Air drying your hair seems like pretty much the most natural thing in the world. After all, cavewomen did it for thousands of years, right? Then again, those cavewomen weren’t particularly preoccupied with volume, defined locks, and lack of frizz, so studying up on your weird but genius air drying hacks might be a course that's well worth your time as a modern person. The right conditioners, mousses, brushes, and serums most definitely play a part in air drying your tresses so they look amazing, but which are the most effective in giving you the gorgeous results you seek?
To pinpoint the answers to these exact questions, I got in touch with stylist Annie Rush from Marie Robinson Salon. Rush had some really incredible insights to help you air dry your hair like a pro. For instance, she uses a t-shirt instead of a towel when she gets out of the shower: “It’s not as absorbent and it does something nice for the movement. Just a little insider trick!” Rush also had tons to say about different brushes and products that work for all different types of hair. “The drying routine should always be different when it comes to fine versus thick or curly hair,” she says, and if you’re looking to find out how, check out her top eight pieces of advice.
1. Comb Conditioner Through Curls While In The Shower
Organic Prestige Luxury Conditioner, $15, Amazon
According to Rush, your routine should definitely differ if you’ve got curly hair. “When it comes to curly, my best advice is to actually comb the hair in the shower with conditioner in it," advises Rush. "Combing through the hair after the shower is a no-no.” Organic Prestige Luxury Conditioner is an awesome option because it’s sulfate- and paraben-free, and has tons of natural ingredients that help define and moisturize curls.
2. For Thick Hair, Use A Brush With Wide Bristles
Denman Tangle Tamer, $22, Amazon
“When it comes to wet brushes, the further apart the bristles are, the better for getting rid of that fluffy effect," explains Rush. "A Denman wet brush is always fantastic.” It’s got wide-set bristles, a large paddle surface, and super soft nylon bristles that are ideal for detangling the thickest, longest hair.
3. Minimize Frizziness With A Wide Tooth Comb
Olina Natural Sandalwood Wood Comb, $22, Amazon
That being said, if you can get away with using a comb instead of a brush, Rush says that’s even better. “When letting the hair air-dry in the most effortless way, my personal favorite go-to is always a wide tooth comb," she says. "This will leave you with the most organized yet natural state for you hair to air-dry in.” This Olina Natural Sandalwood Wood Comb is handmade from green sandalwood, which not only smells incredible, it also won’t snag or cause frizz the way plastic can.
4. Use Alcohol-Free Mousse For Volume Without Crunchiness
Shu Uemura Kaze Wave, $26, Amazon
To get that “natural, tousled Kate Moss effect,” stylist Rush is a huge fan of Shu Uemura Kaze Wave. “This product has almost no alcohol in it, which makes it different than most other mousses," she raves. Since it's a camellia oil-based foam, it gives you a beachy feel while leaving your hair completely frizz-free — zero crunchiness added.
5. Add Movement To Fine Hair With A Texturizing Spray
ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray, $22, Amazon
If your hair is fine and straight and you want that lightly messy, day-old hair look, Rush recommends organizing your strands with conditioner in the shower. She adds, "Once you're all air-dried, spritz ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray root to end for that dirty-chic hair effect!" It lifts your roots to give you some great volume, but it also helps to finish and hold your style all day.
6. Apply Thermal Protectant To Keep Hair Healthy And Moisturized
Kerastase Paris Resistance Ciment Thermique Conditioner, $26, Amazon
“When it comes to fine hair, a cream-based thermal protectant such as Ciment Thermique by Kerastase is a nice base to protect the hair form any holding products,” explains Rush. It’s made with reconstructing milk to protect and soothe brittle, damaged hair. And even if it’s not being used alongside heat styling, it can help form a barrier between potentially harsh products without weighing strands down.
7. Get A Sexy Tousled Look With Sea Salt Spray
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $33, Amazon
Another great option for thin hair is Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, says Rush. It helps get a roughed-up look when air-drying and offers plenty of hold without the oils that accompany other products. The results: hair that looks cool, matte, and defined.
8. Give Thick Hair A Shiny Finish With Oil-Based Serums
Mukti Organics Luxe Hair Serum, $31, Amazon
“Naturally thick hair can withstand more product application than fine hair,” Rush says. To take away frizz on thick hair, lean more towards your oils and cream based products, like Mukti Organics Luxe Hair Serum, which uses amazing natural oils and vitamin-rich ingredients to repair split ends and smooth even the most intense of frizz. “A second round of serum is always nice to add a little lust and shine back into the hair for a nice finish. This is also nourishing for those thirsty curly clients out there!”
Images: Unsplash/Pexels; Amazon (8)
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