Low-Maintenance Hair Is My MO, and the Air-Dried Bob Delivers Next-Level Chicness

I must admit, I’ve always been a fan of air drying. Whether you’d call it laziness or smarts on my part will depend on where you fall on this debate; however, the idea of spending hours battling with the hairdryer when I could simply allow nature to take its course and let my hair dry naturally has always been a no-brainer for me.

This proclivity for air drying became even stronger earlier this year, when I cut my formerly chest-length hair into a bob and discovered my wavy strands were actually much more textured than I had previously believed. (I learned how to style my bob into a curly bob pretty quickly.) Cue a transformation as my now shorter air-dried lengths took on a whole new look. Add to that the super-fast dry time my bob now affords, and you’ll begin to understand why the air-dried bob has fast become one of my favourite styles.

Of course, an air-dried bob isn’t all ease and effortlessness (although it may look this way). How you care for your hair, the products you apply, your hair type and the bob style you’ve opted for can all play a role in the overall low-maintenance short hairstyle look you're trying to achieve. To find out more, I spoke to an expert on the subject, Thomas James, hairstylist and Rahua Ambassador, to find out his thoughts on the air-dried bob. Here’s what he had to say…

What Are The Benefits of an Air-Dried Bob?

“Air drying offers numerous benefits for both the condition and appearance of the hair,” explains James. “Heat from hair dryers, straighteners, or curling tongs can weaken the cuticle and strip away essential moisture over time, so by skipping heat styling, you completely avoid thermal damage, allowing the hair to remain naturally healthy, hydrated and strong. Plus, because a bob is typically shorter and structured, it dries relatively quickly and evenly, making air drying both practical and time-efficient. It also enhances the hair’s natural texture and movement, giving the bob a softer finish.”

What Bob Haircuts Are Best for Air Drying?

“Certain variations of the bob are especially suited to air drying, depending on the natural texture of the hair,” James tells me. “The lob (long bob) is one of the most versatile options, as its slightly longer length gives the hair room to form a gentle wave or movement as it dries naturally. This shape works beautifully for those with soft texture, natural body or a subtle wave pattern, as it enhances the hair’s natural fall without needing heat tools.”

“Textured or layered bobs are also ideal for air drying. By removing bulk and strategically shaping the ends, these cuts allow the hair to dry with a soft, effortless finish and prevent it from appearing heavy. For finer hair, a blunt or slightly graduated bob helps create a smooth, polished look as it dries, while for wavier or curlier textures, a more deconstructed or shag-inspired bob allows the natural curl pattern to come through. Ultimately, the best air-dried bob is one that’s tailored to your individual hair type, cut to enhance what your hair naturally wants to do and not fight against it.”

It’s clear the air-dried bob is incredibly versatile, suiting a range of different hair types and textures. So, to help you choose your next bob haircut, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite air-dried bob styles. Save them now and take them to your next appointment to provide your stylist a little added inspiration…

The Best Air-Dried Bob Inspiration

Soft Bends

The trick to an air-dried bob is to work with your hair's natural texture, like Caitlin has here, highlighting its subtle bends.

Max the Movement

Franny’s signature bob has plenty of texture and movement.

Ditch the Diffuser

While I can't be sure if Danielle is team air dry or not, with the right styling products, her bob can be achieved without the need for a diffuser.

Curl Power

Curly girls can airdry, too. James' advises applying a mousse for definition and hold.

Short and Salty

Most people allow their hair to air dry on holiday; however, a salt spray can recreate the tousled bob look at home.

Extra Smooth

If you have naturally straight hair, lean into it with a sleek, short look.

Give It Lift

If you’re air-dried bob lacks volume, switch your parting to give it a boost.

How to Style an Air-Dried Bob

So, you’ve got your bob cut and now you’re wondering how to style it. While, of course, air drying is key for this look, it can be useful to prep your strands to ensure a smooth, sleek finish. Here’s James’ best advice for how to achieve the perfect air-dried look…

1. Wash With Care

“Preparation is key to achieving a smooth, polished finish when air drying your bob. First, wash the hair and scalp with a good shampoo twice to remove any product buildup and grease to clarify the hair and scalp. Add a lightweight conditioner to the mids and ends if needed. Then, gently towel-blot excess moisture from the hair, avoid rough rubbing, as this can raise the cuticle and cause frizz.”

2. Add Styling Products

“Next, apply a lightweight, hydrating product to help condition, protect and define the natural texture as the hair dries. Because of its structure and even weight distribution, a professionally cut bob maintains its form beautifully as it dries, requiring little more than a good quality leave-in conditioner or styling cream. For those with natural curl, wave or texture, incorporating a mousse will enhance definition and shape while providing gentle hold.”

3. Shape and Smooth

“Finish by gently positioning the hair into place with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, encouraging your natural parting and shape. Avoid over-touching as it dries to prevent frizz or disruption to the cut. The result is a beautifully effortless, healthy-looking finish that showcases the precision of the cut and the natural vitality of the hair.”

4. Sleep Soundly

“To prolong your air-dried bob, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain the shape and smoothness of an air-dried bob is by sleeping on a silk pillowcase. Silk dramatically reduces friction between the hair and the fabric, preventing the roughness and static that can occur with cotton. This helps to keep the hair’s cuticle sealed and smooth, minimising frizz, tangles and unwanted kinks overnight.”