The Pros And Cons Of Letting Your Hair Air-Dry

While some people always dry their hair with a blow drier, others swear by letting it dry on its own. In fact, air-drying is gaining popularity, especially as we've all become more aware of the damage frequent blow-drying and heat can cause. In hopes of figuring out just how good (or bad) air-drying truly is, we turned to Imaj Artists member Danny Jelaca, celebrity hairstylist and salon owner of Danny Jelaca Salon & Spa on Miami Beach.

"Air-drying your hair can be a healthy and environmentally friendly option, but it's important to consider your hair texture and lifestyle," Jelaca tells Glam exclusively. "While many of us reach for the blow dryer out of habit, air-drying has become a popular alternative. However, like any hair care method, it has its pros and cons, depending on your hair type and texture." If you're trying to figure out whether air-drying is a method that would benefit you, here are the pros and cons you need to consider.

For those who can't be bothered to blow dry their hair, air-drying is a great alternative. In fact, people have let their hair-dry on its own for centuries, so it certainly can't be too bad. One of the biggest pros of letting your hair air-dry is that it won't get any of the heat damage associated with blow-drying. "Air-drying your hair can significantly reduce heat damage. Frequent use of blow dryers, especially at high temperatures, can lead to split ends, dryness, and overall weakened hair strands," celebrity hairstylist Danny Jelaca tells Glam exclusively. "By allowing your hair to dry naturally, you preserve its natural moisture, which can result in softer, shinier, and healthier hair in the long run." Air-drying is particularly great if you're trying to grow your hair, as it will help you maintain hair health.

Another major pro of air-drying your hair is that it is an environmentally friendly option, and you don't need any tools to do it. "Opting for air-drying reduces electricity usage, making it a more sustainable choice for eco-conscious individuals," Jelaca adds. "Additionally, it eliminates the need for heat protectants and other styling products that might contain harsh chemicals, contributing to a more natural and green beauty routine." So, next time you reach for the blow dryer, remember that skipping on blow-drying can actually help you achieve healthier locks while also lowering your electricity bills.

While air-drying is great for your hair, it doesn't come without a couple of cons. "For those with naturally curly or frizzy hair, air-drying can lead to unpredictable results," celebrity hairstylist Danny Jelaca explains to Glam exclusively. "Without the assistance of heat and styling tools, hair may dry unevenly, resulting in frizz, lack of definition, or an unfinished look. This can be particularly frustrating for individuals who prefer a more polished and controlled hairstyle." Of course, with some trial and error, you can figure out just how to get the best results from air-drying, but figuring this out might take some time.

Apart from the fact that you lack control of the final result, air-drying also takes much longer than blow-drying. "Air-drying can be a lengthy process, especially for individuals with thick or long hair," Jelaca says. "Unlike blow-drying, which can quickly dry and style hair in minutes, air-drying may take hours, making it impractical for those with a busy schedule or for use in colder climates where leaving the house with wet hair isn't ideal."

Because of this, most people who decide to incorporate air-drying in their routine need to plan when to wash their hair ahead to ensure there's plenty of time for it to dry. Alternatively, switching between both methods is a great way to explore what air-drying has to offer without any pressure.

One thing that can make quite a big difference when air-drying is knowing your hair texture and just what it needs. "The effectiveness and appeal of air-drying vary depending on hair texture," Danny Jelaca tells us exclusively. Depending on whether your hair is fine, straight, wavy, curly, or coily, you might get drastically different results.‌

"Individuals with straight or wavy hair may find air-drying more manageable, as their hair tends to dry evenly without much frizz," he explains. "A lightweight leave-in conditioner or air-dry cream can enhance the hair's natural texture, resulting in a smooth and effortless look." Those with more textured hair might need a bit more practice to ensure they're achieving the best results when air-drying. "For those with curly or coily hair, air-drying can be a double-edged sword," Jelaca says. "While it can help maintain curl integrity and reduce heat damage, it may also exacerbate frizz and create inconsistent curl patterns. Using a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting or applying a curl-enhancing product can help manage these challenges."

However, just because different hair reacts differently to air-drying, that doesn't mean a perfect routine doesn't exist. In fact, there is a plethora of great products out there that can ensure air-dried hair has lots of volume and minimal frizz. There is also a variety of methods you can use to air-dry hair — for example, those with curls might benefit from plopping. All that it takes is finding the right ones for your hair type!