Why Is My Hair So Frizzy When It Air Dries? How to Air Dry Hair Without Frizz
Are you tired of dealing with frizzy hair every time you air dry it? Don't worry, you're not alone.
Frizz is a common problem that many people face, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can achieve smooth, sleek, frizz-free hair. In this article, we’ll explore how to let your hair air dry without getting frizzy.
Why Is My Hair Frizzy After Air Drying?
Frizz occurs when the outer layer of the hair, known as the cuticle, is raised.
When air drying hair makes it frizzy, it’s often a sign that your strands aren’t hydrated enough, meaning they resort to absorbing the moisture in the air.
Other factors also contribute to frizzy hair, including genetics, damage, and environmental conditions - for more info, check out our guide to the most common causes of frizzy hair.
By understanding the science behind frizz, you can better address the issue and focus on preventing and managing it. Color Wow has been at the forefront of frizz-fighting from the very start - you can read more about our story here!
How to Avoid Frizzy Hair When Air Drying
Prepping Your Hair for Air Drying
#1 Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Before you jump into air drying your hair, it's essential to cleanse it properly. This step sets the foundation for achieving a frizz-free result.
When it comes to air drying your hair, the first step is choosing the right shampoo and conditioner. The type of products you use can significantly impact the frizz levels in your hair.
While your first instinct might be to reach for an anti-frizz shampoo… DON’T! In order for these shampoos to deliver on frizz-free results, they have to leave ingredients behind on your hair and scalp that don’t rinse out.
This is a problem because…
- It creates unhealthy buildup on your scalp that can block follicles and hair growth.
- It leaves a film on your hair strands that can interfere with the performance of your anti-frizz products.
- It forces you to wash your hair more often to get rid of the buildup. This is particularly problematic for frizzy hair. When you shampoo too often, you’re constantly washing away the natural oils from your scalp, preventing them from properly moisturizing your strands – a vital need for dry, frizzy hair.
It's also important to choose products that are free of sulfates. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz.
Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair healthy and frizz-free. We recommend our Color Security Shampoo & Conditioner or our Curl Wow Hooked Shampoo + Coco-Motion Conditioner:
Color Security Shampoo is the only 100% clean, sulfate-free shampoo that leaves no residues. Unlike most shampoos, every ingredient rinses off for optimal hair and scalp health!
Follow up with Color Security Conditioner which provides easy detangling and optimal hydration, as well as 3 levels of heat protection. Available in Fine-to-Normal and Normal-to-Thick.
For anyone with curly or coily hair, try Hooked Shampoo. It has the same 100% clean formula as our Color Security Shampoo but with an added bonus. Formulated with root-locking technology, it helps anchor your hair into your follicles for less shedding.
Follow up with Coco-Motion Lubricating Conditioner. Made with our proprietary micro-dispersion technology, it delivers deep-penetrating moisture from root to ends, for bouncier, healthier-looking curls.
#2 Opt for a Leave-In Treatment
Leave-in treatments are an excellent addition to your air drying routine, especially for those with frizz-prone hair. These products provide an extra layer of moisture and help to smooth the cuticle to keep that moisture from leaching out, helping you to avoid frizzy hair when air drying.
Money Mist is our light, luxe, leave-in conditioning treatment suitable for all hair types. It both detangles, defrizzes and strengthens your strands!
The Air Drying Process
Now that you’ve prepped your hair, it's time to let it air dry. We recommend following proper towel and air-drying techniques depending on your hair type for optimal results.
Towel Drying: Dos and Don'ts
After washing your hair, gently squeeze out excess water using a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt. Avoid rough towel drying, as the friction can lead to frizz and damage the cuticle. Instead, pat or scrunch your hair with the towel/t-shirt to remove moisture without causing excessive friction.
Techniques for Air Drying Different Hair Types
The technique you use to air dry your hair may vary depending on your hair type. For curly hair, consider using the "plopping" method, where you gently wrap your hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt to enhance curl formation and minimize frizz. For straight hair, allow it to hang loose and avoid touching it as much as possible to prevent frizzy hair after air drying.
Invest in the Right Products to Air Dry Frizzy Hair
Investing in quality hair products designed to combat frizz is essential for maintaining your desired hairstyle. Look for serums or oils that provide hydration and add a protective barrier to your hair. Additionally, consider carrying a travel-size anti-frizz product in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day.
Here are some of our favorite air dry stylers:
- One-Minute Transformation Styling Cream – On-the-spot frizz fix smooths, tames and de-frizzes instantly with nourishing Avocado Oil and Omega 3’s
- Pop + Lock High Gloss Finish – Unique oil-serum hybrid conditions plus smooths down the cuticle for an intensely glossy finish
- Dream Coat for Curly Hair – One-step curl styler glosses, defines, de-frizzes and moisturizes without weight or crunch
- Shook Mix + Fix Bundling Spray – Shake-to-activate spray combines powerful hydrators and crunch-free polymers for perfectly defined, glossy, frizz-free curls
Post-Drying Care for Frizz-Free Hair
Once your hair is dry, your frizz-fighting efforts don't end there. Implementing a post-drying care routine can help prolong the frizz-free results and keep your hair looking smooth and shiny throughout the day.
- To maintain your frizz-free locks, avoid touching your hair excessively, as this can disturb the cuticle and contribute to frizz.
- Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to prevent friction while you sleep.
- If your hair starts to feel dry throughout the day, use One-Minute Transformation styling cream for a quick frizz fix in under a minute.
By incorporating these techniques and maintaining a consistent routine, you can easily avoid frizzy hair when air drying.
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Want to read more about keeping your hair frizz-free? Check out the Color Wow Blog for more inspo:
