Image courtesy of @brie.donnelly
Air-drying your hair may seem straightforward (it’s in the name after all) but there's actually a proper way to do it for the best results. The advantages of air-drying go beyond mere convenience, as it helps protect the hair from heat damage caused by styling tools and appliances, while also minimizing the occurrence of frizz, the benefits are numerous. However, the approach to getting your best air-dried hair may vary depending on your hair type and texture.
What Is Fine Hair Type
Fine hair, with its delicately thin strands, often presents a unique styling conundrum that can baffle even the most seasoned hair enthusiasts. At the heart of these styling challenges is the very structure of fine hair, particularly when it's straight. Each strand of hair is encased in a protective layer known as the cuticle. Picture the cuticle as a series of overlapping scales running along the hair shaft. In fine, straight hair, these scales are usually more tightly bound than in other hair types, which contributes to the hair’s smooth texture.
One pivotal factor is the lack of volume and body inherent to fine, straight hair. Because the individual strands are thinner and the cuticle lays flat, it's more challenging to create and maintain volume. The absence of texture often means that styling products and tools don't have as much to "grip" onto, leading to hairstyles that may deflate more quickly than one would hope.
Those with straight hair should also consider the susceptibility of fine hair to getting weighed down by styling products. Because the strands are lighter and not as dense, the application of even moderately heavy products can lead to a greasy or flattened appearance, rather than providing the intended volume or texture. This balancing act of finding the right products is crucial for fine, straight hair and can significantly impact styling success.
We're peeling back the layers on the art of air-drying specifically for those of us blessed with fine, straight strands. Whether you're a low-maintenance gal or just seeking to give your hair a break from the heat, you're in the right place.
Best Products for Fine Hair
Fine, straight hair, often perceived as being difficult to style due to its tendency to lay flat, is actually more versatile and manageable than one might think. The inherent nature of straight hair means it's generally free from the frizz that can plague curlier textures, offering a sleek canvas to work with.
To navigate the nuances of fine, straight hair, the key lies in selecting the right arsenal of styling products. Lightweight formulas are paramount—they provide the desired lift and volume without weighing the hair down.
The approach when it comes to measuring products should always be “less is more.” Overloading fine, straight hair with heavy products or too much product can quickly lead to it looking greasy or limp. With a little trial and error, you can experiment how much of what product your hair specifically needs.
How To Style Fine Hair
- Start by gently brushing out any knots with a detangling brush, use a detangling spray if your fine hair is also thin or fragile to avoid breakage.
- Section hair in to 6-8 parts, and spray a volumizing spray directly at the root (spray 2-3 inches distance away from your head.)
- Warm a drop or 2 of hair serum in your palm before running it through midshaft to ends. If your hair is on the drier, or damaged side, focus more towards the ends.
- To add a bit of body, braid your hair using the same sectioning method. Once your hair is fully dry, remove braids and gently shake hair plaits loose, spray a little bit of Dry Texture spray to build more volume.
Pro Tip If you choose to braid your hair, make sure hair is 100% dry otherwise the your hair won't dry, and will fall straight once the braids are removed. Don’t tie your elastic too tight either, this will prevent having that hard dent in your ends.