I'm

NATALIE

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

Read More

10 Rules for Effortless, Everyday Style

In this series, I share some simple tips for leveling up your daily looks.

Alternative post title: The Only Way I Style My Hair These Days. This super minimalist hair routine is bringing me lots of joy this season because it means I not only have more time to do the things that are important to me, but I also have great wavy hair.

IN A NUTSHELL:
Put your air dried hair in 2 French braids and sleep on them. Wake up to wavy hair, add some salt spray for texture.

STEP BY STEP:

1. Start with air dried hair. Yep, dry hair. When I do this with wet hair I get more of a crimped look instead of the wavy look I’m going for. I love to take showers in the evening and my hair is fine so it dries within a couple of hours. If your hair is thicker, you could either shower earlier to allow more time for drying, or do a rough blow dry on low to speed up the process.

2. Brush hair and apply this Air Dry Creme. It’s like lotion for your hair. It adds shine and will help the waves really look their best when you take out your braid. I’ve done this process without this step and the results are better when I use the Air Dry Creme so now that’s an essential step for me!

3. Divide hair into 2 sections and French braid both sections. I use these small clear hair bands to secure the ends, but use whatever you have.

4. Go to bed!

5. Take out the braids in the morning. Once they’re out I like to flip my head over and side to side and shake up the waves a bit, and I’ll add some salt spray for extra texture and separation. I like Love + Salt right now (10% off with Nat2020). It’s really light, smells great and not drying like some of the other salt sprays I’ve tried. If I feel like my roots are flat and I need more body, I’ll use a little bit of Dry Lift for that.

6. Enjoy your day with fabulous, damage-free waves. Repeat the same steps when you go to bed again. I wash my hair every 3-4 days but I re-braid it every night to keep the waves in tact. Here are some photos of day 3 waves with this exact process:

Questions or any other easy, no-heat hair ideas? Leave ’em below!

No-Heat French Braid Waves

Read the Comments +

  1. Heidi Gish says:

    I would love to do this, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to French braid on the side 🤦‍♀️I have to rely on doing a single French braid in the center and down the back🤣

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I'm Natalie

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

READ          LATEST

the

The Blog Playlist

In The Mood For...

DAILY LOOKS

CAPSULES

PACKING LISTS

FALL OUTFITS

DENIM LOOKS

Spring 2024

The

EDIT

See and shop the things I am currently wearing or have on my wish list. I love minimalist, effortless pieces that can be worn multiple ways and cherished for years to come.

My top picks for the season.

summer

favorites

summer

favorites

An inside look at Natalie Borton Designs (from me, the founder 👋🏼). Outfits, accessories, coffee & overthinking are guaranteed.

Follow Along →

Shop my style →

Tons of style inspo →

Straight to your inbox →