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Air-drying seems like it should be easy, right?
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In reality, so many factors, fromhumidityto your hair health, can impact how well yourair-dryturns out.
San Diego-based hairstylistKatelyn Ellsworthrecommends gels or creams to nix frizz and create hold.
Candice, tester:I love the way this product feels in my hair so much.
PHOTO: Amazon
It leaves my hair smooth like a dream.
Amanda, tester:The cream did a great job of styling my unruly waves with minimal effort.
Victoria, tester:It makes my hair appear like it has more texture than it actually does.
I think it helps keep my hair moisturized throughout the day too.
Our tester appreciated how it tamed frizz while enhancing her hairs natural texture with noticeable lift and bounce.
It also helps manage frizz throughout the day while making my hair look shinier and smoother.
PHOTO: Amazon
This option had no product buildup or greasiness, just a smooth finish that lasted several days.
Kelsey, tester:TRESemme Air Dry Smoothing Cream noticeably reduced my hair frizz.
This is something I struggle with, particularly when I air-dry my hair.
I typically have to blow-dry my hair after each shower, which then damages my hair further.
This product significantly reduced my blow-dryer use.
Just be mindful to use the product sparingly because it can become crunchy if overapplied.
PHOTO: Target
The featherweight foam vanishes into hair without a trace, leaving no buildup on strands or roots.
Kelsey, tester:One noticeable benefit was the added texture that it created.
I have not noticed this with other products.
To ensure your curls remain bouncy and defined, try this ultra-hydrating air-dry formula from Curlsmith.
Ashley, tester:My curls were well shaped and pulled together.
This product is very lightweight and effective in hydrating my hair without weighing it down.
PHOTO: OUAI
Easy to distribute through the hair, they help guard against frizz and bring form to waves and curls.
Amanda, tester:My hair was shiny, bouncy, and hydrated without any excessive styling.
This Bumble and Bumble formula excelled at making our tester’s wavy hair look super glossy.
The result was crunch-free, frizz-resistant, soft texture that remained defined all day.
Candice, tester: It adds an unbelievable amount of texture to my straight, flat hair.
The effect lasted for around two days after app, keeping my hair defined and soft throughout that time.
PHOTO: Amazon
Add a protective product to your routine and your frazzled locks will thank you.
This cream from Sun Bum is formulated to guard against UV damage andprevent color-fadewhile boosting hydration and enhancing shine.
Nishka, tester:I noticed that my hair is shinier after using this product.
With this air-dry cream from Briogeo, you might not have to.
The main strike against this product is that it didnt absorb well, leaving a sticky residue behind.
I found it to manage frizz effectively throughout the day while also providing some volume, which I liked.
PHOTO: Sephora
The Living Proof Style Lab Air-Dry Styler delivers on that front.
According to our tester, it absorbed easily and left her hair smooth and frizz-free for days.
Joline, tester:It definitely smooths my hair compared to when I air-dry without any product.
It boosted how hydrated my hair felt and looked throughout the day, too.
Her waves were more pronounced and glossy, too, although it could have been better at eliminating frizz.
Joline, tester:I noticed that my hair was shinier, and it definitely felt softer than normal.
PHOTO: Amazon
After a thorough evaluation, we landed on this list of the best options available.
According to Schnell, the trick toair-drying without frizzis layering the correct products.
Use a microfiber towel to remove excess water and then add aleave-in conditioner, she says.
Another tip is to examine labels for keywords that imply intensive hydration.
This will give your hair more uniform patterns, she says.
Most people could benefit from more air-drying to help retain moisture andprevent damagecaused by excessive heat styling.
PHOTO: Ulta
She has fine, curly haira tricky-to-style combo that has required excessive product experimentation over the years.
Air-dry hair products are a critical part of her hair care routine.
Robbins CR.Polymers in hair products.
In:Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair.
Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2012:489-535.
(2014).Tsubaki (Camellia japonica) cold-pressed oil: composition, protection from oxidation and moisturizing properties.
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Sun Bum
PHOTO: Briogeo
PHOTO: Living Proof
PHOTO: Amazon
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