I Just Returned From Paris—These 12 Products Helped Me Attain Effortless French-Girl Hair in NYC

      There are many admirable qualities about the French. From their impeccably tailored clothing to their effortless beauty and delicious pastries, I found myself enchanted by Paris and its inhabitants. Amid museum visits and shopping excursions, I spent time in cafes along the Seine, simply watching the stylish individuals stroll by at a leisurely pace—so different from my commutes in NYC. I envied the effortless grace in their movements and appearances, reflecting their chic, relaxed attitude toward beauty and fashion. (The laid-back jeans-and-oversized-coat look seemed to be a skill mastered by everyone in the arrondissements.) One thing I realized I could recreate back home was what I call “laissez-faire hair”—embracing my natural texture enhanced with air-dry styling products. “An air-dry styler enhances your hair's natural texture without the use of heat tools,” explains Flower Avila, a professional hairstylist and educator at Oli G. “What you look for depends on your hair type and desired style. For instance, someone with very curly hair might seek a hydrating product with a strong hold, while someone with fine, straight hair might prefer something that adds texture and volume,” she adds. I quickly set aside my heat tools and let my hair fall into its natural waves and curls for the remainder of my trip, returning from France determined to find the best products to maintain my air-dried look. Below, you’ll find the 12 top products for achieving effortless French-girl hair, no matter your location.

      Who What Wear’s associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia with air-dried hair in Paris.

      **The Best Air-Dry Stylers at a Glance**

      - **Best Cream**: JVN Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Styling Cream

      - **Best Mousse**: Crown Affair Texturizing Air Dry Hair Mousse

      - **Best Drugstore**: Odele Air Dry Styler

      - **Best Budget**: Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Crème

      - **Best for Frizz**: Briogeo Style + Treat Air Dry Hair Styling Cream

      **Best Cream: JVN Complete Hydrating Air Dry Hair Styling Cream**

      **Pros**: Controls frizz, shapes texture, moisturizes strands

      **Cons**: None noted

      **Formula**: Cream | **Key ingredients**: Squalane, chia seed extract, moringa seed oil | **Hair type**: All

      If your hair is dry and in need of moisture, or if you prefer cream products over foams, JVN Hair's Complete Air Dry Cream is your best option. This multitasking formula caters to all hair textures, defining shape and movement. Squalane and hemisqualane strengthen hair, while chia seed extract provides natural, flexible hold. Your texture will appear more defined and smooth after air-drying, and moringa seed oil will enhance shine.

      **Customer review**: “I’ve spent two years searching for a good air-dry/curl cream for my hair. It’s between 2A and 2B, thick but with fine strands, so it’s been hard to find something that doesn’t weigh it down. I can say this is a winner! It’s light enough for a generous amount but strong enough to define my texture and curls! I recommend it to anyone needing something lightweight yet strong enough for all-day hold!”

      **Best Mousse: Crown Affair Texturizing Air Dry Hair Mousse**

      **Pros**: Lightweight, adds texture, volumizes hair

      **Cons**: On the pricier side

      **Formula**: Mousse | **Key ingredients**: Pink Bolivian salt, Tsubaki Meadows blend, plant protein blend | **Hair type**: All

      One of my go-to products for shaping my natural texture is this Crown Affair mousse. Lightweight and hair-friendly, it works wonders on all hair types and textures by defining curls and adding volume to dry strands. You can apply this foam in various ways: scrunch a few pumps into your hair for enhanced curls, apply it to your roots for added volume, or distribute it through with your fingers for loose, French-girl waves.

      **Customer review**: “The perfect air-dry mousse for wavy hair. It defines waves and withstands Florida humidity. My hair looks its best when air-drying.”

      **Best Serum: Rōz Milk Hair Serum**

      **Pros**: Versatile, lightweight, minimizes frizz

      **Cons**: Quite expensive

      **Formula**: Serum | **Key ingredients**: BotaniComplex, red algae, hyaluronic acid | **Hair type**: All

      This product combines a heat protectant, hydrating serum, and air-drying agent in one. In my opinion, the Rōz Milk Hair Serum is a miracle worker. I keep it on hand for days when I want to hydrate my air-dried strands and tame frizz. It excels in