In recent years, many women have discovered what I already knew…unplugging and air drying is healthier for your hair! I’ve been air drying for years.
To be completely honest I air dry for the following two reasons. One, I’m lazy and I just don’t have time to spend on my curly/wavy hair. Two, I color the hell out of it, so I figure if something has to give for maintaining my hair health, it’s going to be heated styling tools. I’m obsessed with my Dyson Airwrap but use it sparingly and only during the cooler months.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and has been updated for Summer 2026 with refreshed product recommendations and additional information on healthy air-drying techniques.
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Why air dry your hair? Air drying can help reduce heat damage, preserve hair color, improve moisture retention and enhance your natural texture. Whether your hair is curly, wavy, or straight, the right products and techniques can help you achieve healthy, beautiful air-dried hair.
Why Air Drying Is Better for Your Hair
Well now that summer is here, if you haven’t already done so, this is the perfect time to go unplugged and give your hair a break from blow dryers, wands and any other heated styling tools. Air drying is not only healthier for hair, it’s quicker. Now you can spend less time in front of the mirror and more time out having summer fun with your new air-dry hairstyle! You just need the right products!
Interview With A Haircare Expert
I had the opportunity to interview Fabian Lliguin, a New York hairdresser, Environmentalist and Co-founder and President of Rahua Haircare, which is a line of pure ingredient hair care products made from rahua oil found deep in the Amazon rainforest.
FO30: Do you see air-drying continuing to grow in popularity?
FL: Yes, I believe air-drying will continue to be popular as more people look for healthier ways to style their hair and embrace their natural texture. While many salons offer blowouts and heat styling, air-drying remains an excellent option for maintaining hair health.
FO30: What is the best type of hair to air dry?
FL: Any type or texture of hair can air dry with the right haircut and the right styling products for your texture and cut. When clients visit the salon, they need to consult their stylist on the proper method to air dry according to their cut, just the way they would have consulted on how to blow out their hair.
FO30: Why is air drying so much better for your hair? And how long will it take to see improvement in hair health?
FL: Excessive heat from curling irons, wands, and the blower can strip the natural oils from the hair and dry it out. Over exposure can damage the structure of the hair and also damage the scalp. Certainly using the right products help to reduce the damage but giving your hair and scalp a break from heat altogether will allow the natural oils to balance the scalp and add moisture to the strands.
If your hair and scalp have been dried out from heat damage and you switch to an air dry routine and apply Rahua Color Full™ Mask every other day. You should see the benefits between 1 – 3 weeks depending on the length of your hair.
The Best Air-Dry Hair Products for Every Hair Type
Fo30: What products work best for different hair types?
FL: Examining your hair’s needs as well as what you are trying to achieve will determine the products. If your hair is color treated, you’ll definitely want to protect that tonal value and the salon (or at home) investment with color preserving cleansing and conditioning products.
Rahua Color Full™ Shampoo, Color Full™ Conditioner and Rahua Color Full™ Mask not only help preserve color, they utilize a plant-derived color protection complex of natural ingredients such as lilac clay to tone highlights and reduce brassiness without any chemicals. Never underestimate the power of “Masking.” We’re not talking face masks here; we are talking hair masks. These deep penetrating treatments are nourishing and strengthening strands.
Rahua Color Full™ Mask uses our exclusive color protection complex to enhance and protect color. If your hair lacks moisture, you’ll want to add hydration back. Rahua Hydration Shampoo and Hydration Conditioner are excellent for anyone needing moisture. On the flip side, if your hair is naturally oily and tends to go flat, you will want to add volume in through a volumizing cleanser and conditioner such as Rahua Voluminous Shampoo and Voluminous Conditioner.
For air drying, styling products are a necessity or otherwise hair will curl, wave or frizz in a direction you don’t want it to go. Using styling products will allow you to shape and keep the style and determining the style will heavily influence the product choice. Always begin with a good foundation, and Rahua Control Cream is the perfect choice. Be sure to apply it to towel dried hair. If your hair is too wet, it will dilute the product and you won’t reap the benefits.
If your hair has length and you want the look of loose waves, Rahua Enchanted Island Salt Spray is perfect for that beach-y, sexy style. Applied at the roots and you will get great lift. For a more defined look, Rahua Freestyle Texturizer, created with natural carnauba wax and tapioca starch, will give hair natural hold and support.
How to Air Dry Curly, Wavy, and Straight Hair
FO30: What if we don’t like the look of air-dried hair?
FL: The good news is that there are so many styling options and modern accessories available today that your choices are virtually limitless. The trick here is to keep the hair strands from mid to ends very healthy. This will give hair the natural direction which allows the style to fall back in place, giving it a nice, air-dried look. Also, for creative purposes you can use headbands, decorative bobby pins, hair clips and even high end scrunchies are available to make any style chic!
Fabian’s 4 Expert Tips for Beautiful Air-Dried Hair
- Start by using a base product to create the right foundation, but before applying any product be sure that your hair is at least 65% dry. If you hair is too wet the water will dilute the product and you won’t reap the maximum benefits. Apply Rahua Control Cream to towel dried or almost dried hair, concentrating on the ends. Crafted with moisturizing shea butter and molasses, it delivers the perfect defined and separated curl with bounce.
- For volume and loose, sexy beach waves, apply Rahua Enchanted Island Salt Spray all over but especially near the roots for lift. The natural pink sea salt provides texture while guayaba (guava) keeps locks hydrated and soft. Once you apply it, leave it alone. Too much touching disturbs the hair and may make it prone to frizz.
- Apply Rahua Freestyle Texturizer for a more dedicated style. Twist small sections from mid-lengths to ends, alternating from right to left with the twists, for a loose, tousled style. Created with natural carnauba wax and tapioca starch, hair will have natural hold and support. As hair dries, lightly run your fingers through the hair but do not comb or brush.
- For shine and added definition, apply Rahua Smoothing Hair Balm as needed. This nourishing, anti-frizz balm moisturizes and smooths with nourishing Amazonian oils of Rahua, Morete, and Sacha Inchi and will help keep the cuticle closed and frizz at bay.
Still have questions about air-drying your hair? Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air-Drying Hair
Is air drying healthier than blow drying?
Generally, yes. Air drying eliminates heat damage caused by blow dryers, curling irons, and styling tools.
How can I air dry my hair without frizz?
Use a leave-in styling product, avoid touching your hair while it dries, and apply products to towel-dried hair.
Can all hair types be air dried?
Yes. Curly, wavy, and straight hair can all be successfully air dried with the right cut and products.
Should you brush your hair while air drying?
Most experts recommend avoiding brushing once styling products are applied, especially for curly and wavy textures.
Shop Products For Air Drying Hair
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Photos: Lauren Dimet Waters, Gretchen Murcott for Fountain of 30 | all others iStock
Read some of our other hair care posts like 11 Of The Best Hair Serums & Why You Need To Try One and 5 Of My Favorite Hairstyles for Women Over 50.
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