The last thing we want to do when it’s sweltering hot out is blast our hair with heat from a hair dryer. We love a good blowout, but summer calls for a low-maintenance approach, which is why we’re embracing air-dried hair. Heat-free is the way to go, but air drying hair takes some technique in order for your natural texture to look its best. Yes, you read correctly — drying your hair au naturel goes beyond letting it sit as is post-shower. So whether you’re taking a break from your curling wand or just feeling a tad lazy, here is how to air dry hair like a pro.
- Consider Your Conditioner. The foundation for every great style begins with how hair is washed. Conditioner is key for air-dried perfection and it’s important to choose the right one for your hair type. Tame frizz with Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner or enhance bouncy curls with MopTop Daily Conditioner.
- Skip the Towel. Using a towel to dry your hair sounds like a no-brainer, but should actually be avoided. Rubbing hair with a towel will rough up the cuticle and cause hair to frizz like crazy. Many stylists suggest using a soft cotton T-shirt or microfiber cloth to squeeze excess water out (this means no wrapping hair in your towel, either).
- Comb Hair. This is the part where you detangle your locks using a wide-tooth comb and set your part. For those of you with unruly tresses, try using a Tangle Teezer to gently get the job done.
- Pick Your Product. Choose a styling leave-in that is best suited for your hair’s needs. Kérastase Elixir Ultime is a classic oil for soft, shiny strands, while Living Proof Curl Enhancing Styling Mousse provides an extremely light hold for touchable curls. Leonor Greyl Eclat Naturel is an editor favorite that nourishes dry and damaged hair, regardless of texture, and smells like a dream, or try Sachajuan Ocean Mist for textured, lived-in waves. Make sure that you use the right amount of product and distribute it evenly using your hands and fingers.
- Scrunch or Comb Hair. Depending on the look you’re going for, you’ll need to either comb hair again if you’re going for a sleek and smooth look or scrunch it up for tousled waves and added volume.
- Finish the Look. Once hair is air dried and fabulous, you may choose to add some finishing products. We’re huge fans of R+Co Tinsel Smoothing Oil to work through from mid-shaft to the ends of our hair to add moisture for extra shine. If you’re in need of more volume, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray will do the trick. Either way, you will have healthy, gorgeous hair that was untouched by any heat tool.
