Everything I Use for Effortless Air-Dried Waves

Three things I hate when it comes to my hair: putting in any amount of effort, wielding a blow dryer in an attempt to make it look a certain way, and spending any extended period of time thinking about it.

And yet, I am decidedly unhappy when my long hair looks flat. Doing literally nothing does not yield Jerry Hall circa Batman results. Doing something entails doing something.

Welcome to my conundrum.

Somehow though, through trial, error, indeterminable laziness, and a lot of free haircare samples, I’ve found a mix of high- and low-end products that help me achieve damn-near effortless bounce, wave, and body.

Here’s the rundown on how I transform my naturally lifeless hair into a wavy masterpiece that looks like I actually tried today.

Desert Essence Shampoo and Conditioner

I don’t believe in throwing down cash on products that you wash off: cleansers, shampoos, conditioners — you get it. So when I find brand that’s cruelty-free, effective, and cheap, I’m unlikely to deviate. Dessert Essence hasn’t disappointed. The Italian red grape shampoo lathers nicely to remove any oil or product residue from my hair, and its conditioner counterpart isn’t heavy or greasy. It smells good and each bottle costs about $7. Works for me.

Sachajuan Ocean Mist Spray

Cut to: out of the shower, gently towel-drying my hair, letting the air-dry process start. I add about four sprays of this delightfully beachy mist to my still-damp locks, from about the ear down. Scrunch, run my fingers through, and call it good.

That is, unless…

IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel

Sea salt sprays are notorious drying — and my sometimes-split ends have seen that crunchy reality come true. (Most contain denatured alcohol, as does my Sachajuan fave.) So when I feel like the old mop needs an extra hit of moisture — but I’m unwilling to sacrifice the undone waves I hold so dear — I pull out IGK’s coconut oil gel.

Truly a hybrid between an oil and a gel, it’s neither runny nor reminiscent of There’s Something About Mary. The formula, with its pearlescent sheen and vacation-worthy scent, gets the job done without drying out my hair. I take about a grape-size dollop and work it through the ends of my hair for a little more moisture, but an equally bendy look.

Bobby Pin

After applying my styling potion of choice, I let my hair air dry in a loose low bun secured with one bobby pin. I have no brand allegiance here. Any one from the bottom of your purse will do. The single pin tucks in both the tail of my hair and secures the circular bun. But sometimes it’s more of a lazy girl’s french twist. Dealer’s choice.

The general vibe is a done-but-not look that allows me to go to work (or wherever) without having to blow-dry my hair. I’ll take it out and reset the bun a couple times throughout the day, as a one-pin look is likely to unravel. And by the afternoon or evening, my hair’s usually dry enough to stand — with gentle waves curling toward the ends — all on its own.

Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo

My shampoo philosophy holds true when it comes to the dry variety. I’ve tried all the ones everyone swears by, and nothing beats the formula or the price of Not Your Mother’s. I’m partial to the original “clean freak” formula, but there are variations on the tried-and-true oil-zapping variety that offer up different textures and scents. No matter what you choose, the 7-ounce bottle will cost right around $5. I spray liberally on day two, three, four — however long I can reasonably put off the next actual shampooing. Because, I’d like to stress again, I don’t want to deal with any of this.

Satin Scrunchies

For sleeping, I pile my hair atop my head in a sort of pineapple-y knot that’s loosely secured with a satin scrunchy. Silk would do, too. And yet again, I’m not partial to a brand. Whatever material or logo you choose, you’ll avoid the friction caused by less-smooth hair ties, which often contribute to frizz and those unwanted kinks that jut instead of curve. The pineapple-y knot approach (why yes, I’m trademarking it) adds dimension and volume to my hair — and secures waves where I want them.