How do you get Californian hair without a hairdryer?

According to Playa founder Shelby Wild, the key is air drying with strategic styling tricks. Twist your hair into a bun, spray with a texturising mist, let it dry completely, then release for soft waves. Alternatively, twist sections away from your face, spritz with a sea salt spray, and air dry for an effortless finish.

What products do you need for the Californian hair look?

Shelby Wild recommends starting with a quality shampoo and conditioner for healthy hair, then layering in a dry shampoo or volume powder for texture and longevity. A hair mist and sea salt spray are essential for creating that undone, beachy vibe that defines the Californian aesthetic.

Is Californian hair the same as Australian hair trends?

Shelby Wild notes that Californian and Australian women share similar hair preferences-both favour effortless, long-lasting styles that work with their climates. Dry shampoo and volume powder are equally essential for both, making Californian hair techniques perfectly suited to Australian women.

What are the 2024 hair trends besides Californian waves?

According to Shelby Wild, scalp health and clean beauty products are major focuses in modern haircare. Moving beyond trends like glass hair, the emphasis is now on products that deliver results whilst maintaining healthy, sustainable hair.

Californian Hair: Shelby Wild's Playa Guide

Playa’s Shelby Wild on How to Achieve Californian Hair

Plus, her cool California hotspot recommendations.

Tess Schlink — Contributing Writer

Last updated July 20262 min read

Of all the looks in the cool girl hair arsenal, Californian hair is surely up there with the best. From the enviable screen queens of years past (think The O.C.’s Marissa Cooper) to modern day beauties like Gigi Hadid and Lily Aldridge, the relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic simply never dates.

Instagram @rosiehw

@rosiehw

And while ‘effortlessly’ chic styles usually actually require a surprising amount of primping and preening, with the right products and some clever styling tricks, Californian hair can be yours as well. We chatted with Shelby Wild, founder of haircare brand Playa (loved by bona fide and wannabe California girls worldwide), about the products every woman should own, her California hotspots, and the 2019 hair trends to watch.

Instagram @theoccenas

@theoccenas

West Coast Vibes

While there are plenty of products on the market geared towards glossy, polished locks, Shelby was keen to create a line for women wanting a more natural, undone look. “When I began the journey of making these products, I wanted them to be infused with the laid-back California spirit I love so much,” she shares. “I wanted them to be effortless and healthy, but I also wanted them to actually work.” The women that exemplify this spirit in Shelby’s eyes? “Sabina Socol, Quincy Davis, Anna Feller, and Yan Yan Chan.”

Instagram @sabinasocol

@sabinasocol

Note not one of these girls is from California – so there is hope for us all. In fact, Shelby sees parallels between how Californian and Australian women like to wear their hair. “Both women want an effortless style that lasts as long as it can,” she explains. “ Dry shampoo and (our) Soft Volume Powder are essential for Californian and Australian women.”

Air Control

The best part about Californian hair? It involves a lot of air drying (fantastic news for the hairdryer averse amongst us). “I love any trick that allows me to air-dry my hair,” says Shelby. Her tricks for perfect hair, sans heated tools? “I will twist my hair into a bun and spray our New Day Hair Mist all over, let my hair dry then take my bun out for a natural soft wave.”

Instagram @playa

@playa

Another trick she loves is to twist sections of her hair away from her face, then spritz with her Endless Summer Spray and air dry to finish. And the trends Shelby anticipates being big this year besides air drying? “Scalp health and clean products,” she predicts. Move over, glass hair.

Pure Dry Shampoo

Soft Volume Powder

New Day Hair Mist

Endless Summer Spray

Every Day Shampoo

Supernatural Conditioner

Californian Must-Haves

What does a true California girl have in her beauty kit? “Our Every Day Shampoo and Supernatural Conditioner (because good hair starts in the shower) and Kosas’ ultra-hydrating lip balm,” shares Shelby. Shelby suggests you finish your Cali-girl look with RMS’ Un-Coverup in 22, Fat and The Moon’s lip and cheek stain, and Hourglass’ Caution Mascara.

Instagram @playa

@playa

Get The California Look…

Kosasport LipFuel

RMS Un-Coverup

Fat and the Moon Lip & Cheek Stain

Hourglass Caution Mascara

If you’re heading over to the Golden State any time soon (lucky you), Shelby cites iS Clinical, True Botanicals, and Supergoop as some of her favourite Californian brands to check out.

And while you’re there, Shelby suggests heading to the studio (MDR) for pilates classes, as well as Love Yoga – they’re her favourite places to workout. Food wise? “ Erewhon is great for coffee or a juice on the go,” she says. “ Gjelina or Felix Trattoria are two of my favourite spots for dinner.” Itinerary sorted.

Instagram @playa