Texturizing & Defining *Air Dry* Products for Asian Hair

[kathmb]

I don't believe I've seen a post about this specific topic (at least within the past three years). I have normal-thick, fine-textured, very straight Asian hair—the type that requires ten bottles of spray to hold a style. As I am lazy—I mean, concerned about the health of my hair—I'm searching for products that can be applied while still damp–mildly damp to provide definition and texture. I'm not going for voluminous waves or necessarily a matte finish (or any specific finish); I just ask that my hair not feel like crepe paper or resemble wet dog, as is the case with air-drying gels or B&B Texture. I've spotted a handful of hair items marked as "texture" air dry products recently, only to find they're intended to help tame curly hair, which makes the naming seem completely counterintuitive. I am familiar with plenty of effective dry application or blow dry-friendly products—finishing creams, Oribe Texturizing Spray, IGK Down & Out Dirty, etc.—but find they're ineffective if used damp or are often drying (as are salt sprays). For this reason, I'd also prefer to avoid alcohol denat. high in the ingredient list. I'm considering the Verb Sea Cream, as I like the idea of its consistency, but would love suggestions/thoughts! All recommendations welcome, obviously, even if they don't fit all of my extra-particular criteria. Many hairdressers have informed me Asian hair is a bit of a beast of its own, so that's fun.

[HillaryCho]

Hi @kathmb, I also have fine straight Asian hair and I've tried a lot of stuff. I did try the verb sea cream (small light blue jar right?) and I didnt really like it. I dipped my hand into it and applied it to damp hair, but my hair didn't really feel texturized. Just gummy and chunky. I just couldn't make it work, so I returned it. I have small sample of the B&B don't blow it for fine hair and I like that one a lot better!

[kathmb]

Thanks! That's super useful info; definitely know which way to lean now. B&B is reliable, I'm just always secretly wishing for something less expensive . . . but at least their creams and pastes last longer than their sprays.

[IlesHaircare]

Hello  check out Iles Formula finishing serum 

 The reviews will tell you all!

 It's brilliant on Asian hair.

[kathmb]

Thank you. I like the idea of the protection and will consider adding it in, though the "spun silk" finish is sort of the antithesis of what I'm searching for. 🙂

[MissPuff]

This is an intriguing question! 

I'm curious too now! I've got fine, straight asian hair as well, though mine is processed (ie dirty blonde balyage) and I'm wash and wear more often than I'd like. All I can think of this is spray pomade that my stylist introduced me to a million years ago, works on damp and dry hair, gives some light hold/texture with shine, not sticky or crunchy at all. Modern Organic Products (MOP) C-System Spray Pomade - I'm not sure where to find it now because a bottle lasts FOREVER so it's been awhile since I've had to repurchase. But aside from dry shampoo, this is the only product I use in my hair, smells great too.

[kathmb]

Thanks! I'll look it up. I'm looking at Bumble & Bumble Hair(Un)Dressing for Fine Hair now, too . . . wondering if that would do it.Dry shampoos work wonders (not as well as the Oribe, but the price kills me . . . the scent almost makes up for it) but I feel like they dry outmy scalp. Could probably mix a tiny bit of Texture with the (Un)Dressing if I had to; that stuff lasts forever, too. // EDIT: Oops, meant to say B&B Don't Blow It . . . mixing (Un)Dressing w/ Texture makes no sense since they're the same product. (If you're interested in it, it really does work, but I find it's difficult to get the balance right between unnoticeable and crunch. Worked great with a pixie, but on longer hair it gets weighed down solo or requires brushing, which equals less definition and more . . . dry, fly-away hair.)

[MissPuff]

@kathmb Oh I've tried the B&B Don't Blow It and you're totally right, my hair was either crunchy or exactly the same as if no product was added. The search continues...