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Not sure about you, but we’d be lying if we said we style our hair right after showering. Sometimes (most times) we’re just too tired to whip out our blow dryers and diffusers, even though the results would be *chef’s kiss*. Thankfully, air drying doesn’t have to create a tangled mess of morning hair, at least not with this helpful guide.
Fun fact: air drying is *actually* pretty incredible for your hair’s health. It's the simplest way to spare your hair from the potential heat damage caused by blow dryers and other hot tools, something we're totally on board with Textured, wavy and curly hair are often better suited for an air-drying technique, but they typically require more hair product for a successful air dry than straight hair.
Keep reading for all of our tips to give you gorgeous, tangle-free hair post-shower, without any tools.
1. Thoroughly Cleanse Your Hair
Image via Sephora
Tame any frizz by thoroughly cleansing your hair before embarking on your air dry routine. This is incredibly important because product buildup (dirt, oils, etc.) will prevent the moisture of your conditioner or leave-in product from reaching your hair. Which is definitely not what you want.
If you think you have a lot of buildup in your hair, give a clarifying shampoo a try every so often. These shampoos are tough on product buildup, but are often too harsh to use regularly on dryer hair and scalps. Depending on your hair type and your styling products of choice, you may only need to clarify once a week (or even once a month).
2. Use a Microfiber Towel
Image via Target
Ditch your traditional bath towel for a microfiber towel, at least when it comes to your haircare. Using a microfiber towel will help to shorten your air-drying time and prevent frizz. Talk about a win-win.
3. Condition, Condition, Condition
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And we don’t just mean in the shower. Take your conditioner to-go with a leave-in conditionerto give your locks some extra TLC. After all, moisture is key to a successful air dry, so prevent your hair from falling flat with your favorite leave-in moisturizer.
4. Brush or Comb, But *Only* When Wet
Image via Ron Lach / PEXELS
Our top priority while air-drying is minimizing frizz. For curly-haired girlies, brush or comb your hair when it's wet to avoid disrupting their curls and creating frizz. If you have a head of straight hair, avoid touching your hair until it’s (at least) 75 percent dry for the best, frizz-free results.
5. Apply the Right Styling Products
In a process that curly-haired people are all-too familiar with, you will need to apply the right styling products to your wet (or damp) hair. Of course, different hair textures mean different styling products. If you have curly hair, follow your leave-in conditioner with a gel, cream, or foam. For our straight-haired readers, be sure to stay away from heavier products and stick to your leave-in conditioner.
6. Don't Go to Bed With Wet Hair
Image via Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
After all your hard work to ensure a perfect air-dry, the last thing you want to do is go to bed with your hair still wet or damp. If you plan on washing your hair at night, be sure to leave enough time for your hair to fully dry before it hits the pillow.
Long story short, brush, moisturize and let it dry for the best air drying quality. BRB while we let our hair air dry for tonight!
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Header image courtesy of Element5 Digital / Unsplash.
