A. How Long Does It Take For Hair To Air Dry? How To Speed Up The Process?
Use the hair dryer or don’t use the hair dryer. That is the question. No, it’s not that sudden love took me through Shakespearean literature. Only abuse of the hair dryer has its consequences, but air drying takes time and patience. Hair takes 2 to 3 hours to air dry. Of course, several factors mean that drying takes more or less time. It’s the same with clothing. A plain scarf takes much less time to dry than a pair of jeans. The smaller the amount of fabric, the less time it takes to dry. Finer hair, less time to air dry. This is a simple and easy rule. It will also depend on the weather, although with climate change playing tricks on us, we can never count on it. In general, hair dries much faster in summer. And that’s obvious, the air is warmer.
1. 5 secrets to dry your hair faster
If possible, always use a good quality sulfate-free shampoo after washing your hair and towel dry.
- Purchase a microfiber cloth. What is the difference? First, it absorbs excess water better. Secondly, the hair does not break. Already have a microfiber cloth? Very good, now you should use it properly.
- Place the towel over your head and gently squeeze to absorb excess water. Repeat the process two or three times. Do not rub or crush the towel in your hair. Remember that wet hair is more brittle and prone to breakage.
- When you’re done, detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb whenever possible. Then wrap the hair in a towel like a turban, but in a way that does not pull the scalp and the hair is not too tight. You should feel like a fakir for at least 15 minutes.
- Don’t you have microfiber? Don’t worry. One day I discovered a trick without looking for it. I couldn’t find my microfiber towel anywhere, so I tried a typical paper towel.
- When you’re done absorbing excess water from your hair, apply a styling cream. Of course one of good quality. Don’t grab the first thing you find on the supermarket shelf. This helps moisturize the hair and smooth the cuticles. With these hacks, you can air dry your hair in at least an hour.
B. How To Air-dry Hair – A Quick Guide For All Types
Drying your hair seems like a deceptively easy task. You just have to let your hair down, right? Not much. If you leave your hair sopping wet, when it dries naturally your hair will be a jungle of frizz and mess. The perfect air drying technique requires the right products, tools, and application techniques for your hair’s texture, length, and climate. In this comprehensive guide, we detail how to air dry your hair according to different textures and hair types. Scroll down to find out more.
1. The benefits of air drying your hair
Air drying is considered the easiest and healthiest way to dry your hair for the following reasons:
- Prevents Heat Damage: Air drying gives your hair a much-needed break from blow dryers and other heat styling tools.
- Helps retain moisture: Heat styling often dries out strands. Air drying prevents your curls from losing moisture and keeps them moisturized for a long time.
- Prevents hair breakage: Blow-drying applies concentrated heat to a section of hair during vigorous styling. This often stretches the hair strands and causes breakage. Air drying does not involve such aggressive techniques.
The best part is that air drying saves the time and effort required for blow drying. Despite this, you still need to invest in proper aftercare to style your hair. But before that, it’s important to understand what hair types are ideal for air drying.
2. What hair types are ideal for air drying?
Contrary to popular belief, air drying is not suitable for all hair types. Certain hair textures have an undue advantage, including:
a. Nice hair
Very thick and dense hair can end up taking all day to air dry. If you’re blessed with finer curls, air drying your hair is easier.
b. Natural textures and waves
Air drying can bring out the beauty of naturally wavy hair and improve its texture. It doesn’t weigh your hair down and adds definition to your waves.
c. Undamaged hair
If your hair is relatively intact, straight, and in good shape, your hair will air dry as much as possible. If your hair falls into the above categories, consider drying your hair naturally. But for the best frizz-free results, you should know how to dry your hair according to your hair texture. The following section will help you with this.
3. How to air dry your hair depending on your hair type
a. Curly hair
- Wash and condition your curls with a sulfate-free shampoo.
- Squeeze out excess water with a microfiber cloth.
- Flip the hair and divide it into four sections.
- Apply a light hair gel/oil to each strand of hair.
- Scrunch the hair to define the curls.
Choose the right type of products, such as B. Curl defining creams, light serums, hair gels and curl taming lotions. Check the ingredients and choose products with moisturizing oils, plant butters, and other moisturizing ingredients. However, avoid products containing silicone as these can cause deposits. Use the right curl definers on wet curls to keep your natural pattern. The right curl definitions give your curls a more controlled look. Avoid thick and dense products. Co-wash to preserve your hair’s natural oils.
Don’t brush your curls in a downward motion. It will leave no room for volume in your hair. Instead, brush your hair away from the scalp at a 90-degree angle to get the fluff. Once completely dry, fluff up the roots with a wide-toothed comb to lift them up and add movement. Use a microfiber hair towel to prevent chafing, breakage and frizz.
b. Curly and Afro-textured hair
- Apply the leave-in conditioner to damp hair.
- Massage a few drops of coconut or jojoba oil into your locks and scrunch them up.
- Finish with a curl cream and define the curls with your fingers to give them a corkscrew shape.
- Allow the hair to air dry.
Use light, moisturizing natural oils like olive, avocado, and Jamaican castor oils. Apply just a few drops to add shine and hydrate curly hair. Follow a special aftercare routine. Start by applying a mixture of a leave-in conditioner and a nourishing hair oil to damp hair. Finish with a styling cream to define the curls.
If you want smooth spirals in your thick, curly hair, consider following this weekly routine:
- Soak your hair in diluted apple cider vinegar.
- Clean with a hair cleanser.
- Intensive care for approx. 15 minutes and put on a shower cap.
- Before styling, apply a light conditioner daily from root to tip.
- Apply a bentonite clay mask for a deep clean.
- Finish styling with a natural styling gel to help the spirals hold their shape.
- Allow the hair to air dry.
Braid your hair, twist it into a bun and secure it a few inches below the crown. This little effort gives your hair an extra boost and gives it more body. Alternatively, finger curl your hair for a more defined look. If you want less volume, smooth out the roots by making two loose braids. After an hour, shake it up for a no-fuss look. Before twisting up the braids, apply a moisturizing mist. Finally, use a hair stick to gently fluff up the roots.
c. Straight hair
- Wash hair with mild shampoo and conditioner.
- Towel dry your hair and apply a volumizing mousse evenly.
- Detangle with a wide-toothed comb
- Twist your hair back and forth to allow it to settle down naturally.
Avoid touching or playing with your hair while it is air drying or you will end up with frizzy hair. Use just a pea- or dime-sized amount (depending on hair length) of product and distribute evenly. Otherwise, it can weigh down your hair. To get soft waves that frame your face, tuck a strand of hair behind your ears and secure with bobby pins. As your hair air dries, the pins work to enhance the curve and give you enviable soft waves.
On the other hand, twist your hair into a four bun before going to bed and wake up with soft, pretty waves around your face. Use a light cream/mousse to improve texture, minimize frizz, lift roots and prevent flyaways. Always comb to distribute the product evenly and allow it to act. You can use a light spray for instant stimulation.
d. Wavy hair
- Wash your hair with a light moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
- Detangle with a wide-toothed comb.
- Squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel and allow hair to dry naturally for 15 minutes.
- Apply a salt spray (while damp) to add volume to your hair and let dry.
- Apply a styling cream and twist your waves into two-inch sections for added definition and shine.
To define your natural wave, braid your hair loosely before bed and secure it in twists. This will also prevent your hair from becoming swollen. For beachy waves, spritz damp hair with a salt spray, loosen four braids and let them air dry. Buy a heavy curl-defining cream for thick, wavy hair. Use moisturizing shampoo and conditioner with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and natural oils.
Use a light dry oil followed by a conditioner or moisturizing serum. Use a wide-toothed comb to evenly distribute the product, preventing frizz and giving your hair a glossy shine. If you live in a humid area, use a hair gel that retains heat and moisture. Never let wavy hair dry on its own. Use a microfiber towel to soak up excess water and avoid frizz. Allow to air dry for about 15 minutes and shake. In the next section you will find the best tips and tricks for drying your hair without frizz.
4. Three basic rules for air-drying hair without frizz
Whatever your hair type, follow these three rules for perfectly air-dried hair:
- Choose an appropriate conditioner and hair styling product. Avoid trying products and consult a hairstylist to choose the best products for your hair type.
- Use a mix of leave-in conditioners and lightweight curling irons to define your natural waves and condition your hair.
- Calculate the amount of product to use (based on your hair type).
These tips can help you maintain hair definition. Not all hair types dry quickly; some may take hours to dry. Find out why in the next section.
5. Why does it take so long for my hair to air dry?
It usually takes one to two hours for damp hair to dry completely. However, this time may vary depending on the length and porosity of the hair. Very porous hair can take a whole day to dry. This is because porous hair absorbs water quickly and takes longer to dry. Normally curly, frizzy and curly hair types are very porous and take longer to dry. Air drying your hair reduces the risk of heat damage, improves moisture retention in the hair and prevents hair breakage. Fine hair, naturally textured hair, wavy hair and undamaged hair are better suited to the air drying method than other hair types. With the right hair products and techniques, you can dry your hair without worrying about frizz or unmanageability. So scroll up and read these helpful tips to learn how to dry your hair efficiently. As you use these tips, you will see an improvement in the texture, feel and look of your hair.