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Beauty/Hair/Styling Products & Treatments

Top 10 Air-Dry Products

Good-Looking Air-Dried Hair Is Easy To Achieve—You Just Need One Of These 10 Products

Good-Looking Air-Dried Hair Is Easy To Achieve—You Just Need One Of These 10 Products

The power of a blowout is undeniable. In fact, there’s a whole episode of New Girl centered around the idea that a fresh blowout gives a girl a dangerous amount of confidence. But in reality, blowing out your hair on the daily isn’t doable, because not only is it pricey—it’s also time-consuming. That means that most of us need a low-effort strategy for styling our hair that also delivers a self-esteem boost. Enter: air-dry hair products.

Air-dry hair products are formulated to lock in moisture, prevent frizz, and increase definition, so that you can skip the blow dryer and heat-styling tools and let your locks dry in their own natural fashion. And in addition to reducing the time it takes to go through your hair routine, opting to use product and let your hair air-dry is much healthier for your strands.

How To Air-Dry Hair Overnight

If you’re ready to embrace your natural hair (or you just need an alternative for days when there’s no time for the whole shebang), one of the best strategies is to let your locks air dry overnight. Of course, you’ll get the best results with an air-dry hair product, which is why we’ve got 10 of the best options money can buy listed below. But before you get to those, let us share our process for how to air-dry hair overnight:

After washing and conditioning your hair, give your strands a good squeeze to remove excess moisture. Once you’ve gotten every drop of water you can get out of your strands, use a microfiber hair towel to gently squeeze some more. Try not to rub your hair with the towel as it can cause breakage and frizz.

Next, you’ll apply your hair product of choice (we recommend opting for something hydrating and frizz-defying). If you’re using a spray, you can apply the product directly to your hair—otherwise, work the product into your hair with your hands section by section. Once your strands are lightly saturated with product, use a wide-tooth comb to work out any tangles or knots you might have.

Lastly, make sure you cover your pillow with a microfiber towel. Not only will this help you avoid sleeping on a damp pillow all night, but it’s also a great way to avoid waking up with a head full of frizz. Alternatively, you can use a silk pillowcase, which is great for both your skin and hair. 

How We Found The Internet’s Best Air-Dry Hair Products

Now that you’ve got the technique down, it’s time to find the perfect air-dry hair product for you. But you should know that we do things a little differently at Rank & Style. In order to make sure that the products we recommend are worth the hype, we use data—specifically user reviews, best-seller lists, editor recommendations, and social buzz. All of this information is filtered through our algorithm, and the result is a bias-free list of the best products in any given category. So, if you’re ready to find the miracle product that cuts your hair routine time in half, keep scrolling. 

Next up, check out the 10 Best Hair Fragrances and Mists. Opening image: nordstrom.com

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April 20, 2022

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Air-Dry Styler
Rank & Style Approved

target.com

IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Air-Dry Styler

Overall Score

4.2

10

IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Air-Dry Styler

4.23

1291 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS: Coconut oil is at the top of the list of ingredients in IGK’s Rich Kid Air-Dry Styler, which means this product is best for those with fine to medium hair who are looking to add shine and softness to their locks.

HOW TO USE IT: Here’s how to use IGK’s Rich Kid to air dry wavy hair without frizz: Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet, clean, towel-dried hair. Dispense a quarter-sized amount of product into your palms, then use your hands to apply it to your hair, working from root to tip. Twirl your strands to create defined waves, give your hair a good scrunch, and let your locks air dry.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


L'Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Air Dry It Undone Style Cream

Overall Score

4.2

09

L'Oreal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Air Dry It Undone Style Cream

4.22

1585 User Reviews

3.2

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES: Here’s why L’Oreal’s Undone Style Cream is one of the best air-dry hair products around: It infuses your hair with softness and shine while also providing a subtle amount of hold, and it’s formulated to prevent build-up so your hair doesn’t feel weighed down.

WHO IT’S FOR: This product works best for those with medium to coarse, dry hair.


Bumble And Bumble Don't Blow It Fine Hair Air Dry Styler

Overall Score

4.2

08

Bumble And Bumble Don't Blow It Fine Hair Air Dry Styler

4.22

2908 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHO IT’S FOR: One of the best air-dry hair products for fine hair on our list, Bumble And Bumble’s Don’t Blow It style cream works for those with soft, fine to medium hair.

HOW TO USE IT: If you’re looking for additional volume and body, here’s how to air-dry your fine hair: work a dime-sized amount of product (or more for medium hair) into your towel-dried hair from mid-strand to tip. Then, squeeze your strands and give them a twist to add texture. 

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

Overall Score

4.2

07

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

4.36

1396 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS: Curlsmith’s Weightless Air Dry Cream is packed full of natural ingredients like wild murumuru (a moisturizing fatty acid), babassu seed oil, grated ginger, castor oil, and dragon fruit pulp.

WHO IT’S FOR: Good news: This air-dry hair product is appropriate for all hair types.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry

Overall Score

4.25

06

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Detangler + Air Dry

4.45

3449 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS: One notable credit on the Pure Clean Detangler's list of ingredients is aloe vera, a scalp-soothing and moisturizing hair supplement.

HOW TO USE IT: This hair product is both a detangler and an air-dry serum. Using it is super simple: Just spray the product straight onto your wet, clean hair, and use a wide-tooth comb to gently distribute it throughout your strands.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream

Overall Score

4.4

05

OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream

4.31

10580 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS: This ultra-moisturizing, creamy air-dry hair product from OGX includes a blend of coconut oil and shea butter that results in soft, bouncy strands.

WHO IT’S FOR: Because of its hydrating superpowers, this product is best for air-drying curly hair that’s in need of a moisturizing boost.


Odele Air Dry Styler

Overall Score

4.45

04

Odele Air Dry Styler

4.53

1079 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES: With a completely clean ingredient list, this air-drying serum provides lightweight moisture that helps seal out frizz and separate strands, resulting in that perfectly tousled look we all dream about.

WHO IT’S FOR: Odele recommends this product for those with fine to medium hair, and after a quick scroll through the reviews, it seems to be one of the best air-dry hair products for those with a wavy or curly hair texture.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Color Wow Dream Coat For Curly Hair

Overall Score

4.45

03

Color Wow Dream Coat For Curly Hair

4.22

8280 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES: You can toss all your other underperforming hair products, because Color Wow’s Dream Coat Anti-Frizz Treatment is a multitasker. It moisturizes, conditions, de-frizzes, restores bounce, and keeps your curls soft, flexible, and full of shine.

WHO IT’S FOR: ATTN: Those seeking crunch-free curls, this is definitely one of the best air-dry hair product options for you, and it works for fine to thick hair.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-In-1 Styling Treatment

Overall Score

4.6

02

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-In-1 Styling Treatment

4.46

6505 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHAT IT DOES: Looking to turn up the volume of your hair? Look no further, because Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Treatment is formulated with a thickening molecule that helps strands look and feel fuller.

HOW TO USE IT: Here’s how to air-dry hair with Living Proof’s PHD for volume: Shampoo and condition your hair, then use a microfiber towel to squeeze excess moisture out. Squeeze a small amount of product into your palms, then work it through your hair section by section from root to tip. Finish your routine with a pass through your strands with a wide-tooth comb.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


MoroccanOil Hydrating Styling Cream

Overall Score

4.7

01

MoroccanOil Hydrating Styling Cream

4.61

15703 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Product For Flyaways Overall

NOTEWORTHY INGREDIENTS: Argan oil, a plant oil produced from Morocco’s native argan tree, is the key ingredient in this styling cream. And not only does argan oil moisturize your hair and scalp, but it also helps prevent hair loss so your locks stay as thick and full as possible.

WHO IT’S BEST FOR: If you have medium to coarse, wavy or curly hair, and you’re wondering how to air dry your strands without frizz, this styling cream might be the answer you’re looking for. It is not recommended for fine hair, because argan oil is known for being a heavy moisturizing agent.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

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