Credit: Courtesy of brands
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Had enough of heat styling? Take a look at these 9 air-drying products for every hair type
By Lauren Cunningham &Chloe Burcham
9 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
Ready to wave goodbye to your trusty blow out? These air drying styling products can help…
We know by now that heat is one of the most common causes of hair damage. According to Dyson, using hot tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons “increase the chances that you’ll experience damaged hair from heat”, and rough, dry, dull and frizzy strands are all key symptoms. The cure? Well, sadly, there isn’t one. But reducing the use of heat and letting your hair air dry whenever possible is the brand’s key recommendation, alongside boosting moisture with oils and creams.
Compared to heat styling, leaving your hair au naturel can not only save your head from the heat but also time and, most likely, money during your busy morning routine. And as the days get warmer and the call to stay outside gets stronger, the last thing we want to do is sit underneath the hair dryer or get sweaty next to the straighteners.
But while air drying is the ultimate lazy girl hair hack, there are a few things you need to know first. “Hair can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in water,” explains Adam Reed, hairstylist and founder of Arkive Headcare. “The longer it stays wet, the more the cortex swells and cracks, permanently damaging hair.” So think more towel dried than sopping wet locks when stepping out of the shower, and a hair towel such as this Kitsch microfibre one, £19, will make a big difference.
Lastly, if you’re keen to have your locks look styled – whether you want to accentuate your natural curls or keep things short and sleek – frizz-fighting, moisture-boosting products are a must, and we’ve listed our nine favourite air-drying ones below. Think more beach babe than Monica from Friends on holiday.
Umberto Giannini Mermaid Beach Waves Texturising Volume Mousse
If laid-back beach waves are what you’re after, Umberto Giannini can get you there. Using coconut oil to hydrate, waves, curls and coils appear more defined. Simply rake through, scrunch and leave to dry overnight.
Shop Umberto Giannini Mermaid Beach Waves Texturising Volume Mousse at Boots, £9.95
Hershesons Air Dry Spray
For weightless volume, texture and effortless movement, this air dry spray ticks all the boxes. There’s no crunchy or sticky feeling, thanks to a hydrating formula enriched with aloe vera – just beachy waves, without the heat.
JVN Hair Complete Air Dry Cream
This tube really does it all. While working to define the natural look of the hair, smoothing, holding and adding shine, it also strengthens locks while protecting against humidity and UV damage.
Larry King Hair Care A Social Life For Your Hair
No matter if you’ve got a head full or curls or short spiky locks, this Larry King product will work on any hair type. Jojoba seed oil, argan oil and hydrolysed silk soften strands, making them much easier to manage.
Shop Larry King Hair Care A Social Life For Your Hair at Cult Beauty, £12
R+Co Cool Wind pH Perfect Air-Dry Creme
If you love the high-shine sleek look of a salon-quality blow dry, then R+Co could be for you. The pH-balancing formula hydrates, controls and softens hair while detangling and sealing in shine. And the ‘dark waves’ scent of cardamom, pineapple, tangerine and lavender is gorgeous.
Shop R+Co Cool Wind PH Perfect Air-Dry Creme at Cult Beauty, £26.50
Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream
For curly girls seeking hydration and hold, this styling cream is perfect. It’s formulated to defend against frizz-inducing humidity and shape the natural curl pattern, encouraging soft, bouncy-looking results.
Shop Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream at Lookfantastic, £28
Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Curls Refresh & Revive Mist
While this lightweight spray offers heat protection, it’s also brilliant for air-drying your hair and bringing curls back to life. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients such as proteins, rice water and fatty acids to leave your strands looking healthy and smooth, while giving bounce, condition and frizz-free hold.
Shop Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Curls Refresh & Revive Mist at Space NK, £28
Ouai Air Dry Foam
Enriched with carrot, lemon and kale protein, this Ouai option is designed to soften, smooth and fight frizz, leaving only tousled waves for the ultimate beach babe ’do.
Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm
If your hair is fine or damaged and you’re wanting to lay off the heat, this is the perfect product. Its key ingredient, fermented yerba mate extract, nourishes the hair from the root while adding a healthy shine – plus, plant-based proteins and chia seed extract help strengthen the hair and prevent further breakage.
Shop Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm at Space NK, £47
Images: courtesy of brands
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