I’ll be honest, it wasn’t until I cut my long hair and started trying to style a bob that I actually started using a hair dryer. For years, I’ve sat firmly in team air dry, choosing instead to let my strands dry slowly in their natural state.
Why? Well, for the most part, I’m lazy, and air drying has long meant one less thing for me to do when it comes to styling my hair. Secondly, blow drying has always been a skill I’ve struggled to master, and so I’ve always preferred to leave it to the professionals rather than attempt to give myself a bouncy blowout at home. That’s not to say I’ve sacrificed on achieving a sleek, shiny look, however, only that I’ve had to look for other ways to achieve it.
For glam occasions, that usually means a sweep with a straightener or curling tong once my hair has dried fully to create my desired style; however, at times, even that feels like too much work. It is on these more low-maintenance days that I lean into my natural texture and rely on the best air-dry products to define my naturally wavy hair and offer a more effortless look—products like hair creams and wave sprays, which add shape and reduce frizz without the need for added heat.
(Image credit: Jazzria Harris)
Before we get onto exactly what those products are, however, let’s talk about air drying as a whole, as there is a lot of advice circling in the beauty world on the effect air drying can have on your hair. To get to the bottom of it, I thought why not speak to an expert in the form of Neale Rodger, style director at STIL salon. Here’s what he had to say…
Is Air Drying Good for Your Hair?
“Yes, it can be! Air drying is a great way to avoid heat damage from blow dryers and styling tools, but only if you do it right,” he tells me. “A few things to keep in mind: hair is super fragile when it’s wet, so rough towel drying or aggressive brushing is a no-no. Also, having wet hair all day isn’t ideal either, as this can cause hygral fatigue, which basically means your hair gets worn out from soaking and drying it over and over.” So, if you find your hair takes hours to dry, it may not be the best method for you.
“Leaving it wet can also cause a fungus to grow, which will give symptoms such as dandruff,” Rodger continues, so if you’re noticing these problems, you may want to look into your drying routine. “I would say, however, air drying is especially great for wavy, curly or fine hair that tends to freak out under heat. Just let it relax into place.”
Is It Bad to Sleep With Wet Hair?
“It’s not the best habit,” says Rodger. “Wet hair is weak hair, and tossing and turning can cause breakage, frizz or those lovely morning cowlicks. A damp scalp also creates a cosy environment for fungus and dandruff, which no one invited. And let’s be real, you’ll probably wake up with weird, lumpy, mystery texture hair.”
“If you have to sleep with wet hair, however, use a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf,” Rodger advises. “Do a loose braid to help keep it from going wild, and towel dry or hit it with a little low heat before bed if you can.”
How to Air Dry Your Hair Nicely
“My first piece of advice is to swap your towel for a microfibre one or a cotton t-shirt, as these fabrics cause less friction and are way gentler on your strands,” says Rodger. “Add a leave-in conditioner or curl cream right after washing to keep things smooth and defined and avoid touching your hair while it’s drying as this teases the cuticles back up.”
“Got waves or curls? I would try wrapping your hair up in a t-shirt or putting it into a loose protective style, such as a braid, to shape things nicely,” he continues. “Always let hair dry in a space with good airflow, not a steamy bathroom, and detangle gently while it’s still wet using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Be gentle, and the best result will come.”
So, in light of Rodger’s advice and my own years of experience, I’ve created an edit of the best air-dry products, which will leave your strands feeling soft and looking smooth. Get ready to put down your hair dryer and reach for one of these air-dry products instead.
How I Tested
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always sworn by an air-dry haircare routine, and so over the years I’ve tested many products which promise to help define without the need for heat. As my hair is fine with a mix of waves and curls, I’ve always opted for lightweight products that give definition and hold without weighing the hair down. For thicker hair and curly textures, however, I spoke to fellow beauty editors and friends to get their expert advice on their favourite air-dry products. Keep scrolling to see the results…
The Best Air Dry Products
1. JVN Hair Complete Air Dry Cream
(Image credit: Jazzria Harris)
JVN Hair
Complete Air Dry Cream
Most air dry creams work by providing hydration to smooth and nourish the hair while also delivering hold to lock the style in place. JVN’s Complete Air Dry Cream is packed with a blend of linseed extract, chia seed and moringa seed oil, which work to moisturise and protect strands. On my wavy hair, a 5p-sized amount is perfect for adding shape without any crunchiness or residue; however, thick or curly hair types can afford to apply a little more to get seriously great definition and shine.
Pros
- Great for all hair types
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- Use sparingly at first to avoid overloading the hair
2. Act+Acre Microfiber Hair Towel
Act+Acre
Microfiber Hair Towel
As Rodger mentioned, it’s not just the products you apply to your hair that can affect the way it air dries, but also the tools you’re using, too. Switching to a microfibre towel like this one is a great practice as it’s kinder to the hair, reducing breakage and friction so strands sit smoother. It’s also super absorbent, cutting down on drying time so hair dries quicker—another big plus for keeping your hair looking and feeling healthy.
Pros
- Shortens drying time
- Prevents breakage
Cons
- Expensive for a dedicated hair towel
3. Hershesons Air Dry Spray
(Image credit: Jazzria Harris)
If you have fine or thin strands or are simply worried a cream may weigh down your hair, I’d suggest trying Hersheson’s Air Dry Spray. Ultra lightweight, the mist delivers a hydrating blend of aloe vera and gum arabic, which add definition to waves and curls while also smoothing and defining the hair’s natural pattern. Once dried, it feels practically invisible with no greasiness or residue. As well as on damp hair, I also like to use this between washes to refresh and redefine my curls when they begin to look a little too lived-in.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Also protects from UV damage
Cons
- May not be nourishing enough for thick hair
4. Ouai Air Dry Foam
Another great lightweight option, Ouai’s Air Dry Foam offers both hold and definition for textured hair types. I’ve found the key to this product is to apply it onto your hand and then scrunch upwards to create a gentle tousled effect. I then like to take a very small amount in my fingers and gently brush down the roots for a smooth finish. Once dry, take a wide-tooth comb and brush through to break any cast that’s developed, and you’ll be left with the perfect beachy wave.
Cons
- Cast does need to be broken once dry
5. K18 Astrolift Reparative Volume Spray
(Image credit: Jazzria Harris)
K18
Astrolift Reparative Volume Spray
While many air-dry products add texture to the hair, if the main thing you miss about blow drying is the volume it provides, this is the perfect product. K18’s Astrolift Volume Spray uses a natural polymer to plump strands, giving body and lift without the need for heat. It’s also infused with K18’s signature peptide blend to strengthen while seaweed extract hydrates for a sleek finish. Simply apply all over, run your hands gently through your hair to create movement and then allow it to dry naturally.
Pros
- Provides volume and lift
- Invisible feel
Cons
- May not give texture on all hair types
6. Bread Hair Cream
When it comes to air drying curly and coily hair types, providing rich hydration is key. Bread’s Hair Cream does exactly that, containing a blend of mango butter, argan oil, castor oil and grapeseed oil, all of which work to deeply nourish strands. It’s also packed with proteins, which help provide definition and strengthen the hair. For best results, apply liberally to damp hair and simply allow it to work its magic.
Pros
- Nourishing formula is ideal for curly and coily hair
- Can be used for air drying or diffusing
Cons
- May be too heavy for fine hair
7. Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream
Curlsmith
Weightless Air Dry Cream
If you find your hair is feeling brittle even after applying an air-dry cream, you may be loading it with too much protein. While in small amounts, protein can strengthen the hair follicle, when overused, it causes hair to feel dry and lack definition — something you may notice more if you’re air drying your hair.
Curlsmith’s Weightless Air Dry Cream is protein-free yet still packed with hydrating ingredients like castor oil, hyaluronic acid and shea butter. That means it’ll add definition and shine without coating or weighing down the hair. Start small and build up your usage to achieve your desired result.
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We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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