Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a control freak like being separated from your styling tools, a more frequent occurrence as summer holidays get under way. Not having to blow dry, straighten, curl or tame wet hair may feel liberating for some, but can be a nightmare for those who go to great lengths to maintain a flawless ’do.
“I think air-dried hair suggests a carefree approach to personal style and presents as being very modern and fresh these days,” says Toronto hairstylist Jason Lee, who still understands that, for some, learning to stop worrying and love your natural texture is hard.
According to Lee, when it comes to drying hair al fresco, it’s best to leave well enough alone. “If you’re on the beach and want a great beach wave, try to let it air dry with minimal brushing or combing,” he says, advising to keep your towel at bay as it disrupts hair’s natural texture.
There are, however, some low-maintenance styles he suggests trying post-swim if you want to take more control of your otherwise carefree hair. Twisting strands into two Princess Leia-style buns on top of the head or into loose braids as it dries will set it in a no-fuss wave. And if you simply must throw some product in your beach bag, a spritz of a salt spray can help enhance your natural wave, while a serum can tame frizz.
Even if you think you don’t like how your hair looks when you let it do its thing and air-dry, try revisiting your natural look periodically. Who knows? You may just like what you see.
What to try
Mist this sugar spray all over wet hair for loose texture and added volume without any crispiness.
Kerastase eau de vagues silicone-free beach wave spray, $43 through kerastase.ca.
This volume-boosting foam defines curls and adds lift for an off-duty lion’s mane.
Innersense I create lift, $34 through thedetoxmarket.ca.
For beachy waves that are more Monaco than Muskoka, Oribe’s spray hydrates, adds body and protects from the elements.
Oribe après beach wave and shine spray, $47 through kissandmakeupstore.com.