A Guide To Air-Drying Your Hair

Start With A Light Towel Dry

“It’s essential to soak up excess water from the hair before applying any product – otherwise the hair follicle will struggle to absorb any of the benefit. If you’re prone to frizz, try using a hair turban or pop your hair into a towel for 10-15 minutes after washing to dry the hair in a gentle manner, and minimising the chance of excess frizz.”
 

Fluff The Roots For Extra Volume

“After towel drying your hair, you can add some extra volume by flipping your head upside down and applying some product to the roots and ends and scrunching it in using your hands. After tousling the hair, turn your head back upright. Adding this texture and fluffing the roots at this stage will ensure a bouncier finish. Afterwards, try not to touch your hair too much – let it do its thing, and you’ll naturally achieve more body.” 
 

Remember To Detangle & Apply An Air-dry Product

“If volume isn’t a concern, start by combing through your hair with a wide-tooth comb. You could do this in the shower first to tease out any knots, especially if you’re prone to matting – comb it after you apply your conditioner or after your hair has been towel dried. Then, apply a smoothing cream, air dry cream or leave-in treatment – all are great at this stage. Air dry products are usually oil-based hair creams, liquids or sprays that contain ingredients for extra hold. Look for one which is plant based, natural and doesn’t contain parabens or silicones – such as Rahua’s Aloe Vera Healing Gel. This will be kinder to your hair and scalp – plus, you can rest assured there are no nasty toxins in there that will weaken hair colour or strength. 
 

Pay Attention To Your Ends

“Your ends will require the most hydration to prevent frizz, split ends and breakage. Make sure they’re always saturated with product to ensure a sleek finish when air drying. Again, I’d recommend a plant-based oil product – and remember, healthy hair responds best to being air dried.”

Don’t Over-do It

“Applying an excess amount of product will only weigh the hair down. Instead, use a coin-sized amount and distribute it evenly throughout the lengths. Too much product will cause the hair to look stiff or greasy. Equally, you may even run the risk of drying out your scalp with too much product, which can sometimes cause dandruff.”
 

Use Other Products To Improve Hair Health

“For best results, hair has to be healthy to start with – so if yours could do with a helping hand, a leave-in treatment will also soften, strengthen and protect your hair over the long term. After your hair has air dried, you can also enhance the finish by applying a quality hairspray all over for extra hold. For a sleek finish, try applying a light shine spray too. This will create a beautifully smooth and glossy layer.”
 

Finally, Always Stick To A Specific Order

“The best way to layer products would be to prime the hair first with an oil-based cream or detangler, then follow with a gel or a leave-in treatment. Next, go in with a product that helps add shine and let hair air dry from there. Finally, when the hair has finished drying, use a hair spray if you need additional hold.”