I'm Against Blow-Dries—These Air-Dry Products Are My Secret to Smooth, Shiny Hair

I’ll be honest, it wasn’t until I cut my long hair and started trying to style a bob that I actually started using a hair dryer. For years, I’ve sat firmly in team air dry, choosing instead to let my strands dry slowly in their natural state.

Why? Well, for the most part, I’m lazy, and air drying has long meant one less thing for me to do when it comes to styling my hair. Secondly, blow drying has always been a skill I’ve struggled to master, and so I’ve always preferred to leave it to the professionals rather than attempt to give myself a bouncy blowout at home. That’s not to say I’ve sacrificed on achieving a sleek, shiny look, however, only that I’ve had to look for other ways to achieve it.

For glam occasions, that usually means a sweep with a straightener or curling tong once my hair has dried fully to create my desired style; however, at times, even that feels like too much work. It is on these more low-maintenance days that I lean into my natural texture and rely on the best air-dry products to define my naturally wavy hair and offer a more effortless look—products like hair creams and wave sprays, which add shape and reduce frizz without the need for added heat.

Before we get onto exactly what those products are, however, let’s talk about air drying as a whole, as there is a lot of advice circling in the beauty world on the effect air drying can have on your hair. To get to the bottom of it, I thought why not speak to an expert in the form of Neale Rodger, style director at STIL salon. Here’s what he had to say…

Is Air Drying Good for Your Hair?

“Yes, it can be! Air drying is a great way to avoid heat damage from blow dryers and styling tools, but only if you do it right,” he tells me. “A few things to keep in mind: hair is super fragile when it’s wet, so rough towel drying or aggressive brushing is a no-no. Also, having wet hair all day isn’t ideal either, as this can cause hygral fatigue, which basically means your hair gets worn out from soaking and drying it over and over.” So, if you find your hair takes hours to dry, it may not be the best method for you.

“Leaving it wet can also cause a fungus to grow, which will give symptoms such as dandruff,” Rodger continues, so if you’re noticing these problems, you may want to look into your drying routine. “I would say, however, air drying is especially great for wavy, curly or fine hair that tends to freak out under heat. Just let it relax into place.”

Is It Bad to Sleep With Wet Hair?

“It’s not the best habit,” says Rodger. “Wet hair is weak hair, and tossing and turning can cause breakage, frizz or those lovely morning cowlicks. A damp scalp also creates a cosy environment for fungus and dandruff, which no one invited. And let’s be real, you’ll probably wake up with weird, lumpy, mystery texture hair.”

“If you have to sleep with wet hair, however, use a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf,” Rodger advises. “Do a loose braid to help keep it from going wild, and towel dry or hit it with a little low heat before bed if you can.”

How to Air Dry Your Hair Nicely

“My first piece of advice is to swap your towel for a microfibre one or a cotton t-shirt, as these fabrics cause less friction and are way gentler on your strands,” says Rodger. “Add a leave-in conditioner or curl cream right after washing to keep things smooth and defined and avoid touching your hair while it’s drying as this teases the cuticles back up.”

“Got waves or curls? I would try wrapping your hair up in a t-shirt or putting it into a loose protective style, such as a braid, to shape things nicely,” he continues. “Always let hair dry in a space with good airflow, not a steamy bathroom, and detangle gently while it’s still wet using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Be gentle, and the best result will come.”

So, in light of Rodger’s advice and my own years of experience, I’ve created an edit of the best air-dry products, which will leave your strands feeling soft and looking smooth. Get ready to put down your hair dryer and reach for one of these air-dry products instead.

How I Tested

As I mentioned earlier, I've always sworn by an air-dry haircare routine, and so over the years I've tested many products which promise to help define without the need for heat. As my hair is fine with a mix of waves and curls, I've always opted for lightweight products that give definition and hold without weighing the hair down. For thicker hair and curly textures, however, I spoke to fellow beauty editors and friends to get their expert advice on their favourite air-dry products. Keep scrolling to see the results...

The Best Air Dry Products

• The Best Air-Dry Product for All Hair Types: JVN Hair Complete Air Dry Cream (£24)
• The Best Air-Dry Product for Fine Hair: Hershesons Air Dry Spray with UV Protection (£18)
• The Best Air-Dry Product for Curly Hair: Bread Hair Cream (£26)
• The Best Air-Dry Product for Volume: K18 Astrolift Reparative Volume Spray (£44)

1. JVN Hair Complete Air Dry Cream

2. Act+Acre Microfiber Hair Towel

3. Hershesons Air Dry Spray

4. Ouai Air Dry Foam

5. K18 Astrolift Reparative Volume Spray

6. Bread Hair Cream

7. Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

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At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

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