It’s prime summertime, which means we’ve all got people to see, places to be, and plenty of things to do. Between booking tickets to see Barbie and booking flights to Europe, and there’s simply no time to waste on excessive hairstyling.
This season, we propose you skip the hot hair tools and buy yourself some extra time by going the air-dry route. As you embark on your sun-filled escapades, why not take advantage of the sun as a more natural alternative? It’s mother nature’s hairdryer, after all. Sure there’s the dreaded threat of humidity-fuelled frizz out there, but with the right products in your rotation, summer heat will be no match for you and your air-dried hair. And by the end of the summer, you’ll be left with a head full of hair that’s healthier than ever, and ready to take on the cold months to come.
Ahead, we’ve gathered game-changing products—from anti-humidity sprays to smoothing creams—we think you (and your hair!) will love.
If you’re prone to frizz, look no further than Color Wow’s Dream Coat Supernatural Spray. This revolutionary treatment is powered by heat-activated polymer technology, which works to smooth the hair and form a water-repellent-like layer of invisible protection against humidity. And for its final act, this baby can ensure your sleek style lasts up to four shampoos.
A dime-sized amount of this styling cream by Verb is all you’ll need to achieve an effortlessly air-dried ‘do. Thanks to a dreamy blend of moringa oil, mushroom extract and vegan proteins, this weightless product keeps hair defined, frizz-free, and shiny for up to 24 hours.
During the summer months, humidity can feel like our hair’s absolute worst enemy. This lightweight balm, perfect for fine and medium hair, works for heatless styles *and* air-dried waves. The fermented yerba mate extract within the strengthening formula adds a healthy, glossy shine leaving strands frizz-free and super soft.
Lock frizz and flyaways down for up to 72 hours with a couple pumps of this smoothing hair lotion by Pureology. As part of the brand’s Smooth Perfection line, this lightweight lotion leaves hair sleek, smooth, and protected from heat damage. Plus, its protective properties make it the perfect pick for shoppers with colour-treated hair.
Protect your tresses with one of Kérastase’s latest product offerings, Lotion Thermique Sublimatrice. A new member of the brand’s Nutritive product family, this moisturizing mist defends against high heat, frizz, and tough-to-tame tangles. Formulated with plant-based proteins and niacinamide, these star ingredients keep hair conditioned from root to tip.
Ideal for wavy and curly hair types, this kale extract-infused Air Dry Foam by Ouai instantly forms a perfect head of soft-textured, air-dried waves with no crunch in sight. As you work this product into damp hair, it simultaneously conditions and detangles — so there are no extra steps needed. Simply scrunch and go!
Made specifically with air-dry styles in mind, this JVN Cream is a must-have. With its frizz-fighting abilities and UV damage protection, it’s a no-brainer that this styling cream should become part of your summer haircare product rotation — no matter your hair type. In Jonathan Van Ness' expertise we trust.
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Lauren Knowles is FASHION Magazine’s digital beauty writer. If she’s wearing it, it’s neutral — but her minimalist taste doesn’t mean she’s not tuned in to what avant-garde trends are hot on the runway or in the works backstage with the beauty pros (she’s pinning it all to a virtual mood board for future reference). This Bahamian-born creative also has bylines in Elle Canada, Hypebae, and CBC.
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