anything pinches or pulls, adjust or remove it. A silk or satin bonnet or scarf can help protect the curls.
- Remove gently in the morning. Unwrap each roller from the bottom, avoiding tugging.
- Loosen and finish. Separate the curls with your fingers, shake them out, and add a light oil or hairspray if needed.
How Long to Leave Sleep Styler in Hair
The usual guidance for heatless curlers is to leave them in until the hair is completely dry, which often means overnight or several hours. If the hair is still damp when you remove the rollers, the curl may fall out quickly. If you are in a hurry, a cool setting on a hair dryer can speed things up, as long as you follow your product’s instructions.
Heatless Curls Overnight on Damp Hair
Overnight heatless curls on damp hair work best when your hair is damp, not soaking wet. A good test: if you can squeeze water out of a section, towel dry for longer first. Starting with damp hair gives the curl something to set as it dries.
How to Use Sleep Styler on Short Hair
Short hair is trickier because it needs to wrap at least one full turn around the roller. If your hair is shorter than a few inches, a smaller roller such as the three-inch size may work better. Use thinner sections and wrap close to the ends. Very short hair may only get a slight wave or lift.
Sleep Styler for Long Hair: A Quick Tutorial
For long hair, divide the hair into several sections, such as four to eight, and wrap each section from the ends up toward the scalp. Longer hair is heavier, so make sure each roller is secure so it does not slip overnight. Use clips or the securing method that comes with your product only if recommended. Let hair dry fully before removing the rollers.
Sleep Styler Heatless Curlers by Hair Type
Results vary with texture, thickness, and length, so use this as a starting point.
| Hair type | What to expect | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Fine hair | Soft waves that may relax faster | Use smaller sections, a light mousse, and make sure hair is fully dry before removing |
| Thick hair | Needs more time to dry | Use smaller sections, start with towel-dried hair, and allow extra drying time |
| Curly hair | Stretched, defined curls | Use a curl cream, wrap gently, and protect the ends |
| Straight hair | Waves can fall out sooner | Add a light styling product and finish with hairspray |
| Short hair | A subtle wave | Use smaller rollers and thin sections |
| Long hair | Looser waves | Divide into several sections and secure well |
Sleep Styler Heatless Curlers for Fine Hair
Fine hair holds heat-free curls less reliably, so use thin sections, a touch of volumizing mousse, and let the hair dry completely.
Sleep Styler Heatless Curlers for Thick Hair
Thick hair can take a long time to dry, so work with smaller sections and begin with hair that has been towel-dried well. Be patient with drying time.
Sleep Styler Heatless Curlers for Curly Hair
On curly hair, rollers can stretch and define the curl pattern. Use a curl-friendly product, wrap gently, and avoid brushing the curls out afterward.
Sleep Styler Before and After: What to Expect
Searches for a Sleep Styler before and after, and a Sleep Styler Shark Tank before and after, turn up lots of photos. We are not including our own before-and-after images because we have not tested the product. Results depend heavily on:
- Your hair type, length, and thickness
- How damp the hair is when you start
- How long the hair has to dry
- The size of the sections and the roller
- The styling products you use
A realistic expectation is soft waves or loose curls with natural movement, not tight, salon-set ringlets. If you look at before-and-after photos online, check whether the photos are from verified buyers, and keep in mind that lighting and styling after removal can change how a result looks.
Do Sleep Styler Curlers Really Work? Is It Worth It?
Sleep Styler curlers can work for many people, but results vary. The concept is sound: hair tends to dry in the shape it is held in, and heatless rollers avoid direct heat. Whether it is worth it depends on your expectations, hair type, and how you sleep.
It may be worth it if:
- You want to avoid heat styling
- You like loose waves and do not need tight curls
- You are comfortable sleeping with rollers in your hair
- You have time to let your hair dry overnight
It may not be worth it if:
- You need very defined, long-lasting curls
- You find sleeping with rollers uncomfortable
- Your hair is very fine and does not hold a curl
- You need styling in a short window
How to Read Sleep Styler Reviews
We have not found independent lab testing of the product, so when you read Sleep Styler reviews, look for patterns instead of single opinions. Check:
- Hair type: look for reviewers with hair like yours.
- Comfort at night: many reviews cover whether rollers stay in and feel comfortable.
- Curl hold: note how long the curl lasts after removal.
- Verified purchases: these are usually more reliable.
- Date: newer reviews are more likely to reflect the current version of the product.
Are Heatless Curlers Bad for Your Hair?
Heatless curlers are generally gentler than hot tools because they avoid direct heat, and heat styling is a known source of hair damage. They can still cause problems if used incorrectly.
- Too much tension: wrapping too tightly can pull on the hair and scalp. Keep wraps smooth, not tight.
- Wet hair for long periods: very wet hair is more fragile, so use damp hair and avoid hard brushing.
- Friction: rubbing against pillows can cause frizz. A satin bonnet or pillowcase helps.
- Heavy products: can cause buildup.
If you notice breakage, scalp soreness, or thinning, stop and talk with a dermatologist or a hair care professional. For more everyday styling ideas, see our guide to low-maintenance hairstyles for women.
Sleep Styler vs. Flexi Rods vs. Curling Iron vs. Heatless Curling Rod Headband
Here is a general comparison. Products vary, so use it as a guide.
| Tool | Heat | Typical result | Comfort overnight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep Styler | None | Loose waves and curls | Designed to be soft | Beach waves, easy mornings |
| Flexi rods | None | Tighter spirals and defined curls | Can feel firmer, depending on the type | Defined curls, curly hair |
| Curling iron | Yes | Quick, defined curls | Not used overnight | Fast styling, tight curls |
| Heatless curling rod headband | None | Soft waves or ringlets, depending on the wrap | Often comfortable, since hair wraps around a rod | Longer hair, overnight curls |
Sleep Styler vs. Flexi Rods
Flexi rods are flexible foam or plastic rods that you wrap hair around, and they are known for creating tighter spirals. The Sleep Styler is designed to create looser, wavy styles and is made from a softer, absorbent material. If you want defined ringlets, flexi rods may suit you better. For relaxed waves, a soft roller like this may be easier.
Sleep Styler vs. Curling Iron
A curling iron is faster and can create tighter, more defined curls, but it uses heat, which can damage hair with frequent use. The Sleep Styler trades speed for convenience: you set your hair at night and style while you sleep. If you want a quick style on a busy morning, a curling iron may win. If you want to avoid heat, rollers have the advantage.
Sleep Styler vs. Heatless Curling Rod Headband
A heatless curling rod headband is a long rod you wrap hair around, often with a ribbon or fabric strip. It works best on longer hair and is usually comfortable to sleep in, since the rod sits above your head. The Sleep Styler uses individual rollers, which gives you more control over each section but takes more time to set up.
How to Get Curls Overnight Without Heat
If you do not have a specific product, there are several ways to get curls overnight without heat.
- Braids: damp hair in several braids dries into soft waves.
- Twists or buns: twisting sections and pinning them creates loose curls.
- Soft fabric rollers or foam rollers: work similarly to the Sleep Styler.
- Flexi rods: create tighter spirals.
- Heatless curling rod headband: wraps hair around a rod worn on your head.
- Rag or sock curls: wrap sections around a strip of soft fabric.
Whichever you use, start with damp hair, let it dry completely, and handle the curls gently in the morning. For more styling ideas, browse our hair style guides.
Where to Buy Sleep Styler
Sleep Styler products have been sold through retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and QVC. Product listings, versions, and pricing change over time, so check the current seller, read recent reviews, and compare prices before you buy. Buy from an authorized seller to reduce the risk of imitations, and check the return policy.
Because the Sleep Styler became a well-known name, similar products are widely available. Compare the materials, roller size, and customer reviews before you choose.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Heatless Curls
- Start with the right dampness. Not too wet, not dry.
- Use a light styling product. A mousse or curl cream helps the curl set.
- Let hair dry fully. Damp hair will not hold the shape.
- Protect your hair at night. A satin bonnet or pillowcase reduces frizz.
- Do not brush curls out. Use your fingers to separate them.
- Finish lightly. A little hairspray or oil locks in the style.
Once your curls are set, you can pair them with soft makeup and simple outfits. Browse more ideas in our beauty section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sleep Styler?
Sleep Styler is a set of soft, heatless rollers that you wrap damp hair around and sleep in to create waves or curls without heat.
Did Sleep Styler get a deal on Shark Tank?
Yes. Lori Greiner offered $75,000 for a 25 percent stake after the founder asked for $75,000 for 20 percent, and the deal was made on the show.
Is Sleep Styler still in business?
Based on what we found, yes. Sleep Styler products have continued to be sold through retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and QVC, and Lori Greiner still lists it among her Shark Tank products. Check current listings for availability.
How long should I leave Sleep Styler in my hair?
Until your hair is completely dry, which usually means overnight or several hours. Removing the rollers while hair is still damp can make the curl fall out.
Can you sleep in Sleep Styler curlers?
The product is designed to be soft and used overnight, but comfort varies by person. If anything pinches or pulls, adjust or remove it.
Are heatless curlers bad for your hair?
They are generally gentler than hot tools, but wrapping too tightly or leaving very wet hair for too long can cause problems. Use damp hair, wrap smoothly, and protect your hair with a satin bonnet.
Do Sleep Styler curlers really work on short hair?
They can create a subtle wave, but very short hair may not wrap around the roller enough for a full curl. A smaller roller and thinner sections can help.
Where can I buy Sleep Styler?
Sleep Styler products have been sold on Amazon, Walmart, and QVC. Check current listings, read recent reviews, and buy from an authorized seller.
Conclusion
The Sleep Styler Shark Tank story is a clear example of a simple idea turning into a fast-growing product: a San Diego ophthalmologist, a $75,000 deal with Lori Greiner for 25 percent, a reported $1.5 million in first-day sales, and a product that is still sold today. The curlers themselves are a gentle, heat-free way to get loose waves, though results depend on your hair type and how well you prep and dry.
For your next step, decide whether loose waves and an overnight routine suit you, check recent reviews from people with hair like yours, and try the curlers on damp, not wet, hair with a light styling product. If you want something faster or more defined, compare flexi rods or a curling iron.
