Over the past few weeks, this air drying tutorial has become my #1 most popular post, and now is the perfect time to learn how to perfect air-drying your hair-because honestly who wants to style their hair right now? This method has been my #1 styling method for years, long before quarantine, and I’ve learned that the secret to healthy hair lies in leaving it alone as much as possible. The best way to keep hair healthy is to leave it alone as much as possible, so I keep my blow-drying to a minimum and only use my curling iron a couple times per week. That’s why I’m a big fan of this method, because it’s damage free, hassle-free, all while looking good!
If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know I’m a hair minimalist who values easy, messy beach waves with minimal damage. I’ve received a TON of questions on exactly HOW I do the whole air-drying thing, and many about trouble-shooting this method, so I decided now is the perfect time to refresh this post. Even if you think your hair can’t possibly look good air-dried, give this a try; it could change your life. While I can’t take full credit for all of these tips, I learned the “braid” method from my friend Meg, and I credit her for sharing it with everyone who wants to rock effortless waves. If you have thin or fine hair, Meg’s tips work especially well for you, and I’ve since perfected the method to make it foolproof with careful steps.
Key principle: wait until hair is 60-90% dry before applying products
The core idea behind achieving natural waves without heat damage is to let your hair reach the right moisture state before you apply styling products. The ingredients work better when hair is damp or dry rather than dripping wet, because water dilutes the products and prevents even distribution. When products are applied to damp hair, they penetrate strands more effectively and distribute evenly, resulting in softer, more uniform waves. Hair also dries faster when products are applied to damp hair, since sealing down the cuticles is part of the process. A quick, low-heat faux-dry can bring hair to about 60-70% dry without excess roughness.
Step-by-step air-dry method for effortless beach waves
- Finger-comb your hair with conditioner IN THE SHOWER. Do not brush your hair before, or after, or anytime during this process. It will ruin your waves and turn hair into a frizz ball. If you have SUPER fine hair, you can use a wide-tooth comb before the shower to reduce tangles.
- Dry with a microfiber towel. Remove excess water, then let hair air a bit before moving to the next step to avoid dripping and to speed up drying.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner cream followed by a sea salt spray to create texture and control frizz. Look for moisture creams that are free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, and pair them with a texturizing spray for best results.
- Pull hair into a VERY LOOSE French braid using big sections. The bigger the sections, the bigger the waves. Secure with an elastic, then gently pull the braid apart to loosen it further.
- For shorter hair, use two French braids instead of one to achieve similar waves higher on the head. If you don’t know how to French braid, you can learn quickly, or opt for regular braids but expect slightly different results.
- Undo the braid when hair is still slightly damp (about 90% dry). Let the rest of the drying happen naturally, don’t touch or brush it as it finishes drying. Leave it be for a relaxed, natural look.
- Optional tweaks-finish with texture spray for extra grip, add shine with a lightweight oil on ends only, and use dry shampoo to stretch the style between washes. You can also braid at night to reinforce waves and minimize frizz.
Practical tips to maximize success
- Avoid brushing your hair during the process to prevent frizz and disrupts in the wave formation. Finger-combing in the shower is your friend.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo/conditioner to keep the hair clean without stripping moisture and contributing to damage.
- When using products, distribute evenly; damp hair helps ingredients penetrate and work more effectively.
- Small changes in section size during braids will alter wave size; experiment to find your preferred texture and volume.
- Optional: finish with a light spray to set waves without weighing them down.
Alternative technique: dryer-based waves for quick touch-ups
A newer method involves using a hair dryer to twist and dry sections away from the face, producing a cleaner wave pattern. When roots are dry and the rest of the hair is around 85% dry, twist sections away from the face and direct the dryer along the twists. Repeat until the entire head is twisted, then gently separate the curls with your fingers and apply a wave spray to hold the look. The bigger the twists, the looser the resulting waves. This approach provides a more polished bedhead look and expands your styling repertoire, especially when quick results are needed.
Incorporating tools and products for optimal results
Microfiber towels, moisture creams, sea salt sprays, and optional finishing sprays or oils all contribute to a refined air-dry finish. Some favorites include Beautycounter Sea Salt Spray for texture, Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for finishing texture, and a lightweight hair oil for ends-only shine to avoid weighing hair down. If you’re seeking volume, a light dry shampoo can extend the look between washes and add root lift. When in doubt, keep hands off and let the waves settle for a natural, effortless vibe.
Summary of the most important steps
- Don’t brush your hair at any time during the process; finger-comb with conditioner in the shower and towel dry to remove excess water.
- Apply a moisture cream and a sea salt spray on damp hair to lock in moisture and add texture.
- Put hair into a loose French braid or two braids if needed, pulling the braid as loose as possible.
- Undo the braid when about 90% dry and let the rest dry naturally without touching or brushing.
- Optional: Finish with texture spray, a shine oil on ends, or a dry shampoo for more volume.
Additional context and note on sources of inspiration
Credit goes to a mix of stylist tips and personal experimentation, including the braid method shared by a friend and the influence of various professionals who advocate for minimal heat and careful product application. The goal is to achieve soft, relaxed waves with minimal damage, while keeping your routine fast and simple for everyday life. There is a growing consensus that waiting for the right moisture level-approximately 60% dry-before product application yields the best, most natural results, with water in the hair acting as a barrier to product efficacy if applied too early.
