There are many benefits to air drying your hair – minimizing exposure to heating tools, for one. For those with curly or wavy hair, air drying is also a way to ensure your waves and curls turn out beautifully. Here are 5 ways to make sure that you’re getting the most out of air drying:
1. Use a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel instead of a regular bath towel.
Avoid aggressively drying your hair with a towel – this rubs up against hair cuticles, which results in frizz and tangled hair. Instead, dab – and not rub – your hair with an old or unwanted T-shirt for a smooth and absorbent approach, then gently squeeze out the moisture so that your hair is no longer dripping wet.
2. Using the right products.
Putting some gel – yes, gel – into your hair while it’s still soaking wet can actually help to seal hair cuticles as it dries. After your hair dries, your hair will feel a little ‘crunchy’, but don’t fear! You can easily scrunch this out by gently cupping your hair in your hands and doing a scrunching motion. This will help set the hair, add volume, and reduce frizz and unruliness.
3. Avoid touching your hair while it’s still wet.
Running your fingers through your hair or brushing your hair excessively as it dries will cause the hair to frizz. But if you must, just use product before touching your hair. Using a blow-dry serum on your hair as it dries will help cut down frizziness.
4. Styling your hair while it’s still damp.
For those who want to enhance your natural waves or curls, you can twirl your hair into a tight bun when damp, which will elongate and smooth your natural curl pattern. When your hair is fully dry, release your bun and finger-comb through lightly. Putting your hair in two loose braids as it dries, which using a product with a lotion-like consistency so it doesn’t weigh your hair down, will help to give you loose waves. When your hair dries or is almost dry, take your hair out of the braids, shake your hair around. Be careful not to keep your hair in the braids for a long period of time unless you are going for a very crimped look.
5. Avoid showering before bed if you want to air dry your hair.
our hair is still vulnerable when it’s damp – so when you sleep, your hair can become tangled and knotty which leads to messy hair as it rubs against your pillow. To minimize tangles, use a silk or satin pillow case.
Most people think that air drying hair is all about just leaving it alone, but as you can see, there is a little more to it! Following these simple tips will make a difference in the shine and health of your hair. For more ideas on how to achieve your best hair day, make an appointment with us today.