What hair product do I need to have smooth, glossy hair without blowdrying?

[RockaLock]

I have slightly wavy hair, in a chin length bob. If I want to have loose waves, I can either:

leave it to dry naturally, or
blow dry it straight and then tong it.

Both methods result in pretty much the same waves, except that one obviously takes ages and one takes no time at all.

The only difference is that if I blow dry and tong my hair it looks super glossy and shiny, whereas if I leave it to air dry it looks a bit fuzzy and rough and fluffy and essentially a bit messy.

Is there any product that I can slap on damp hair that will leave me with smoother, glossier locks if I leave my hair to dry naturally?!

Not really. Your hair will look better blow dried. It’s a myth that it’s better for your hair to just leave it

You could try and experiment with some hair oils? I love the kerestase ones. However blow drying really is helping smooth down the cuticle and it’s hard to replicate that with just products!

I like the glycolic gloss stuff from L’Oréal, but I’ve only used the serum, that adds some nice shine without blow drying

I did think that would probably be the answer!

Hair gel reduces frizz in natural hair. Apply when wet and scrunch out when dry.

Thank you, I will have a look at oils and the L’Oréal serum.

Even if something just makes it a bit smoother/glossier I’d consider that a win tbh, for those days when I really can’t be bothered to spend time styling it.

I have similar hair and have finally solved it with the following regime:

Revlon one step
Redken acidic bonding shampoo, conditioner and heat protection treatment.

My hair is so manageable now.

I've got a very short pixie cut, and have got silky fine grey hair. It's a disaster zone if left to dry naturally, but a Dyson hairdryer has been life changing. I've got glossy sleek hair without having to use products.

Philip Kingsley Finishing Touch Frizz Fighting Gloss https://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/finishing-touch-frizz-fighting-gloss-50ml.html

Arkive The Good Habit Hybrid Oil https://www.marksandspencer.com/the-good-habit-hybrid-oil-50ml/p/hbp60705772

Nuxe Huile Prodigeuse https://uk.nuxe.com/products/huile-prodigieuse-dry-oil-50ml

All of these put through damp hair and combed through give nice glossy curls. My favourite is the first one. I don’t think it’s true that you have to blow dry for gloss. Have you read up on curly girl method, you might find some tips from there about retaining moisture helpful.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will have a look at all of them 🙂

I use this which closes the cuticles after washing so makes a big difference if air drying.

www.cultbeauty.co.uk/p/davines-oi-liquid-luster-300ml/13721500/

I also like the glycolic gloss from L’Oréal it’s the best at that price point

Don’t expect miracles straight away if you’ve been regularly blow drying and tonging - might need to wait for fresh hair to grow for the fluffiness to go away. That kind of thing would ruin the texture of my hair and I’d just have to wait for it to grow out.

Body Shop grapeseed serum - on my hair (also chin length bob) it does exactly what you've described, and it doesn't go greasy or feel like there's any product at all.

How do you use this? On dry hair or on damp hair?