8 hair hacks for when you’re in a hurry
From sky-high ponytails to 80s inspired ‘dos
From sky-high ponytails to 80s inspired ‘dos, give these much-loved hairstyles a runway-worthy overhaul in minutes
For most of us, when we're pressed for time, our go-to style is usually a messy bun. But if you give yourself a couple of minutes, you can actually create a style that makes it seem like you put in a whole lot more effort than you actually did.
Recent runway shows have seen hairstylists taking our old faithful styles to the next level with pops of coloured fabric, and the comeback of one of our fave 80s ’dos, and here's how you can re-create this season’s on-trend hairstyles when you're pressed for time.
Hairstyle: Chignon (low-slung bun)
Part old Hollywood, part Italian signora on vacation, a little ornamentation makes a twist look charming.
Re-create it in minutes: Construct a chignon (an easy one: pat hair down the centre, divide into two sections and twist over each other before pinning into place) and pin a ribbon along the lower half, or wrap a scarf around your entire head. Finish with a bow or knot at the end (either way works).
Chic tip: “Make sure your hairstyle doesn’t read as over juvenile – that means no pigtails – and the fabric print of your scarf or ribbon is smart,” advises John Frieda hairstylist Harry Josh.
Product pick: Premium Pin Company 999 Bobby Pins
Hairstyle: Sky-high Ponytail
When it comes to ponytails, it’s all in the placement: a low pony is sleek, but a high one is sexy.
Re-create it minutes: For a perfect placement, Josh suggests looking straight into a mirror and ensuring the top ponytail is visible without having to tilt your head forward.
Chic tip: Run a straightener over your strands before finishing this hairstyle with a little shine-enhancing serum for a super sleek tail.
Product pick: SACHAJUAN Shine Serum
Hairstyle: Changing up your part
Creating a deep side part or parting your hair differently can add volume at the roots and give your hairstyle an instant refresh.
Re-create it minutes: To create a deep side part that stays, you'll need to “grab a round brush and blow-dry your fringe up and away from your face,” advises Josh. If you have some time, use a velcro roller to set your hair in place while it cools, then unravel and set with a lightweight shine-enhancing hairspray.
Chic tip: “To keep things fun and simple, style ypur deep side part with messy loose waves or a bun,” suggests Josh.
Product pick: Kérastase K Mousse Bouffante
Hairstyle: Embrace your curls
Put down that straightener and learn to love your texture.
Re-create it in minutes: “Use a mousse and/or serum to define your curls and remove frizz,” says Josh. If you have time to dry your hair, “Add a diffuser to your hairdryer and allow the tendrils to sit in the diffuser to prevent frizz while maintaining the curl. “ Once hair is dry, you can use a thin curling iron to add definition.
Chic tip: Apply styling product immediately after showering – the second your hair starts to dry, it will start to frizz.
Product pick: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Perfecting Spray
Hairstyle: Slicked back
If you haven’t touched gel since the 80s, give it another go for this dual-textured ‘do.
Re-create it in minutes: Brush your hair so it's knot-free, then tease the roots at the front and let your hair fall back. Then, apply gel around the crown and run your fingers through your hair, pushing it away from your face.
Chic tip: “Fine, straight hair needs the hold of a gel, while drier, textured hair requires a serum/pomade combo,” explains Josh.
Product pick: Toni & Guy Casual Forming Spray Gel
Hairstyle: Tucked behind the ears
Minimalists rejoice: “Clean hair can be a style in and of itself,” declares Howard McLaren, co-founder and creative director at R+Co (the brand’s shampoos and conditioners also function as styling products).
Re-create it in minutes: If your hair has a natural wave, its as simple as gathering your freshly washed, air-dried hair back behind your ears. Straight hair will benefit from mousse (and a blow-dry), while those with fine strands can mist sea salt spray to the mid-lengths and pin in to place, or “create tiny side braids along the hairline down to the nape,” suggests McLaren.
Chic tip: “Either a centre or side part works with this style, as long as it’s a precise parting,” advises McLaren.
Product pick: R+CO Analog Cleansing Foam Conditioner
Hairstyle: Half-up half-down
Re-create it minutes: Pull a horizontal section from above your ears, and backcomb at the back for life. Then, secure at the back with a clear elastic and you're done!
Chic tip: This hairstyle works best with poker-straight hair, so straighten and smooth over with serum before you begin.
Product pick: Tresemmé Perfectly (Un)done Ultra Brushable Hairspray
Hairstyle: Half-pulled-through pony
You may already wear this ‘do after a workout, so congratulations – it’s now officially a runway-worthy style.
Re-create it in minutes: Work dry shampoo through from roots to ends for texture, then “create a middle part and tease around the roots to create a little more volume”, says Josh. Now you can do your half-pulled-through-ponytail thing.
Chic tip: “Tug the pony down so it loosens slightly, and pull out shorter layers around the face,” advises Josh.
Product pick: Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Dry Shampoo
Main and inset image credits: Getty
