From time-saving hacks for household chores to secrete routes to our favorite coffee shop, we love a good shortcut. Sure, time is precious and all, but it’s not always about saving time. Sometimes it’s just about embracing the lazy girl in us. So when busy weekday mornings roll around, we suggest skipping a damaging blow dry and buying back your time by letting your hair air dry instead. You can use that valuable extra a.m. time to make a fall smoothie, scroll Insta for some outfit inspiration or just get really lazy with it and go back to sleep for a while. (No shame!) If the thought of air-drying your hair is giving you nightmares of dull, frizzy locks, fear not — this three-step formula is your guide to nailing the look every time. The result is gorgeous, smooth and perfectly mussed hair that will turn heads.
Turbie Twist Combo Pack Wet Day/Dry Day Hair Towel and Shower Cap ($6): No hair dryer means you’ll probably have to wait a lot longer for fully dry locks. Whatever you do, don’t reach for a towel! In a pinch, a super soft old t-shirt is a much better option for drying hair hair sans frizz. Better yet, we suggest sopping up soaking wet strands with a Turbie Twist made of gentle microfiber material. This as-seen-on-TV product works to gently press moisture out and minimize frizz.
Step 2: Prime With Products
Ouai Haircare Hair Oil ($28): So you’ve chosen to skip the hair dryer (yay you!) and go au naturale. After you’ve run through your hair with a wide-tooth comb, score some bonus points by using a nourishing hair oil — this one softens and de-frizzes simultaneously. Be sure to only concentrate this product on your ends to avoid weighing down the roots.
Bumble & Bumble Don’t Blow it (H)air Styler ($31): Bring out the big guns for out-of-control and totally inconsistent texture. This lightweight product reins in your strands for an effortlessly styled look with consistent texture throughout, plus a little bounce. Just massage a small dollop through the middle portion of your wet strands and you’re good to go.
Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray ($29): Usually, skipping the blow dryer means missing out on coveted volume. Blast this potent potion on your roots for instant lift at the crown instead of stuck-to-your-scalp flat locks.
Step 3: Set Strands for Success
Good news for you: Our quickest trick for setting wet hair to dry is also the easiest. Simply twist your hair into a low bun (or two!) and wrap it up with a no-damage hair tie. When your hair is mostly dry, let the bun drop and tousle that gorgeous mane.
We’ve spotted this cool little trick in behind-the-scenes photos from runway shows. When your hair is damp (rather than soaking wet), secure a playing card to your hair with a slim alligator clip. This will give you some control over where your first wave or bend occurs. Let it dry (AKA let your hair do all the work for you) for 20 to 30 minutes. (Photo via Getty)
When it doubt, braid it out. Just be sure to make variety a priority. This will give the final look a more effortless, undone appeal. Some plaits should be bigger and thicker than others. Gently tug to loosen up some braids while keeping others tight. Then go live your life (water your plants, Netflix an episode of Parks and Rec, you get the picture) while your hair dries. Undo after 20 to 30 minutes and shake it all out.
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