14 Air-Dry Hairstyles To Show Off Your Natural Hair

With the summer months right around the corner and the quarantine keeping us at home, there’s no better time to embrace our natural hair. Air-drying hair might seem like more of a drag than heat styling hair, but in reality, it’s exactly the opposite! Air-drying may be intimidating, but when done right, it means less hassle and less heat damage.

Put down your blow dryer, your straightener, and your curling iron away because we put together our favorite air-dry hairstyles for all hair types to try. With our tips and hairstyles to help you through, you’ll never want to go back to heat styling.

The Best Air-Dry Hairstyles To Try Now

Photo Credit: @chandi4220.

Textured Beach Waves

Who doesn’t love an effortless ‘do? When you have naturally wavy hair, all you need is a few spritzes of Pureology’s Style + Protect Wind Tossed Texture Finishing Spray to achieve a natural beachy look. This invisible, dry formula holds textured styles with a soft, touchable feel.

Photo Credit: @Jasmeannnn.

Half-Up Ponytail

A half-up ponytail is a tried and true style for air-dried hair. If your mane doesn’t dry exactly as you planned, this hairstyle can help hide that.

Half-Up Rope Braid

A twisted, bohemian-inspired braid like this is easy to accomplish and perfect for the summer months. To achieve this look, start by sectioning off the top half of your hair and dividing it into two. Twist the two sections of divided hair, and then wrap them together at the back of your head. Use bobby pins to hold your look in place.

Photo Credit: @chelseahaircutters.

High Bun

A voluminous, high bun works great while you air-dry on the go. Pull out face-framing layers to get this messy, undone look that is perfect for a hot day.

Photo Credit: @hellobalayage.

Bob

A bob might be the best hair cut if you consider yourself an avid air-dryer. A low maintenance hair cut like this lets you hop out of the shower and air-dry your mane quickly, with or without product. If you choose to use a product, look no further with Redken’s No Blow Dry Just Right Cream. This air-dry styling cream for medium hair makes it quick and easy to air-dry hair with effortless control, movement, and a no-product feel. It’s perfect for the days you don't want to or can't blow dry your hair.

Side Accent Braid

A side accent braid like this allows you to play with the way you part your mane while keeping hair out of your face.

Photo Credit: @hairbymonicacher.

Wash And Go

Embrace your ringlets and go natural with a wash and go. You can perfect a wash and go routine with a multi-tasking hair product like Mizani 25 Miracle Milk. This nourishing best-selling leave-in conditioner for all texture types provides a protective shield against heat damage and primes waves curls and coils for a perfect frizz-free finish.

Shag

An air-dried shag shows off all the layers that this cut has to offer. This cut beautifully embraces your natural texture, whether your hair is wavy or curly.

French Braid Pigtails

These are not your typical pigtails! Whether you choose to braid all the way through or halfway, have fun and accessorize these French braids or leave it be to embrace your natural hair. Braided pigtails are also great for creating second-day hair waves. Keep the braids in overnight to wake up with perfect waves.

Photo Credit: @dontemitchellhair.

Side Part

Looking for a style with minimal effort but maximum impact? Try out a deep side part while air drying your hair. This quick switch adds volume to your mane while embracing your natural texture. You may find yourself not wanting to part with it!

Photo Credit: @dremalczewska.

High Ponytail

A high ponytail can be worn for any occasion, whether casual or formal. To achieve this high ponytail with extra texture, we suggest using Biolage’s Styling Gelee All Purpose Styling Gel. Gelee Styler Firm Hold Gel is ideal for all hair types to add body shine and control.

Photo Credit: @braidsbunsandbeauty.

Waterfall Braid

If you’re looking to add a boho vibe to your air-dried waves, a waterfall braid is a perfect touch. While this braid might not be the most simple on our list, but our step-by-step guide can help you achieve the look in minutes.

Photo Credit: @tanglezhairstudionz.

Half Up Bun

Like a half-up ponytail, a half-up bun can mask any air-drying mishaps you might have. Plus, it’s a great lazy-girl hairstyle if you’re just not having it that day.

Photo Credit: @guidopalau.

Low Ponytail

Gathering your air-dried strands into a low, textured ponytail is an easy yet sophisticated way to style it. To get the look above, spray Redken Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray throughout your strands. This aerosol dry texturizing spray provides hair with airy volume, beachy texture, and medium hold without crunch or build-up.