3 rules of air-drying your hair without any frizz, according to the pros

When your hair is prone to becoming ultra-frizzy, a blast of air from a blow-dryer is sometimes the only thing that can tame it into submission. But if you're taking a break from using hot tools or simply just can't be bothered to do it with the higher humidity, air-drying can leave you with the same glossy finish that you want—if you do it right. 

1. Post-shower care

What you do immediately after your hair wash can largely contribute to how frizzy your hair will be. The best way to seal the cuticles is with a cold water shot just before stepping out of the shower. It’s also the best time to detangle your hair, using a wide-tooth comb. Also set your parting at this time, so your hair will air dry naturally into this style. Rubbing your towel on your hair is the most common cause of frizz; instead, use a T-shirt, pillow cover or microfibre cloth—these are softer on the hair and do the least damage on wet strands, which is when they’re at their weakest.

2. Product is a must

No matter your hair type, using product is a must to moisturise your strands and seal the cuticles. “What tends to happen, particularly in humid weather, is that the cuticles don’t seal properly, which leads to frizz. This is where product comes in. I recommend using argan oil serums, you can use a little bit on damp hair (not wet hair) to lock in the moisture.” explains Sana Khan Noorani of Asif The Salon, Mumbai and Chop Shop, Goa.

When in doubt, a light-weight oil is always a great idea but you can also mix it with different products designed for your hair type. Ankieta Oberoi, senior stylist and colourist at Happy In The Head breaks it down for us:

1. 1

   Straight hair requires volume and texture/movement, so applying a volumising mousse evenly through the hair will do wonders. To add texture, use a sea salt or texturising spray. On days when the hair feels greasy, dry shampoo can soak up the oils and add volume and freshness to the hair.

2. 2

   Wavy locks call for minimising frizz with structure and hydration. Use a leave-in conditioner for uber hydration before scrunching. Then finish off with an oil-serum to cut down on frizz.

3. 3

   Curly hair requires reinforcement of the curl pattern, with tons of hydration and minimal frizz. Curly hair thrives on moisture so a leave-in or a curl cream is a must.

3. Add texture the natural way

Don’t have the patience for curlers and tongs? No problem! Braids are a great way to bring texture and movement to your mane minus the heat tools. “Braiding your hair when damp or tying your hair in bun and letting it air dry, will give your hair texture and soft natural waves,” recommends Oberoi. “Braiding holds the hair taut, which helps it dry smoother and minimises frizz. Post braiding, twisting up the hair in a bun will stop the hair from getting puffy as it dries.” While there are plenty of different types of braids and how-to videos on braiding for texture out there, Noorani clears out any confusion for us, “Personally, I like just two braids left for about an hour with a bit of styling product. You can use texture-creating products like curl cream, but not too much of it as a lot will weigh the hair down, especially for fine hair.”

“For longer hair, apply a volumising mousse on wet hair before braiding in different sections. Twist them up and let it air-dry, this will add texture and movement. You can also twist the hair into a bun after apply mousse, without braiding for softer waves. Use some dry shampoo on the roots for an added lift,” advises Oberoi.

For short hair, she recommends using pins to manipulate the hair into different shapes, like finger waves or pin curls. “Apply your styling mousse on towel dried hair, and twist up your hair or pin as you like, and let it air dry. Once dried, use a hairspray or gel to set it.”

Also read:

8 ways to add volume to thin, greasy hair

6 ways to get bouncy, shiny hair before your next video call

How to make limp hair look thicker during monsoons