In an ideal world, every day would be a good hair day. We’d roll out of bed, run a brush through our shiny, squeaky clean locks and skip out of the door, looking and feeling fantastic.
Unfortunately, it takes a lot more than a quick comb for most of us to get our tresses to behave – but who really has time for a lengthy styling session?
wanting to wash and do my hair when it doesn’t align w my hair washing schedule is actual torture
— em (@MeliMatrixx) July 13, 2022
According to research from Attest, 45 per cent of respondents said they spend no more than 15 minutes a day on their beauty routine each day (that includes skincare, make-up and hair), with 31 per cent reported they devote up to half an hour to grooming.
Especially in summer, when the mere thought of having to pick up a blow-dryer or curling tongs is unbearable, cutting down on hair-related stress is a must.
Here, pros share seven clever time-saving tips…
1. Don’t wash your hair too often
“Over-washing hair is a huge time waster, and it dries out the hair,” says Queer Eye’s resident hairdresser and founder of JVN Hair, Jonathan Van Ness, who uses the analogy of washing a T-shirt every day versus every week. “This principle also applies to our hair – the more you wash and dry it, the more likely you are to see problems.”
Van Ness advises: “If you’re not getting your hair super dirty, such as people who work in very germ-infested environments, then most people should wash their hair between one and three times a week.”
And keep it short and sweet when you do shampoo: “You don’t want your showers to be the hottest in the whole world or the longest in the whole world – that’s even more true if you have bleach, all-over colour, a head full of extensions, or wigs.”
2. Refresh your roots
One way to avoid over-washing your hair? Dry shampoo is an amazing quick fix, and today’s formulas have come a long way from the chalky, powdery products of the past.
“When using dry shampoo, pump the spray and apply to the roots and along the parting,” says Jordanna Cobella, creative director at Cobella. “Refrain from spraying too close to the roots – spray further away.”
3. Comb before your wash
A little bit of prep before washing can save time later, says Belle Cannan, founder of Salon Sloane. “Always detangle your hair before shampooing, as it’s harder and riskier to get knots out when the hair is wet,” she advises.
A wide tooth comb is safe to use while washing, she adds. “Always comb the conditioner through – again detangling the hair this way is easier, and keeps your hair healthy and shiny. After hair is towel dried it’s more fragile and weak, so avoid detangling then, as it’s more prone to breakage.”
4. Wash your fringe only
Another way to avoid over-washing – while saving bucketloads of time – is to only wash the front section of your hair.
“If you have a fringe, this method is perfect for you,” says Nick Willis, master stylist at Charles Worthington Salons. “Use a gentle cleansing shampoo, so you’re not weighing down your fringe. You’ll only be spending a fraction of time on your hair, yet you’ll feel well-groomed and clean!”
5. Create overnight waves
Cut down on styling time in the morning by sleeping with your long hair in plaits, to create soft waves.
“You can achieve a loose wave if you do a loose braid,” says Halley Brisker, celebrity stylist and Viviscal brand expert.
“The key is loose – the tighter and more braids you do, the more of a crinkle effect you get. Section your hair into two or three sections and run a loose braid through your hair in the evening, spray in a bit of texture product, and it will feel refreshed in the morning.”
6. Twirl your curls
For tousled waves that don’t require blow-drying or a curling wand, try the ‘twist and twirl’ approach.
“Brush out any knots or tangles, then evenly spray salt spray over your hair,” Willis recommends.
“Use a ‘twist and twirl’ method by wrapping sections of your hair around your finger and twirling the hair so it forms a loose curl. Repeat this throughout the hair, and hand scrunch areas for extra tousled volume. Leave your hair to naturally dry and voila, instantly tousled, beachy hair!”
7. Try an easy updo
“For a quick and easy transition from day to night, I suggest a nice updo which takes a matter of 30 seconds,” says Brisker.
“Take the hair and section off two nice strips at the front to frame the face. Pull [the rest of] your hair back into a ponytail, and then twist it round as if you are doing a French twist.
“Use a claw clip – which is on trend at the moment – to secure your hair at the back of your head, then with a few bobby pins, pin hair at the back of your head, leaving strands out in the front to frame your face.”
