Relaxed Heads: For those that used to fail at getting soft hair from airdrying

[VirtuousBeauty]

I thought it might be more helpful for me to see if there were any people that used to suffer with rough airdried hair or hair that just wasn't soft enough.

For those that used to struggle with airdrying what products did you use to get the results you wanted?

I plan on trying an aloe vera/rosewater/wheatgerm oil mix while my hair is in cornrows under my wig, but I still wanted to see what has worked for you other ladies so I can keep it in mind. Especially if this doesn't work.

FYI (Products that don't work for me when airdrying)
S-curl
Herbal Essences LTR leave-in
Qhemet BRBC

 

[C@ssandr@]

There is a very long thread about airdrying around here somewhere, I think. Do another search.
If I find it I'll come back and paste.
HHG

 

[krissyprissy]

I use some type of serum for softer hair while airdrying. I have used argan oil with good results and Sally's gvp chi silk infusion also.

 

[SleekyHair]

I use the Paul Mitchel Skinny Serum when I air dry and it makes my hair super soft.

 

[charmtreese]

I use to air dry hard and crispy now I use the following products for soft and smooth air dried hair:

Mizani d'tangle - Not a must have, but I like it. I was airdrying soft before this product, but it does help to detangle and smooths out the hair shaft a bit. Use: I use this on towel dried

Joico K-pak leave-in reconstructor - Also probably not a must have if you have thick hair, but since I have fine hair I need all the strength I can get and this product really delivers. Use: I use this on towel dried hair that has dried for a little while.

Joico K-pak color therapy restoring oil - A must have! This is a serum type product and I think the key to airdrying is finding a serum that your hair really likes. For me this is the best serum when airdrying, it also helps in the detangling process. before using this serum I was using CHI, which also worked well. This oil/serum helps with detanling and keeps the cuticle laying flat. Use: I use this normally after my spray leave-in on towel dried hair.

Kinky Curly Knot Today - Not a must have, but really helps if you have a lot of new growth. I apply this mostly to my new growth and a little on the ends once my hair is detangled and this really smooths out my roots and allows them to lay flat and smooth. I can tell the difference in my hair since using this product. It gives it a really silky feel. Use: After detangled on roots and a little on the ends.

Castor oil - This is what I use to seal my hair once its about 90-95% dry. I guess any oil that you really like will work but castor oil is my airdrying favorite. My hair dries nice and soft and is a must have for airdrying. Use: to seal/lubricate hair once its about 90-95% dry

African Royale/Kinky Curly Knot Today/Castor oil mix - I just recently lucked up on this combo and it works well with keeping my ends moist and smooth while airdrying. Again this is a MUST have for me and while I was airdrying okay without this mix, Im airdring even better now with it. Use: sprayed on ends once detangled.

I airdry in a low ponytail with a scarf. I use Ojon styling paste on my edges and I oil my scalp with castor oil mixed with eo's once my hair is about 90-95% dry.

To style I roll my hair up on one big flexi rod w/ or w/out a pin curled side bang. This allows me to wear my hair is sleek ponytails, buns or any loose updo.

BTW: I have 4b relaxed, fine, thin to medium density hair

 

[Minty]

I don't need to use any after product.

I'll throw in what I do use, but its not for softness:
*Redken Anti-Snap
*A few drops of Sunflower oil (like 2-3 drops)

I would suggest there are other parts of your reggie that require tweaking if your hair is hard when air drying.

My #1 culprit - shampoo. The type of shampoo I'd use would either make or break the rest of my process. Even if my DC was spectacular, if the shampoo was too taxing, my DC wouldn't be able to recover from that damage.

**Using ceramides has helped tremendously.

HTH

 

[Amber_moon]

Also Herbal Essences "None of your Frizziness" does a great job too!

 

[SelfStyled]

Iono, maybe its's me, or my coarse/texlaxed/underprocessed hair but I have never had soft airdried hair ever. I have used lots of different combo's to no avail. I am type 4a/b btw. Sorry I am no help OP- just wanted to commiserate.

ETA: I airdry using the scarf method and while I can get the top and the sides to lay down smooth its not soft by any mean, but softer than my ends, which airdry really rough, lol.

 

[bigbrowneyez]

chi silk infusion+aveda universal styling creme
giovanni direct leave-in
i airdry in a plait or bun

 

[Faux]

I use Fekkai glossing cream when I airdry. It's definitely a must have for me! My hair never came out this silky before! I also love to use it with a bit of Giovanni direct leave-in.

 

[divachyk]

I use to air dry hard and crispy now I use the following products for soft and smooth air dried hair:

Mizani d'tangle - Not a must have, but I like it. I was airdrying soft before this product, but it does help to detangle and smooths out the hair shaft a bit. Use: I use this on towel dried

Joico K-pak leave-in reconstructor - Also probably not a must have if you have thick hair, but since I have fine hair I need all the strength I can get and this product really delivers. Use: I use this on towel dried hair that has dried for a little while.

Joico K-pak color therapy restoring oil - A must have! This is a serum type product and I think the key to airdrying is finding a serum that your hair really likes. For me this is the best serum when airdrying, it also helps in the detangling process. before using this serum I was using CHI, which also worked well. This oil/serum helps with detanling and keeps the cuticle laying flat. Use: I use this normally after my spray leave-in on towel dried hair.

Kinky Curly Knot Today - Not a must have, but really helps if you have a lot of new growth. I apply this mostly to my new growth and a little on the ends once my hair is detangled and this really smooths out my roots and allows them to lay flat and smooth. I can tell the difference in my hair since using this product. It gives it a really silky feel. Use: After detangled on roots and a little on the ends.

Castor oil - This is what I use to seal my hair once its about 90-95% dry. I guess any oil that you really like will work but castor oil is my airdrying favorite. My hair dries nice and soft and is a must have for airdrying. Use: to seal/lubricate hair once its about 90-95% dry

African Royale/Kinky Curly Knot Today/Castor oil mix - I just recently lucked up on this combo and it works well with keeping my ends moist and smooth while airdrying. Again this is a MUST have for me and while I was airdrying okay without this mix, Im airdring even better now with it. Use: sprayed on ends once detangled.

I airdry in a low ponytail with a scarf. I use Ojon styling paste on my edges and I oil my scalp with castor oil mixed with eo's once my hair is about 90-95% dry.

To style I roll my hair up on one big flexi rod w/ or w/out a pin curled side bang. This allows me to wear my hair is sleek ponytails, buns or any loose updo.

BTW: I have 4b relaxed, fine, thin to medium density hair

thx u for the detailed rundown. this is really helpful. i can air dry okay but i hate air drying in a braid b/c i'm not that fond of braidouts.

ETA: do you run your fingers over and through your hair while air drying to smooth the hair or does it automatically dry silky soft with the product combo you're using.

 

[lea86111]

charmtreese what consistancy is kckt? Is it purchased online only? I keep hearing about this
HijabiFlygirl what hair type are you? What dc's do you use?

now to answer your question, in order for my hair to be soft when i airdry i use qhemet biologics amla and olive heavy creme and seal it with hot 6 oil, works like a charm. This is the only leave in i've tried that works for me so far.

 

[VirtuousBeauty]

I don't need to use any after product.

I'll throw in what I do use, but its not for softness:
*Redken Anti-Snap
*A few drops of Sunflower oil (like 2-3 drops)

I would suggest there are other parts of your reggie that require tweaking if your hair is hard when air drying.

My #1 culprit - shampoo. The type of shampoo I'd use would either make or break the rest of my process. Even if my DC was spectacular, if the shampoo was too taxing, my DC wouldn't be able to recover from that damage.

**Using ceramides has helped tremendously.

HTH

I'll keep that in mind I use Aubrey Organics White Camellia shampoo, but it's not a staple. I just haven't tried to search for a better one. I plan on cowashing more than shampooing my hair since that seems to be more moisturizing. Though I've only tried to cowash about twice so far

 

[VirtuousBeauty]

Thx ladies you guys have been very helpful

 

[Minty]

Well after thinking about this thread, I've considered very dry and coarse hair types. They do have significant problems with hard hair. But my original assessment still stands. The shampoo will make or break your reggie. And I definitely do not subscribe to all "sulfate-free" shampoos are better than sulfate products. I'm 4a/b - med. density, med.

Example: I used a sulfate-free poo (Aquage Silkening) Fri., and it gave my hair lockjaw. No other portion of my reggie changed, but in an effort to "revisit" and "use up" products - well it was a decision I regretted. I had to take extra steps to overcome the dry, tangled, mess I was left with after using this shampoo.

to answer you lea86111:
My Reggie:

1. - Pre-poo steam treatment with Sunflower, Hemp, Wheat Germ oils. (50:25:25)
2. - Shampoo (only every other wash**) with Nexxus Vitatress
3. - DC with whatever I grab. In general I will use a protein DC and F/U with a moisture DC (1x/wk) and DC with moisture (1x/wk)
4. - rollerset and airdry, or airdry (finger comb every 15-20mins)

**On the occasions I do not use shampoo, I use Sebastian Light Conditioner.

 

[charmtreese]

thx u for the detailed rundown. this is really helpful. i can air dry okay but i hate air drying in a braid b/c i'm not that fond of braidouts.

ETA: do you run your fingers over and through your hair while air drying to smooth the hair or does it automatically dry silky soft with the product combo you're using.

After I detangle, ponytail and scarf I do not run my fingers through my hair any more. I may or may not stroke my ponytail, but its more of a downward one stroke motion every now and then.

@charmtreese what consistancy is kckt? Is it purchased online only? I keep hearing about this
@HijabiFlygirl what hair type are you? What dc's do you use?

It has the consistency of snot (sorry but this is the best way I can describe it), its not creamy nor is it a serum. Its slick, Jelly like.

 

[candita]

Iono, maybe its's me, or my coarse/texlaxed/underprocessed hair but I have never had soft airdried hair ever. I have used lots of different combo's to no avail. I am type 4a/b btw. Sorry I am no help OP- just wanted to commiserate.

ETA: I airdry using the scarf method and while I can get the top and the sides to lay down smooth its not soft by any mean, but softer than my ends, which airdry really rough, lol.

your hair is like mine (i'm 4b). I can't air dry. Air drying by itself and my hair becomes a hot mess. If I air dry then flat iron, it feels very dry. The most I do is air dry to about 70-80%, then blow dry the rest. Only time I airdry is if I'm leaving my hair pulled into a ponytail, and even then, I leave a scarf on my hair to flatten the edges in the front b/c if I have NG, it "poofs" up.

 

[divachyk]

@charmtreese what consistancy is kckt? Is it purchased online only? I keep hearing about this

Charmtreese is right, it's like snot. And I purchase mine from Target. It's not carried at all Targets though so you'll just have to check around to your local Targets to see if they carry this product line. The nearest Target that carries it nearby me is an hour away so I just pick it up when I'm visiting that area.

 

[bgsix]

Glad you started this thread op! I rarely airdry anymore because I dont get the results I want. Subbing

 

[Dee_33]

I use Proclaim Olive Oil wrapping foam and a lil EVCO. I'll either wrap and airdry or rollerset and airdry. Either way my hair comes out soft and bouncy.

 

[PinkPebbles]

I don't need to use any after product.

I'll throw in what I do use, but its not for softness:
*Redken Anti-Snap
*A few drops of Sunflower oil (like 2-3 drops)

I would suggest there are other parts of your reggie that require tweaking if your hair is hard when air drying.

My #1 culprit - shampoo. The type of shampoo I'd use would either make or break the rest of my process. Even if my DC was spectacular, if the shampoo was too taxing, my DC wouldn't be able to recover from that damage.

**Using ceramides has helped tremendously.

HTH

I agree with your post!

I'd like to add - if your moisture/protein balance and pH level is off you may not air dry successfully.

As well as, calcium deposit from no-lye relaxers. Overtime calcium build-up from no-lye relaxers will make the hair hard, brittle, dull, and dry when you attempt to air dry. It's good to use a chelating poo occasionally if you use a no-lye relaxer.

 

[VirGoViXxEn]

I use HS 14 in 1 and either Argan or Morocon oil. Very soft hair!!!

 

[VirtuousBeauty]

Thx ladies you guys have been very helpful. Now I can always come back to this thread for ideas

 

[Luscious Locks]

[

I'd like to add - if your moisture/protein balance and pH level is off you may not air dry successfully.

As well as, calcium deposit from no-lye relaxers. Overtime calcium build-up from no-lye relaxers will make the hair hard, brittle, dull, and dry when you attempt to air dry. It's good to use a chelating poo occasionally if you use a no-lye relaxer.[/QUOTE]

Chelating poo has saved me so much frustration. My no lye relaxer and hard water situation was not a factor I considered, until I realized how soft my hair was when I used ORS creamy aloe shampoo. It's a chelator. My softness has been restored. I used it much more frequently now, and I make sure that I'm never without it.

 

[VirtuousBeauty]

A bit of an update for those still interested. Just realized I have hard water. Our shower head is starting to get those orangy rusty type stains on it and I haven't lived at home much since I was in college and stayed on campus during summer's as well so I never noticed. I graduated and after this summer ended I moved back home.

Ironically I never tried airdrying until I was back home. So I'm going to buy a shower filter and a nice chelating shampoo. I searched the site and I decided on Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo since it's good for hardwater and chlorine as well.

 

[Aggie]

What I used to use to make my hair feel good while air-drying was Salerm 21 B5 Leave-in Conditioner but it has cones and parabens in it which means I had to clarify my hair often. I still have some of it that I need to use up.

 

[taz007]

Subscribing!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[divachyk]

bumping for more responses as i plan to air dry this weekend....need all suggestions i can get. i can air dry pretty decently in braids for a braidout look but i want to air dry straight....and have it silky, smooth.

 

[Emz Forever]

For me, airdrying success came from applying leave ins to damp hair andthen tieing a scarf on my head and letting it airdry under that cos then it dries more uniformly than when I leave it to dry out and the ends get crispy.

 

[divachyk]

For me, airdrying success came from applying leave ins to damp hair andthen tieing a scarf on my head and letting it airdry under that cos then it dries more uniformly than when I leave it to dry out and the ends get crispy.

Scarf drying really helps the portion under the scarf. The remaining length not under the scarf is where I seem to get the bushy look.