Nine times out of 10, I air dry my hair—I only fully style it for special events, or if I am going out out (YKWIM). It’s not that my hair takes particularly long to style; it’s long and full—but fine—so 10 to 15 minutes with my Dyson Airwrap™ Multi-Styler Complete Long typically does the trick. That said, when I’m busy, I’d much rather dedicate those minutes to calm my mind with my gratitude journal or a good book, as opposed to spending it on smoothing, straightening, or curling my strands.
Of course, if I were able to achieve ultra-smooth, virtually frizz-free hair without applying any heat, I’d be all for it. Knowing this, I was immediately intrigued when I caught word of the new R+Co. Cool Wind pH Perfecting Air Dry Crème ($34)—a hair styling product designed to do just that.
The R+Co. Cool Wind pH Perfecting Air Dry Crème: What is it?
It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for R+Co. From the Dallas Biotin Thickening Treatment and Dallas Thickening Spray to the Balloon Dry Volume Spray and Rodeo Star Thickening Style Foam—I’m a big fan. What draws me to the brand most, beyond its kitschy packaging and tantalizing scents, is the high-performing ingredients and stellar style results.
The hair treatment is formulated for jaw-dropping effects (I’m not being hyperbolic!). Infused with hydrating and softening apricot and watermelon extracts, protective soybean oil, detangling mango butter, and a frizz-preventing, shine-enhancing polymer (that requires zero heat activation), the Air Dry Crème is designed to make styling sans hot tools as effortless as possible.
My honest results (and opinion)
As a die-hard Color Wow Dreamcoat (a heat-activated styling spray designed to smooth hair and banish frizz) stan, I was a bit skeptical about just how well a smoothing air-dry cream could work.
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To see just how well the R+Co. Cool Wind pH Perfecting Air Dry Crème works its magic, I shampooed and conditioned my hair with my go-to R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner and towel-dried my hair. Instead of spritzing in one of my favorite leave-in conditioners (a usual must for my fine, tangle-prone tresses), I massaged a small dollop of the Air Dry Crème through my strands from roots to ends, let it sit for 30 seconds, and brushed it through. When I tell you, my Wet Brush glided effortlessly through my hair.
On the tube, it says to apply the Crème and style as desired. In one instance, I tousled my strands for more of a beach wave look; in another, I merely brushed it smooth and straight and let it dry as is. It was the latter technique that I found so impressive. With this styling product massaged in, my hair looked so unbelievably smooth and frizz-free. It was almost as if I had blown it out with my Dyson. (In the photo, ignore my dry ends, I’m in desperate need of a haircut. Instead, focus on my smooth roots and mids.) Suffice to say, this is just one more R+Co. product to earn my seal of approval.
The takeaway
If you’re in the market for a single hairstyling product that can offer stellar results and streamline your routine, the R+Co. Cool Wind pH Perfecting Air Dry Crème is it. It’s easy to use, can be maneuvered a variety of ways, dries down beautifully, and leaves behind a fresh, unisex scent that’s bound to earn you compliments from anyone who catches a whiff.
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