Use Your Fingers to Detangle
Instead of using a comb or a brush to tame your tresses, simply use your fingers. "The temptation is there to run a comb through hair and call it a day while air-drying, but that could create curls that are thin or, worse, frizzy," says Miko Branch, hairstylist and co-founder of Miss Jessie's. "After showering and removing excess moisture with a microfiber towel, rake your fingers through the hair and separate some strands by hand. This way curls will dry more defined."
Bonus points if you scrunch since it'll help add more bounce.
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Try a Volumizing Mousse
"Height at the top of your style for a balanced silhouette can be difficult when air-drying," notes Steven Waldman, hairstylist and director of technical training at Hair Cuttery. "A volumizing mousse worked into the hair closest to the scalp will give the extra support needed to add flattering height to any style."
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Apply a Texture-Shaping Product on Wet Hair
If you have natural texture, be it ringlets, loose waves or curls, you'll definitely want to use a product that helps define and bust frizz. "The worry with air-drying curls is that they will come out frizzy or shrunken. The key to avoiding this is to apply your curl shaper while your hair is still wet. This will give the hair added moisture and definition when your curls do dry!" says Branch.
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Lock in Hydration With a Leave-In Conditioner
Though we typically associate moisture-boosting hair care products with a blowout, it's just as important to use a leave-in conditioner when air-drying. "Leave-in products are necessary to keep frizz away and are extra important if you're air-drying after a day at the beach or pool to recover lost moisture and repair sun damage," Branch points out.
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Experiment With Heatless Styles
"Summer is the perfect time to try new beachy styles," says Potempa. "For example, after letting your hair air-dry 80 percent in the sun, apply Braid Balm and create two braids or two buns. When you take them out, you'll reveal cool, beachy waves that are perfect for transitioning from the pool to happy hour!"
You can also try sleeping in loose braids or twists. Just make sure you remove any excess water and apply a leave-in conditioner first. Also, keep it light and airy. "Too tight of a braid will trap water and not allow your hair to effectively dry," notes Waldman. "When dry, release and separate braids into your desired wavy style." Finish with a serum and you're golden.
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