I’ve just returned from Paris—these 12 products help me attain effortless French-girl hair in NYC.

      There is much to appreciate about the French. From their impeccably tailored clothing to their effortless allure and delicious pastries, Paris and its inhabitants captivated me. Amidst museum tours and shopping adventures, I found time to relax at cafes along the Seine, observing the stylish individuals who strolled leisurely—an obvious contrast to my commutes in New York City. I envied the effortless grace in their movements and appearances; there was something undeniably chic in their laid-back attitude towards beauty and fashion. (This is clearly reflected in the relaxed jeans-and-oversized-coat style that everyone in the arrondissements has perfected.) However, the one thing I believed I could replicate back home was what I'm referring to as “laissez-faire hair”—essentially my natural texture, enhanced and refined with air-dry styling products. “An air-dry styler enhances your hair's natural texture without the need for heated tools,” explains professional hairstylist and Oli G educator Flower Avila. “The choice depends on 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 may prefer something that adds texture and volume,” she adds. I quickly set aside my heat tools and allowed my hair to naturally form its waves and twists for the remainder of my trip but returned from my French adventure with a clear goal—to find the best products to maintain my air-dried texture. Below, discover the 12 best options for achieving instant French-girl hair, wherever you may be.

      **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 requires extra moisture, or if you prefer cream products over foams, JVN Hair's Complete Air Dry Cream stands out as the best choice. This versatile formula caters to all hair types, enhancing shape and movement. Squalane and hemisqualane bolster hair health, while chia seed extract provides natural, flexible hold. Your texture will not only appear more defined and smoother after air-drying but also shinier due to the gloss-enhancing moringa seed oil.

      Customer review: “I've been searching for a good air-dry/curl cream for about two years. My hair is between 2A-2B, thick but with thin strands, so finding something that doesn’t weigh it down has been challenging. I can confidently say this is a winner! It's light yet strong enough to showcase my hair's texture and curl pattern! I recommend it to anyone seeking something lightweight that holds all day!”

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

      Pros: Lightweight, adds touchable texture, volumizes hair; Cons: A bit pricey.

      Formula: Mousse | Key ingredients: Pink Bolivian salt, Tsubaki Meadows blend, plant protein blend | Hair type: All. A product I often reach for to style my natural texture is this Crown Affair mousse. Ultra-light and nurturing, this formula works wonders across hair types and textures—defining curls and waves while providing body and hydration to dry strands. You can apply this mousse in various ways: scrunch a few pumps into your hair for enhanced curls, apply it directly to the roots for added volume, or run it through your hair using your fingers for loose, French-girl waves.

      Customer review: “Perfect air-dry mousse for wavy hair. The waves are defined, and it stands up to Florida's humidity. My hair has never looked better when air-drying!”

      **Best Serum: Rōz Milk Hair Serum**

      Pros: Versatile formula, lightweight, reduces frizz; Cons: Quite expensive.

      Formula: Serum | Key ingredients: BotaniComplex, red algae, hyaluronic acid | Hair type: All. This serum combines a heat protectant, hydrating agent, and air-drying enhancer in one product. In my opinion, the Rōz Milk Hair Serum is incredible. I keep this serum close for days when I want to hydrate my air-dried locks and tame frizz. While it's excellent as an air-dry styler, this serum also excels in heat styling—providing shine and protection against heat up to 450℉.

      Customer review: “This serum is one of this