How To Let Your Hair Dry Naturally Wavy

@VICTORIADAWSONHOFF / Design by Michela Buttignol

If you have thick hair that's prone to frizz, you've likely relied on the "tame information technology into submission" arroyo in the past and subjected your strands to many years of harm from hot tools and buildup from production overload—and understandably so. Two tried and true means to fight frizz are sealing the cuticle with a smash of heat from a accident-dryer or other hot tool, and finishing your mode with a multitude of serums. But despite all the hours spent straightening or crimper your strands every morn and trying endless anti-frizz creams and oils, your thick pilus probably only held the style a small fraction of time earlier reverting to its natural state. Sound familiar?

If you're tired of fighting confronting your pilus and want to find a mode to embrace your natural texture, give the hot tools and products a rest. Not only is information technology possible to fashion thicker hair sans heat, information technology volition look ameliorate and feel healthier in the stop. To accomplish frizz-free, defined natural waves, understand that it'south all in the wash and dry out—the air-dry, to be specific.

Perfecting the wash-and-dry out technique is cardinal to a low-maintenance routine for thicker locks. Then, we called on some of our favorite expert stylists for their tips on skipping the blow dryer while sidestepping pesky frizz and poufiness in the process.

Below, discover everything you need to know most how to air-dry thick hair perfectly every single time.

Run into the Expert

Remy Moore is a NYC editorial hairstylist and men's grooming adept.
Kylee Heath is a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with clients like Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, and Reese Witherspoon.
Marco Santini is a celebrity and editorial hairstylist the owner of Davines Ion Studio in New York City.

Emily Roberts / Byrdie

01 of 09

Skip the Shampoo

Hairstory New Wash $twoscore.00

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Shampoo tends to exacerbate frizz considering information technology tin strip hair of its natural oils, which is why it might be a adept idea to go without information technology altogether. (At the very least, cut your usage to once or twice a calendar week, tops). "The number ane product to avert is shampoo," says Moore. "Information technology's far too harsh on hair, and not necessary."

"I sometimes volition just rinse my hair and utilize conditioner to the ends," adds Heath. If switching just to conditioner seems too intimidating, try a cleansing conditioner for the time being or cream similar Hairstory's New Wash, which gently removes oil and grime while still leaving locks extremely hydrated.

After cleansing and massaging the scalp, add more than cleansing foam or conditioner to the bottom half of your hair, making sure to evenly coat it all (be generous with the product). Wash information technology out as you lot normally would.

02 of 09

Comb Your Pilus in the Shower—and Don't Brush It After

Diane Comb $3.00

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"If you brush your pilus when it's starting to dry out, almost dry, or all the way dry, you'll experience unwanted frizz," says Heath. Curly-haired folk who need to detangle should do so with a wide-tooth comb while they're in the shower, she says. (Just be sure to do information technology while your conditioner is setting to endeavour to avoid breakage).

03 of 09

Rethink Your Towel Technique

Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Towel $30.00

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Toweling is often the downfall of nifty hair and i sure-fire way to frizz and tangle strands. "My best communication is to not towel-dry the hair also much because that generates frizz and poufiness," says Santini.

Instead of rushing to sop upward excess moisture, take a gentler arroyo. "Information technology's not about roughing your hair up to go the moisture out quickly," says Moore. "In fact, information technology'southward the opposite. Make sure you get as much of the moisture out with your towel every bit possible, but not too aggressively."

Swapping in a microfiber towel for your one-time terry i is a start since the tiny fabric particles are meant to be far gentler on the hair cuticle than cotton fiber is. (And skip the T-shirt—that's a myth). Use it to dab and gently squeeze your locks until you're no longer dripping.

04 of 09

Use a Exit-In Product

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Leonor Greyl Éclat Naturel Styling Cream for Dry Pilus $46.00

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Fifty-fifty if it's only with coconut oil (which some people love), nourishing your hair is key for avoiding frizz and getting definition. Work a leave-in conditioner or styling foam into damp pilus as you lot scrunch. And don't be stingy—you desire to make certain all your pilus is evenly coated.

"People with thicker hair tend to focus on applying product to just the pinnacle of the head or the areas they can see," says Moore. "The only matter to keep in mind is even and ample distribution of product throughout the entirety of their hair."

That being said, touching your pilus too much can as well lead to frizz, so afterwards working that product in, hands off. "You don't want to play with your pilus likewise much," advises Heath. "But for some textures, a groovy fox is to twist multiple sections subsequently applying the product when the hair is damp and letting them dry out; then lightly running your hands through your pilus and calculation a thicker styling cream."

05 of 09

Do the Twist

Kevin Murphy Easy Rider Anti-Frizz Creme $31.00

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Proponents of the Curly Girl Method will know exactly what we're talking about. To get defined-looking waves, you demand to give your moisture locks a petty push in the correct direction.

"Your hair will dry in the shape that y'all leave it in," says Moore. "The more attending you pay to twisting your curls and placing shape in your hair, the meliorate your outcome will be." This ways scrunching excess h2o out of your locks (rather than overdoing it with a towel), and so twisting your locks into spirals later working product into your hair.

Moore also suggests using clips at the roots to make sure they stay lifted. And if you're planning on sleeping on damp hair, consider gathering your pilus into a pineapple ponytail. For this technique, pile your curls on superlative of your head and apply a large prune or scrunchie to secure them loosely. Not simply volition this pineapple play tricks preserve your curls while yous slumber, but it'll also give a great lift at the roots.

06 of 09

Mind the Ends

OGX Anti-Breakage Serum $9.00

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The oldest part of your pilus is at the ends, which is why the tips are the almost prone to dryness and breakage. And when your pilus strands divide, that gives mode to a lack of definition and frizz, non to mention the further breakage you lot'll experience if it's left untreated. Schedule regular hair trims, and in the interim use a serum or pilus oil to temporarily conceal split up ends.

07 of 09

Create Defined Waves With Surf Spray

Herbivore Botanicals Sea Mist $xx.00

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Sea salt sprays, while slap-up for giving hair beachy waves, have a reputation for leaving pilus parched and harbinger-like. However, Heath says when used in conjunction with get out-in conditioner, you get the perfect balance of hydration and texture. And when used on dry hair, it works to tame and ascertain any flyaways or unruly sections.

08 of 09

Deep-Condition Weekly

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Davines Nounou Hair Mask $36.00

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If your hair has a curl to it, information technology likely needs a little extra help in the moisture department. Because the oils from the scalp may have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft on curls than on straighter hair, moisturize information technology a footling with a deep-conditioning mask once a calendar week. Whether you're spending a lot of time outdoors in the summertime or rotating between bitter, wintry air and dry indoor heating, your pilus will desire all the actress hydration it can get.

09 of 09

Test-Drive Different Products

Living Proof Perfect Pilus Day 5-in-i Styling Treatment $16.00

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Y'all probably know by now that hair isn't but thick or sparse—everybody's strands are different, and a product that does wonders for someone else might be a total dud for yous. This tin can be based on pilus density, shaft size, or even just how greasy your scalp gets. Take this excuse to stock up on samples and take fun experimenting. (And effort all the items listed hither, since they're some of the most loved formulas out there).

That being said, you also need to factor in technique. "Don't try one thing and surrender if y'all don't like it," says Heath. "If your pilus feels as well heavy, then next time, use less. Attempt applying a calorie-free amount starting at roots so using more on ends. If your roots experience greasy, then next fourth dimension just apply from midshaft through ends."

FAQ

How can yous tell you have thick pilus?

The all-time way to decide if your hair is thick is to expect at and feel it. Typically, thick pilus will experience coarse and crude to the touch, whereas fine hair will feel barely noticeable.
How can I dry thick hair overnight?

If you've washed your pilus and demand to dry it overnight, gently remove backlog h2o with a microfiber towel. Then, apply an anti-frizz exit-in of your pick and either put your hair into a bun or a few braids/twists and sleep on a silk pillowcase.
How long does it usually take to air dry thick hair?

Thick hair typically takes anywhere from two to three hours to air dry out.