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How to Air Dry Your Hair Without Looking Like a Hot Mess

Ditch your hot tools and master the art of air-drying your hair
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For Perfect Ringlets
"Curly hair is usually dry hair therefore: moisture, moisture and more moisture," says Williams. He adds that curly hair must remain wet at all times when you're handling it, or it will get frizzy. Start by applying a hair cream that has some weight to it, but isn't greasy, to wet hair. (Try DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler, $28). Comb through once. "For curly looks with clear curl definition and elongation try this," says Williams. Grab medium-to-large perm rods or small hair rollers, and a fine-tooth comb.

"Making small to medium partings, about two inches wide begin at the nape and moving toward front (about nine rods later), braid hair and wrap around rods or rollers." When your hair is dry, remove the rollers, warm up more of your styling cream in your hands and pat onto sections of hair to unwind your curls. "This will hydrate and separate curls and wave."

"Tip: Do not comb, as hair will frizz. Only touch hair with cream on hands," says Williams. The less you touch your hair, the better.

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For Victoria's Secret-Worthy Hair (On Wavy Hair)
To transform your wavy hair into a Giselle-status style, choose hydrating products that add hold without too much weight, like Living Proof Curl Defining Styling Cream, $28, as Williams says wavy hair can be prone to frizz and looking messy and poufy.

"The best air dry is to twist hair into a large bun or section into knots or braids," says Williams. "Avoid products with heavy oils, alcohol and waxes as these will weigh waves down, dry out waves, and cause hair to look sticky."

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For Bombshell Waves
Potempa's recipe for gorgeous, air-dried waves starts with a volumizing mousse (we like Drybar Southern Belle Volumizing Mousse, $26). Work it through damp hair, and then create a deep side part. Divide your hair into four sections. Split each section into two strands, and twist the strands together so they're going away from your face. (Keep it loose so the texture won't look forced). Pin them in place at the back of your head and wait for them to dry.

"After you take it out you'll notice the hair twists and waves away from the face," Potempa says. "Shake out the wave with your fingers and spray with a texture mist to add more volume."

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Braid and Go
"Braids are an incredible way to style air-dried hair so it lasts a couple days," says Potempa. On day one, French braid your hair for an easy, fast style that will get you out the door quickly. Take the braid out on the second day for pretty waves, and add a mini crown braid to your waves on day three. Three hairstyles, zero hassle.

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For a Sexy, Bouncy Hairstyle
Channel your inner Rooney Mara with this multi-bun hairstyle that dries into superbouncy locks.

Start by applying a volumizing mousse all over your damp hair. To add volume to the crown of your head, Potempa recommends using the Beachwaver Half Up, $4.99, to make a small bun on the top of your head. Then, wrap the rest of your hair into a bun using the Beachwaver Wrap Up, $9.99. Once your hair is dry, remove the wraps and twist your hair away from your face. Set it with a hairspray. If you want extra volume, Potempa says you can use a dry shampoo on your roots and ends for some oomph.

BY ALLIE FLINN | MAR 22, 2016 | SHARES
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