Low-Maintenance Hair Solutions: Discover the 9 Top Air Dry Products for Displaying Natural Texture
In a bid to improve the health of their hair, many are turning to air drying as an alternative to heat styling. This shift is not without good reason, as experts agree that the correct products and approach can lead to great air drying results for all hair types and textures.
The Struggle with Heat Styling
As a teenager, the speaker often used various hot tools like crimpers and steam straighteners. However, their hair is not in the best condition due to years of heat styling. Edward James, founder of Edward James Salons and The Hair Consult, suggests using hydrating leave-in products to prevent breakage when air drying.
The Transition to Air Drying
Recognizing the need for change, the speaker has decided to try air-drying their hair for good and has been testing air-dry hair products. Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor, recommends JVN Complete Air Dry Cream for air drying as it adds natural definition to waves and curls, minimizes frizz, and enhances texture without adding crunch or stiffness.
The Right Products for the Job
OUAI's Air Dry Foam provides a natural, soft wave texture and is infused with hydrating plant proteins and panthenol. For those with dry, very curly, or coarse hair types, Olaplex's leave-in cream is a recommended product. Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Leave In Treatment deeply hydrates hair and boosts shine, thanks to the brand's patented Bond Building Technology which moisturizes, smooths, and strengthens hair to prevent damage.
The Importance of Proper Drying Techniques
To prevent breakage, avoid tying hair up in tight styles when air drying. Gently towel dry your hair after washing using a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt. Avoid rubbing, which creates friction and frizz. Instead, pat or scrunch your hair gently to remove excess water.
For curly or coily hair, try the plopping method: wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt to enhance your curls’ shape and reduce frizz. Use your hands or a wide-tooth comb to distribute product and avoid disturbing curls while drying.
For straight or wavy hair, let your hair hang loose without touching it too much as it dries, which prevents frizz. Gentle finger-combing or using a wide-tooth comb while still damp helps maintain the natural hair pattern.
Adding Style While Air Drying
To add some style while air drying, for straighter hair, gently tuck sections behind your ears or twist some strands for a relaxed bend—just avoid touching your hair too much during drying. For added styling and texture, some people use techniques like the twist-and-clip method after applying leave-in products, which can create natural waves while air drying.
Affordable Options for All
Not all air-dry products have to break the bank. Arkive Headcare's The Good Calmer Cushioning Moisture Cream is a nourishing product that enhances waves and curls, keeps split ends smooth, and costs less than £15. Umberto Giannini's Banana Coconut Air-Dry Cream is a hydrating product that is best suited for medium and thick hair types and delivers the same amount of hydration, definition, and hold as more expensive counterparts.
Products for Specific Hair Needs
For very fine or limp hair, Oribe's Heatless Styling Balm is recommended. Color Wow's Dream Cocktail - Kale Infused is a product that strengthens hair and improves its appearance, making it a good choice for those who color their hair frequently. Hershesons Almost Everything Cream is a multitasker that can be used on wet or dry hair to condition, define texture, minimize frizz, add shine, or prep hair for styling.
The Benefits of Air Drying
Hair Stylist and Trend Forecaster Tom Smith explains that heat is one of the greatest causes of hair damage, and natural air drying can be beneficial for hair health. By following these expert tips, air drying can become a great way to embrace your natural hair while minimizing frizz and damage.
- Edward James recommends using hydrating leave-in products, such as hydrating plant proteins and panthenol from OUAI's Air Dry Foam, to prevent breakage during the air drying process.
- For those with dry, very curly, or coarse hair types, Olaplex's leave-in cream is recommended, as it deeply hydrates hair, boosts shine, and strengthens hair to prevent damage.
- Katie Thomas suggests JVN Complete Air Dry Cream for air drying, as it adds natural definition to waves and curls, minimizes frizz, and enhances texture without adding crunch or stiffness.
- As a more affordable option, Arkive Headcare's The Good Calmer Cushioning Moisture Cream is a nourishing product that enhances waves and curls and costs less than £15.
