Wash-and-wear hair has been the dream for ages, and now it’s finally here. The only problem is when you wash and wear your hair, you look slightly better than bed-head tousled by a tornado.

How do women get that completely effortless but sexy look while keeping their hair healthy at the same time? Well, we’ve got the tips to help you get there.  And let’s be honest, it’s not completely effortless, but it is faster and better for your hair.

Tips for air-drying hair

The key to natural-looking hair is to air-dry it, or at least air-dry it most of the way. You might find that a little blast from the blow dryer is necessary to help you style and get out the door.

Mask it

If you’re not already using a mask or masque, on a regular basis then it’s time to embrace this hair-loving, moisturizing wonder. If you already use a mask but find you still have dry, lifeless hair that’s prone to breakage—it’s time to mask more often.

Avoiding dry fly-aways and frizz is a big step toward getting natural-looking hair that has a healthy glow. A moisturizing mask like Hair La Vie Masque gives you an added boost with keratin and essential oils that promote growth, strength, and that all-important silky, smooth softness.

Conditioner

Always condition your hair when you wash it. While skipping shampoo is permissible and sometimes desirable, skipping the conditioner is not. Not only can avoiding a conditioner lead to more breakage, but it can also give you the appearance of thinning hair. Add to that the damage any hot styling tools can do, and you’ve got trouble brewing.

Look for a good conditioner that uses several different oils to add moisture and fatty acids to your hair shaft and scalp. It will give you nourishment from inside out and outside in and will last all day.

Condition again

Did we mention how important a good conditioner is? Of course we did, and we’re not going to mention it again—well, not exactly. This time around it’s a leave-in conditioner that’s important.

On the days you wash and condition your hair, you probably don’t need a leave-in conditioner. But if you’re doing fewer washes to protect your hair and prolong your style, then you’ll want a quality leave-in conditioner, like Hair La Vie N° 77. This will help to tame frizz and make your hair more manageable.

Avoid your brush

The best way to keep your style looking natural is to wash it, brush it once, and then leave it alone. Brushes tend to separate natural curls and waves, and they add a frizzy element.

Another way to skip the brush is to use a wide-toothed comb while you’re still in the shower. Then don’t comb or brush it again.

If you’re lucky enough to have stick straight hair with a sleek finish, then the brush probably isn’t going to affect you as much as it does someone with natural curls. Your best bet is to try not brushing, and then try brushing to see which works best for you.

Skip the towel

Before air-drying, most people vigorously rub their hair with a towel to absorb moisture. This is not a proper towel technique and can cause immediate damage and frizz.

The best way to use a towel is to just skip it altogether. Instead of a traditional towel, try a microfiber hair wrap that’s designed to absorb water and won’t damage your hair. Then use it to blot, squeeze and press the water out of your hair. No more rubbing or twisting.

Final thoughts

Getting that effortless, air dried, natural look does take a little work, some well-chosen products, and practice, but it is possible.

The best way to keep your hair looking soft and sleek, without frizz or flyaways, is to keep it moisturized. You can use a mask, a good conditioner, and a leave-in conditioner to accomplish this. Try using them in combination or on different days to see which approach gives you the most control and the best look.

Finally, air-drying isn’t always about walking around with a wet head until Mother Nature finally cooperates. For some people that would take all day, and then some. Instead, learn to use proper towel drying techniques to jump-start the process. And don’t worry if you have to shoot it with a little air from your blow dryer to finish the look. A little blow dryer isn’t so bad for your hair.