Here’s exactly how to air-dry your hair (without causing damage)

Whether you’re trying to limit heat styling to save your strands or you simply can’t bear the thought of blasting yourself with a hairdryer in the middle of a heatwave, air-drying your hair might feel like the obvious summer solution. But if your experience so far has left you with puffy roots, frizzy ends and a general lack of shape, you’re not alone.

“Many people get stuck in a rut of blow-drying every day,” says celebrity hairstylist Luke Hersheson. “But come summer, when the weather is warmer, air-drying is not only a great way to save time, but – with the right products – you’ll be surprised by just how good your hair looks in minutes.”

The truth is that successful air-drying doesn’t just mean skipping the styling tools and hoping for the best; it’s about enhancing your natural texture. But whether that’s wavy, curly, coily or straight, it pays to know which products and techniques are best to avoid damage and frizz. 

Your air-dry begins before you even step out of the bathroom. “When washing hair, use a shampoo and conditioner packed with moisturising and nourishing ingredients,” says Hollie Rose Clarke, ambassador stylist for Living Proof. “This is your first defence against frizz.” And for a shine-boosting bonus? “Turn the water to cold at the end of your shower – not just to cool off but also to help close your hair cuticle,” she adds. The smoother the cuticle, the sleeker the end result.

Hair is at its most fragile when it’s soaking wet, which is why friction and over-styling can lead to breakage and damage. “While hair is still damp, detangle with a wide-tooth comb and then scrunch with a microfibre towel or cotton T-shirt to soak up excess water without roughing up the cuticle,” says Clarke. Resist the urge to twist it up in a towel turban or brush it through with force as this can cause stretching and breakage. 

Styling products are key to helping hair dry smoother and more defined. “After washing hair, apply a pea-sized amount of Living Proof Style Lab Air-Dry Styler, £27, to hands, rub together then scrunch throughout the hair, ensuring you reach right up to the roots,” says Clarke. “It helps hair to dry faster, delivers natural definition and reduces frizz by 86%.” If it’s too hot to wear your hair down, the formula also works perfectly with a slicked-back bun to tame flyaways, without the dreaded crunch.

If you’re after undone, beachy texture without the dryness of old-school salt sprays, Hersheson suggests trying the new-generation mist. “The Hershesons Air Dry Spray, £18, offers tousled texture and definition, but without the salty, sticky crunch of traditional beach sprays – plus it now has added UV protection for summer,” he says. Simply spray generously through damp (or dry) hair, then scrunch and twist. Or leave it loose to dry naturally.

Hair accessories aren’t just for hiding bad hair days; they’re a practical way to make air-dried hair look more styled and intentional without picking up a single hot tool. Whether you’re using a silk headscarf to smooth down the top section, popping in a chunky headband to disguise frizz or scooping hair into a claw clip to encourage a loose wave as it dries, these low-effort additions can elevate your look and keep you cool. Plus, they give that effortlessly put-together summer vibe… no blow-dry required.

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands