4 Stylist-Approved Hair Products Specifically Made for Air Drying so You Can Give Your Hot Tools the Summer Off

Nothing can convince you to take break from your blow dryer quite like heat styling your hair in 90-degree temps. Blasting your head with hot air when it’s already hot as hell outside isn’t necessary (thanks to air dry hair products) and is mostly a waste of time considering your blowout likely doesn’t stand a chance against the humidity, anyways.

Even if you do have the luxury of styling your hair with the AC on full blast, it’s still a good idea to take some time away from your hot tools. “Too much heat on the hair causes breakage—constantly heating and cooling will weaken the hair, leading it to break,” FEKKAI brand stylist partner Chad Wood previously told Well+Good.

And in the warm-weather months, the elements add an entirely new slew of reasons to kiss your blow dryer goodbye. “In summer, when our hair is already exposed to more harsh elements like damaging UV rays, chemically treated water, or even salt water, it is beneficial to refrain from the use of excessive heat when styling,” says celebrity stylist Jeremy Tardo, who counts Miranda Kerr and Miley Cyrus among his clients. “Air drying hair can prevent unnecessary damage caused by hot tools.”

The good news? Letting your hair dry on its own doesn’t mean you’re stuck walking around with a wet, meh-looking mess on top of your head. Keep scrolling for Tardo’s list of stylist-approved products, each of which was designed specifically to help every hair type dry naturally—and beautifully.

For wavy hair

Davines Love Curl Cream — $25.00

Tardo’s a fan of this lightweight, leave-in cream for helping to define all types of curls and waves. Instead of a ’90s-esque crunch, it will give strands a shiny, natural-looking finish that makes them appear like they haven’t got any product in them at all. Simply rub it in between your hands and scrunch into your hair for best results.

For fine curly hair

Rene Furterer Sublime Curl Nutri-Activating Cream — $28.00

This stuff is great for curls that need a little extra oomph. In addition to helping create defined coils, the evening primrose oil it’s formulated with works to nourish and regenerate hair and protect against frizz. Use your fingers to tousle it into wet hair, then leave it to work its magic while your hair air dries.

For dense curly hair

Pattern Leave-In Conditioner — $25.00

Leave-in conditioners, like this one, are great for adding moisture into hair—which can be particularly helpful during this time of year, when dryness-prone textures are at risk of becoming even more dry, thanks to all the sun and salt they’re subjected to. Tardo likes to use this product on coarse hair thanks to the fact that it adds and seals in moisture while also helping to create a more-defined (but still soft and natural-looking) curl pattern.

For straight hair

Leonor Greyl Tonique Hydrant — $59.00

When it comes to air drying straight hair, Tardo says you can’t go wrong by adding this hydrating tonic into your routine. It strengthens and moisturizes strands while also adding bounce and volume. Use it on wet hair to ensure it dries as desired, or spritz it into dry hair to give it a little extra amplification.

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