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How to Air-Dry Curly, Wavy, and Straight Hair

Key Takeaways

  • Air-drying can be good for your hair, as long as you use the right techniques.
  • Start air-drying curly or wavy hair by brushing it with a wide-tooth comb. Then apply a curl gel like Nº.10 Bond Shaper ® Curl Defining Gel.
  • If you have straight hair, brush it while you’re still in the shower, gently towel-dry it, and then add a hydrating serum.  

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Air-Dried Natural Styling: How to Air-Dry Curly, Wavy, and Straight Hair

Natural hairstyles are increasingly moving their way up in popularity. From natural textures in all their glory to braided looks, styling your hair with just a bit of product and mechanical tools can decrease its exposure to damage. We're not saying to ditch your iron altogether! Without a doubt, some occasions call for the iron, perhaps a sleek look or voluminous curls. Knowing you have a healthy head of hair because you're reducing its exposure to damage will give you peace of mind.

Is Air-Drying Your Hair Bad?

Air-dry ing your hair can be good for it, as long as you use the right techniques and products. Air-drying can be an appealing choice since hair dryers can zap moisture from your hair, causing damage in the long run.

 

When it comes to air-dried natural styles, the OLAPLEX ® at-home care system will elevate the integrity of your hair as you rock the looks. Use  OLAPLEX Nº.6 Bond Smoother ® as a leave-in and  OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil for superior shine. With just a little help from Nº . 6 and OLAPLEX Nº . 7, you can amplify your air-dried styles. Nº . 6 is a smoothing styling cream that controls frizz for up to 72 hours and softens and hydrates hair without weighing it down. Just apply it on clean, damp hair, comb your hair, then style as desired. Start with 1 pump and add more as needed. For extra shine, softness, color vibrancy, and a reduction in breakage, apply a small amount of OLAPLEX Nº.7 on wet or dry hair before styling. Apply Nº.6 to dry hair for added frizz control and hydration.

 

You can also try a leave-in serum like Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum . This weightless, multi-benefit leave-in protects your hair from pollution for 48 hours, prevents tangles and static, and provides a satin-shine look. To use Nº.9, apply a small amount of it to damp hair, working upward from ends to roots. Use more as needed for longer, thicker hair. Try it alone or layer it underneath with Nº.6 for frizz control and/or OLAPLEX Nº.7 for brilliant shine. Style your hair as usual.  

How to Air-dry Curly or Wavy Hair

Air-dry ing is great for curly or wavy hair when done correctly. Start with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush once you get out of the shower. On damp hair, apply a curl gel like Nº.10 Bond Shaper ® Curl Defining Gel. Apply it evenly and distribute a small amount of it in sections. Scrunch your hair in an upward motion to enhance your natural curl or wave pattern, or use your desired curl-defining technique. When you’re done, allow your hair to air-dry. For curls or waves that feel softer, apply 1-2 drops of OLAPLEX Nº.7 for extra shine. Once hair is dry, apply Nº.6 to curls and wave for added frizz control.

How to Air-dry Straight Hair

It’s pretty easy to air-dry straight hair. Start by gently towel-dry your hair. Next, brush your hair to get rid of any tangles. Arrange your hair into your desired part, then add a healthy hair styler like Nº.6, OLAPLEX Nº.7, or Nº.9.   

Air-Dried Styling Inspiration

There's something about the ability to let your hair down and feel confident without any other steps needed. We're talking no hair ties, no bobby pins . Free your natural texture like these hair goddesses:

 

 

 


The half up half down style has evolved over the years. We love this modern take on the look that adds height to the crown and extra layers without the chop!

 

 

Braids are always a win, as they're incredibly versatile and can elevate a look with their technique. There are hundreds of styles you can learn and develop just by braiding. Ones we might add that lend panache to even the fussiest of hair days. We love this modern take on a F rench braid:

 

Need a tad more oomph? When looking for a bit of adornment, seek the aid of flowers, clips, ribbons, and bands to add a whimsical touch to your mane.

 

If you’re really loving the air-dried style you’ve created, you can keep your hair moisturized and nourished in-between washes. Seal split ends and boost hydration with Nº.5LEAVE-IN™ Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner . If you have fine hair, start with 1 pump, but those with medium to coarse hair can start with 2 pumps.

 

Take the Hair Quiz to find more products you should incorporate into your haircare routine, or shop by hair goal if you have a specific hair priority in mind.

Sources

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/air-dry-hair  

2. https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/how-air-dry-your-hair-7337045