I’ve been letting my hair air-dry for more than ten years—check out the expert-recommended products that I trust.

      Having spent over five years in the beauty industry, I take pride in the extensive knowledge I’ve gained about hair, nails, makeup, and skincare. I’ve pretty much covered all the bases. Additionally, I have dedicated many hours to interviewing industry professionals and staying updated on the newest product launches. However, before my professional journey, there were areas where my understanding was limited, one of which was heat tools.

      Throughout my preteen years and into college, I habitually straightened my curly hair. Besides my salon appointments, I never used heat styling; I always opted to air-dry instead. Therefore, I was genuinely surprised to discover that a diffuser could help dry my curls while preserving their natural pattern.

      In my early 20s, I made the decision to stop straightening my hair entirely, though I still minimized my heat usage. After years of damaging my hair, I now only use a diffuser during my curly cuts. Other than that, I consistently air-dry my hair, so utilizing the right products to achieve optimal results is essential for me. While I have my preferred products, I was also eager to learn about the favorites of top hairstylists in the industry. Interested in their insights? Check them out below.

      **Best Mousse: The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam Curl Enhancer**

      For an affordable styling product that enhances hair, consider The Doux's option. Celebrity hairstylist Kee Taylor states, “The Def Texture Foam is a great styling step for added definition and hold, especially for waves, curls, and coils. It enhances natural texture, adds lightweight volume, and provides soft, touchable definition without making hair stiff or crunchy.”

      Pro: Provides hold, is lightweight, and leaves hair soft

      Con: May not offer enough hold for very coarse or textured hair when used alone

      Formula: Styling foam

      Key ingredients: Silk protein, aloe vera, hydrolyzed wheat protein

      Size: 7 oz.

      Customer review: “The pump is more environmentally friendly than pressurized versions, which is a plus. It smells great, gives a gentle hold on wet hair and medium hold on damp hair. I have thin, wavy-to-curly shoulder-length hair, and it lasts a couple of days and brushes out nicely.”

      **Best Gel: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Curl Gel Crème**

      I’ve been testing this gel for a month and love everything about it—from its scent to its texture. It keeps my curls defined and shiny all day long thanks to aloe, coconut oil, and cacay oil. I like to break the cast with a mist or oil such as OGX's Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco.

      Pro: Defines curls, provides long-lasting hold, reduces frizz

      Con: Requires oil to break the cast

      Formula: Gel

      Key ingredients: Aloe vera, coconut oil, cacay oil

      Size: 9.8 oz.

      Customer review: “This curl gel is fantastic! It’s excellent for slicking back hair and controlling flyaways all day! I love using it on both wet and dry hair for bouncy curls that stick together without being crunchy; it’s great!”

      **Best Spray: R+Co Rockaway Salt Spray**

      Though it is on the pricier side, it is undoubtedly worth it. Hairstylist Jackson Simmonds mentions, “R+Co's Rockaway leave-in salt spray is ideal for activating curls and waves, as well as adding texture and body to fine, straight, or limp hair—like coming out of the ocean with perfect texture and body.” "Just tousle it into towel-dried hair and leave it be."

      Pro: Adds texture and volume

      Con: Not suitable for dry hair

      Formula: Salt spray

      Key ingredients: Vitamin C, geranium extract, sage leaf extract

      Size: 4.2 oz.

      Customer review: “This is my new favorite salt spray! It smells amazing and doesn’t leave my hair feeling crunchy or dry. It adds just the right amount of texture.”

      **Best Anti-Frizz Cream: Ouai Anti-Frizz Hair Styling Cream**

      Senior beauty editor Jamie Chevron recommends this styling cream, which she uses every wash day. This formula is best for straight and wavy hair, thanks to key components like upcycled jackfruit, beetroot extract, and plant-based polymer, leading to smooth strands, humidity protection, and shine.

      Pro: Smooths frizz, enhances shine, non-greasy finish

      Con: May require more product for thicker hair

      Formula: Styling cream

      Key ingredients: Upcycled jackfruit, beetroot extract, plant-based polymer

      Size: 6 oz.

      Customer review: “This is fantastic for taming frizzy hair (type 2A/B). My hair is fine, so many creams weigh it down, but this one doesn’t!”

      **Best Budget: Odele Air Dry