In high school, I rocked some pretty frizzy, poofy hair. Not by choice, but because I didn’t realize I had wavy hair. I’d blow dry it upside down (that’s how all our moms of the ’80s and ’90s taught us, right?) and I didn’t know what a straight iron was. As you can imagine, I looked a little like Dr. Emmett Brown from “Back to the Future.”

I then discovered that my hair was textured and began to use every heat tool imaginable to get it looking super straight or perfectly wavy. Since I’m not into spending an hour on my hair every time I style it, I finally decided to try air-drying. I’ve been using various air-drying techniques for almost 20 years now (what?!) and it’s become my go-to hairstyle, which is perfect for busy moms like myself. It’s one of the most asked questions on my Instagram, so I’m going to share some quick and easy ways you can achieve this look, too.

First, let me start off by saying that air-drying your hair is extremely liberating. It’s quick, easy and embraces your natural hair. It also forces you to become comfortable with messy hair. This look is not about perfection. This is about looking like you rolled out of bed with cool, effortless waves. So don’t be afraid of stringy, frizzy or unruly hair.

A few years ago, I shared a post about this, and for the most part, that still holds true. However, I’ve been playing around with some new products and techniques that I wanted to share.

Quick Air-Dried Waves:

I don’t do anything too fancy when shampooing and conditioning my hair. Although, I do like to use products that are hydrating and help combat frizz. Right now, the two brands I’m loving are Olapex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Conditioner and Sachajuan Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner. When I get out of the shower, I lightly towel-dry my hair avoiding too much rubbing or it will make my hair more frizzy. Some days, I will brush it once before adding product, and other days, I will avoid brushing. I usually avoid it to get more curl, but if I want more of a loose wave that is more soft, I will brush it first, but I never brush it after I add the products.
Ideally, showering and washing your hair at night is best. Then you can let your hair dry while you sleep and you get an even more undone look.
If I’m brushing my hair first, I will brush it while wet with this brush. Then I will add in some kind of curl-enhancing cream. My current favorite is Kristin Ess Curl Defining Creme. I will gently run that all over my hair. Then I will allow that to sit for a few minutes.
I also use the same curl cream if I’m not brushing my hair. I will take my hair out of the towel and gently place my hair where I want it to sit and then I will add the cream.
Then when my hair isn’t sopping wet, I will try a few different products depending on the day. I’ve been enjoying Sailor by Captain Blankenship Gellyfish Hair Gel when I want more hold. Otherwise, I will lightly scrunch in Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Crème and then add in either Kristin Ess Sea Salt Air Dry Spray or Ouai Wave Spray.

That’s it! I try not to touch it or brush it again after that. Sometimes it may need a bit more scrunching or rearranging, but typically I leave it. After a few hours, I have nice tousled waves.

I can’t speak for different hair types. There are lots of different steps you can take for pretty, air-dried waves that will work for all different kinds of hair. However, if you have wavy hair, this is an easy routine to try!

You might also want to check out 20 Hair Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed, or the Best Order For Your Summer Skincare Products!