14 Air Dry Hair Products That Have Me Retiring Hot Tools All Summer

Because I'd rather be at the beach than with my blow dryer.

a woman with blonde wavy hair
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

When it's hot out, I'm tired (always), and I'm late (also, always), so pulling out my favorite blow dryer is not in the cards. But I'm happy to report that living a low-maintenance life and having a good hair day isn't such a far-off dream. Enter: the best air-dry hair products that enhance my natural texture, seal my split ends, control frizz, and double as heat protectant.

Available in oils, creams, mousses, and gels, air dry products come in a range of textures that work with all hair types and densities. Using one of these products is simple—and should take all of two minutes before you head out the door. "If you air dry your hair, I suggest using a microfiber towel to remove as much water from the hair as possible after showering," says Dimitris Giannetos, a celebrity hairstylist and colorist based in Los Angeles. "Then, use a detangling brush or comb before running an air dry product through your hair." Within roughly an hour, you'll notice that your curl pattern is defined and added shine.

Not sure where to start when shopping for the best air dry products for hair? Ahead, the 10 best products to air dry your hair with that beauty editors and experts use and love. From drugstore options that feel more like serums to stronger-hold creams that stand up to intense humidity, there's an option for every concern.

The Best Air Dry Hair Products

catharine malzahn testing jvn complete air dry cream

Catharine Malzahn testing JVN's Complete Air Dry Cream.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

three image collage of catharine malzahn before and after using herbal essences all in 1 nourishing spray, plus product texture

Catharine Malzahn testing Herbal Essences' All-in-1 Nourishing Spray.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

catharine malzahn before and after testing emi jay heavenly hair milk, plus product texture

Catharine Malzahn testing Emi Jay's Heavenly Hair Milk.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

Sophia Vilensky before and after Roz Milk Hair Serum, plus product texture

Sophia Vilensky testing Rōz's Milk Hair Serum.

(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)

Catharine Malzahn before and after testing Briogeo Superfoods Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture 3-in-1 Leave-In Spray, plus product texture

Catharine Malzahn testing Briogeo's Superfoods Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture 3-in-1 Leave-In Spray.

(Image credit: Catharine Malzahn)

How Do I Air Dry My Hair?

Air drying has pros and cons. The major pros are that "letting your hair air dry could potentially help avoid damage from heat and help preserve hair color," says Giannetos. However, there is a wrong way to do it, which can result in some damage and extra frizz. "If you are planning to let your hair air dry, please just avoid going to sleep with wet hair," he adds.

For best results and to keep your hair healthy, use a microfiber towel to remove as much water from the hair as possible after showering, says Giannetos. Then, use a styling cream and/or detangling spray if needed.

If you're worried about heat damage but still want to speed up the air drying process, Giannetos recommends "blow drying your hair on a low heat setting and using a diffuser."

How Do I Keep MyHair From Getting Frizzy When Air Drying?

Frizz happens. Specifically, it happens when your hair is dry and the climate is humid, so your strands start pulling moisture from the air around it. The most obvious solution is to keep your hair hydrated. "To prevent the hair from becoming frizzy when air drying, shampoo and condition with a hydrating formula," advises Giannetos. "Then, when it’s time to let your hair dry, make sure you use the right products on your damp hair to help it dry nicely."

How Do I Use Air Dry Products for My Hair Type?

Slapping any old product on your ends isn’t going to get the job done—there’s a technique. “You need to take as much of the excess moisture out of the hair with a towel,” advises Reed. “Comb through the hair with product and leave the comb tracks in place—don’t disrupt them until the hair is almost dry. Then gently manipulate and open up the hair. The longer you can leave the hair without touching it, the less frizz you’ll have. If you touch it, it gets fluffy and doesn’t maintain that nice, air-dry finish.”

Yu'll have to experiment to find out what kind of air dry product works best on your hair type. “Generally, thicker hair with more curls will require heavier moisture to stay hydrated," says celebrity hairstylist Adam Reed. "Something like a cream could be a good place to start. Finer hair will need much more lightweight hydration.”

He also suggests using less product at the start so your hair doesn’t weigh down. If frizz starts to creep up, consider adding a drop of oil for added hydration.

How Much Product Should I Apply?

While the exact answer to the “how much product” question has more to do with your specific hair type and texture than anything else, celebrity stylist Glenn Ellis suggests "starting with a dime-size amount if you have fine hair and a quarter-sized amount for thicker hair. You want it to be enough to work through all of the hair, but not too much that it weighs down your strands. You can always add a bit more if neede,d but start off with less and add where needed, he explains.

What Do Air Dry Products Do?

Air drying your hair is the perfect no-fuss way to look good straight out of the shower. "Air dry products coat the hair and help keep the frizz to a minimum,” says Ellis. “They also add shine and nourishment to the hair without leaving a crunchiness or heaviness feeling to the hair."

Does How I Wash My Hair Affect How it Air Dries?

The short answer is yes. Before you think about air-drying your hair, you’ll want to find the best shampoo and conditioner for your hair type to really set yourself up for success. Shampoos and conditioners that weigh your hair down or make it too greasy cannot be remedied by adding in more products, no matter how good they are.

Why Trust Marie Claire

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Meet the Experts

Adam Reed
Adam Reed

Adam started working in 1995 and has since gained international recognition in the hair industry. He has launched four salons, styled stars and collaborated on a range of fashion week events and runway shows. In his journey, Adam has always been open about his own mental health. In demand for both editorial and session work, he heads up shows and campaigns for the likes of Mathew Williamson, Julien McDonald and House of Holland and has work featured in British & American Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Grazia, Tank W, Esquire and Nylon magazines. He is also a Global Ambassador for both L’Oréal Professionnel, GHD and the Green Salon Collective.

Glenn Ellis
Glenn Ellis

Originally from Southern California, hairstylist Glenn Ellis is praised for his ability to adapt to different hair types and textures. Glenn is just as skilled at taming the most rebellious curls as he is at creating voluminous manes out of lifeless hair. Glenn’s talent and versatility has garnered the attention of the film, fashion, television, and music industries. He has earned accolades within the hairstyling community for his work featured in CR Fashion Book, Vogue, and Nylon Magazine, and he has had the privilege of working with renowned personalities, including Olivia Wilde, Tinx, Sara Paulson, Meg Ryan, Jane Fonda, Sienna Miller, and Sia.

Franck Izquierdo’s
Franck Izquierdo

Franck Izquierdo’s blend of masterful cutting skills, avant-garde vision and savior-faire has made him the go-to stylist for celebrities across the globe. His grandfather, who owned a salon in Paris, mentored Franck in finding his own style at a very young age. He later developed his techniques in Paris and London at the most prestigious salons, including Toni & Guy on Faubourg St Honore where he served as part owner and international creative director. Today he co-runs the Miami-based IGK Salon in Miami’s Design District with his brother Leo. His expertise lies in working with geometry of the hair, the symmetry of the layers that complement the client's face shape and the natural fall of the style

headshot of celebrity hairstylist dimitris giannetos
Dimitris Giannetos

Dimitris Giannetos is one of today’s most influential and sought after hair experts, known for his unmatched talent as both a hair stylist and colorist. His natural ability to create flawless, trendsetting looks has earned him a reputation as a trusted consultant to some of the world’s most notable figures. Growing up in a small town in Thessaloniki, Greece, Dimitris knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue a career as a hairstylist. He has also worked backstage at fashion shows in New York, Milan and Paris and his work has been featured on the covers of top publications such as Vogue, ELLE, InStyle and more. Today, his clients include: Amal & George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Lindsay Lohan, Megan Fox, Candice Swanepoel, Camila Cabello, Gigi Hadid, Joey King, Demi Moore and more. With his passion, technical expertise, and charisma, Dimitris Giannetos continues to set industry trends, making him a true force in the world of beauty.

Catharine Malzahn
Contributing Beauty Writer

Catharine Malzahn is a freelance beauty editor and writer. She has more than half a decade of experience covering everything from skincare and makeup to spas and injectables. Previously, she held editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention; you can find her work in those publications and in Glamour, Byrdie, InStyle, PS Beauty, NewBeauty, CR Fashion Book, Makeup.comSkincare.com, and more. When she's not writing or testing beauty products, you can find her cooking, trying a new restaurant, or reapplying sunscreen. A SoCal native, she received her BA in journalism from the University of Southern California's Annenberg School For Communication and Journalism.