My 'Twist and Clip Method' for Heatless Waves 〰️

the art of the air dry is real, come learn.

From the post-wash towel moment to the damp ‘twist and clip’ to the complete air-dry

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: taking time to really understand and be more intuitive with your hair will be one of the best relationship investments of your life.

A few years ago I dove head (and hair) first into learning about hair as a fiber, the history of hair, and, more practically, which ingredients my (fine, wavy) hair loves and responds well to. I finally figured out what I needed to do for my hair to make it the best version of itself— or what I call, ‘no makeup makeup’ hair.

With ‘no makeup makeup’, it’s not that you’re not wearing makeup, it’s just enhancing what you have, and also prioritizing care so your skin is in its healthiest state.

Haircare as an industry for years just gave us one option: the full-beat makeup equivalent. We’ve been shown ‘perfect’ #hairgoals most of our lives in traditional hair care ads and commercials. Don’t get me wrong, I love a blowout as much as the next person—as well as a full-face makeup look—but it’s just not the reality of my everyday life. Also, let’s be real, you’d never see an Olsen twin with a perfect blowout in 2023. There’s something about that undone, real feel with a tiny bit of polish that I personally resonate with more than a glamorous red-carpet blowout.

Ashely and Mary Kate Olsen, hair by their long-time stylist Mark Townsend, who has noted they’re mostly ‘wash and go’ clients. For this event, you can see he used a heat tool to polish the style but enhanced their natural texture.

Enter my life hack of all life hacks: my ‘twist and clip’ technique for heatless waves.

It’s made me fall even more in love with my hair and has given me so much time back to do other things.

The process is simple. I should definitely note that it works well on my hair since I have fine hair with a natural wave. It might not work for you—but maybe there is a version that does! If you find one, I'd love to hear about it. Go off in the comments.

Step 1: Prep

1. Shampoo and condition your hair (mini wash day duo here if you haven’t upgraded your S&C, now is the time!)

2. Towel dry (with the towel The Strategist calls the best all-around hair towel)

3. Comb as you usually do (no brushes on wet hair, please! Also is there anything that reminds you to care for your hair more than a beautiful comb handmade in Switzerland from plant-based cellulose?)

4. Apply your moisturizing products. (my Leave In and Hair Oil of choice. Pro tip, if you spend money coloring your hair do not use a hair oil with added color!)

The moisturizing product(s) that you use post-wash matter. The Leave-In Conditioner and The Oil are essential for shine, definition, hydration, and fiber flexibility. Think about it: you wouldn’t not put moisturizer on your face after you wash it. Why would you leave your hair not moisturized after you wash it? Frizz is literally your hair reaching to the sky for more moisture, so give it a drink.

Step 2: Twist and Clip

1. Take the front two pieces, twist them behind your head, and clip them together at the base of your crown. (I swear by our double-claw clips— they hold your hair in place and are beautifully made in France.)

2. Take the bottom sections and twist them into two (or sometimes four if I want a tighter curl) and clip those together below your chin.

3. Now live your life while it dries!

4. Leave it in for an hour or so— or however long it takes for your hair to mostly dry.

5. Take the clips off and shake it out!

Video Tutorial HERE and below

@diannacohenthe art of the air dry 💚〰️✨ #celanhaircare #heatlesswaves #airdryhair #crownaffairairdry

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I have so much more of a defined wave and definition than if I just let my hair hang there to dry without the twist and clip.

Is it the same as a blowout? No. But I actually love the texture in my hair closer to the root when I take it out. It’s real, and it’s me. If I have an event I want to look a bit more dialed for or my hair is in desperate need of a cut, I’ll reach for a 1-inch curling wand to polish off a few pieces on top of my natural texture.

Let me know if you’ve tried this technique or have modified it in your own way. Send me a note if you have questions or have zero idea where to start with caring for your hair. That’s what I’m here for.

Take care, always.

Dianna