(Air) Dry January
The Magic of Air Drying: A Love Letter to Hair and Self-Care
If you’ve been with me on this journey, you know hair is more than just hair—it’s an extension of our identities, a reflection of how we care for ourselves, and, at its best, a ritual that reminds us to slow down. Since launching Crown Affair nearly five years ago, I’ve fallen in love with the magic of air drying to achieve what I like to call “no-makeup makeup hair.”
In honor of my team embracing Air Dry January, consider this your permission to give yourself the time and grace to discover your air-dried hair in 2025.
For me, hair has always been personal—a grounding ritual when life feels chaotic. No matter what’s happening, it’s a constant I return to. Some of my fondest memories are of my mom brushing my hair before bed, teaching me the importance of self-care, hair health, and the power of taking time to reconnect with myself.
As I got older, like so many of us, I straightened my hair into oblivion and piled on trendy products that were far too heavy for my texture. I noticed the same pattern with my friends and the women around me—so many of us had become completely disconnected from our natural hair and reliant on hot tools to make ourselves— as a dear friend with the most stunning curls hilariously put it— “feel something.”
It wasn’t until meeting my hairstylist of 13 years, Teddi, and diving head first into books about hair as a fiber, exploring its history, and taking the time to understand how ingredients perform that I began to realize all the potential magic my air-dried hair held.
The Magic of Air Drying
One of the reasons I set out to master the art of air drying was to reclaim my time—time I’d rather spend doing other things I love (instead of spending hours blow-drying and styling my hair). Creating a simple, reliable hair ritual not only freed me from all that back-end styling but also deepened my connection to my natural hair, making it a core part of my identity and vibe.
Figuring out my air-dry routine reminds me of the moment in my late 20s when I finally felt ready to leave the house without any makeup—thanks to an excellent, consistent skincare routine. Of course, I still love how I look with makeup (in the same way I love a blowout) but learning to feel self-assured without makeup or ‘perfectly done hair’ brought balance and a deeper sense of self.
A great air dry starts in the shower with the right wash care products, followed by a post-wash routine.
Here’s my step-by-step air dry routine that works for my wavy hair texture:
After washing (use a shampoo with a naturally derived surfactant system—no sulfates or PEGs to avoid over-stripping your scalp!), I gently towel dry with a microfiber towel.
Next, I detangle with a wide-tooth comb—no brushing when your hair is wet, please! Your hair as a fiber is super vulnerable when it’s wet, so be gentle on it.
I follow with a lightweight leave-in conditioner, applied mid-length through the ends, to hydrate and tame frizz or flyaways. Leave-in conditioner is a game-changer for all hair types and textures—it’s just about finding the right one for you!
Then, I scrunch in a nourishing, alcohol-free texturizing air-dry mousse. It adds volume and enhances your natural texture with zero crunch. This stuff is magic.
Add a touch of hair oil to seal in moisture and add shine.
You can pause here and let your hair do its thing until it’s fully dry, but I like to finish with my ‘Twist and Clip’ technique for heatless waves. I twist and clip the front two sections behind my crown and the bottom two sections under my chin, keeping them in place (and crease-free) with The Clips.
Once my hair is about 90% dry, I take out the twists and let the final 10% dry loose for soft, natural waves.
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When you try this, know that might take some time to figure out your personal routine (eg. how damp your hair should be when you apply products, what amount of product is best for you, etc), but once you’ve figured out your post-wash process, you’ll be able to take your time back.
This process is about allowing your hair to embrace its natural rhythm and texture—its unique personality, if you will. It’s about letting go of the idea that it needs to look like a blowout (or what we’ve been conditioned to see as “perfect hair”) and learning to love it just as it is. And like all good things, that kind of acceptance takes time.
And if an air dry feels like too big a leap from your current routine, try using this technique as a base and then add what I like to call Air Dry Plus+. Simply air dry as usual, then take a curling wand to refine and polish a few front pieces and sections around the crown. The result? Less polished blowout, more effortless Olsen vibes.
Let me know—have you tried air drying? How does your hair care routine make you feel more connected to yourself? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
And don’t just take my word for it— other women have tried it and loved it, too :)
Take care, and take your time, always.
Dianna
And now… Three Things I Love and A Haircare Tip:
Crown Affair The Clips in Malachite Our two-piece, handmade in France clip set holds hair securely without leaving kinks. Inspired by our beloved Malachite comb from our 2020 Violet Grey launch, this is my favorite color clip—now available on our site. The ultimate upgrade for your twist-and-clip technique.
AT-A-GLANCE 2025 Appointment Book While I rely on my digital calendar, there’s something grounding about laying out the week on paper. Writing down appointments and plans helps me process everything more clearly, and flipping through the pages ties it all together in a way a screen never could. This has been my favorite for the last 5 years and counting. I love the ritual of ordering a new one for the year ahead.
Birkenstock Gizeh A moment for another Olsen reference because, honestly, there can never be enough. I’m a Gizeh girl through and through—I love how Ashley styled them here even thought I mostly wear them at home and for quick errands. I wear them so much (even as I type this) that I go through about two a year. They’re so comfortable and my preferred alternative to the Arizona two-strap style.
A Haircare Tip: Brush Before You Wash Your Hair
Before stepping into the shower—especially if you’re already incorporating dry brushing or lymphatic drainage into your routine—consider making hair brushing a part of your pre-shower ritual. Grab your iconic dual-bristle brush and let it work its magic by helping with three key things:
Brushing before your shower clears away debris and buildup from the scalp, acting like a physical exfoliation to prep for a deeper, more effective cleanse when you shampoo. Taking a moment to brush from scalp to ends not only feels grounding but also optimizes your wash routine, setting the stage for healthier hair in the days ahead.
Detangling pre-wash reduces breakage, meaning less hair in the drain—a small win that adds up.
Brushing also supports hair growth and strengthens your strands by hydrating the fiber. If you haven’t yet made brushing part of your nightly ritual, start with this step before washing. A dual-bristle brush distributes your scalp’s nutrient-rich oils to the drier lengths, boosting hydration, enhancing shine, and promoting healthier, stronger hair over time.
So grab your brush like it’s you own magic wand, close your eyes, and calmly brush for a minute before your next wash day.
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I have been LOCKED IN to this TikTok series. Love having it all put together in Substack, too. 📝