Hair tricks that will save you time

Don’t have time for high hair maintenance, but still want your tresses to look on point? Follow these time-saving hair hacks for styling your hair quickly, and keeping it in tip top condition, too.

#1 / Fight frizz before it happens

“Frizzy hair is damaged hair,” says celebrity hairdresser Charles Worthington. He believes the best thing you can do is add moisture to your hair to help prevent the damage in the first place. The easiest place to start is with your shampoo and conditioner – switch to one that says it’s hydrating or moisturising to add nourishment each time you shower. Oils or oil-enriched treatments are also another great way to restore your hair’s softness, if used regularly. Try Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo, OGX Hydrate + Repair Argan Oil of Morocco Creamy Hair Butter or Kérastase Elixir Ultime Huile.

#2 / Learn a two-minute hairstyle

Good news! The most on-trend updo is also the quickest hairstyle to pull off. Stars such a Julia Roberts have even been seen wearing this messy loose ends bun on the red carpet, proving it’s versatile, too. Celebrity hairstylist Kevin Murphy tells us how to copy this hairstyle: “Create a ponytail first and then backcomb the pony to create some flyaways. Twist the ponytail around to create a bun and, using bobby pins, secure as you go, making sure you attach the bun to your scalp so it stays in.”

#3 / Speed up your blow-dry

Haven’t updated your hair dryer in a while? Upgrading to a more powerful version could majorly cut down the time it takes to dry your hair. “It all comes down to the quality of the motor,” says three-time Australian Hairdresser of the Year Joey Scandizzo. The more powerful the motor, the more force it uses to dry your hair fast. We like Remington Shine Revival Hairdryer, Silver Bullet City Chic Hair Dryer and VS Sassoon Diamond Brilliance Ionic Ceramic AC Dryer.

Budget bonus: You don’t have to spend hundreds to get a quality hairdryer anymore. These three all have super-powerful motors and multi-heat settings, including cold blast (essential to help your hair ‘set’ in place after you apply the heat, explains Murphy), and they all come in under $70.

#4 / Overnight wavy hair

Jennifer Aniston swear by sleeping with her hair in Princess Leia buns. “The next day [my hair] has a nice wave,” Jennifer says. Simply brush your hair and put it in two buns on the side of your head. “It’s easy to do,” Murphy shares. “In the morning, shake out and your hair will be smooth with a slight bend through the mid-lengths.”

#5 / Hide your roots

Don’t have time to colour your greys? Try changing up your style instead. ‘Wear your hair more textured and don’t wear a part so the line is more diffused,’ suggests Scandizzo. The easiest way to add both texture and colour is to use a coloured dry shampoo, which will not only add oomph to hair but help disguise greys until your next wash. We like Ambiance Dry Shampoo, Kevin.Murphy Doo Over Dry Powder and TRESemmé Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo.

#6 / Multi-task your products

Technology has come a long way and now there’s a range of styling products that offer multiple benefits, instead of doing just one thing. The best ones to save time are the kind you can apply to damp hair in the morning – look for one with nourishing ingredients or oils that fight frizz, add shine and protect against your hair appliances. We recommend Shu Uemura Art of Hair Wonder Worker, Muk 20 in 1 Miracle Treatment and Eleven Miracle Hair Treatment.

#7 / Soften overnight

“Overnight masks are a great way to nourish your hair in your sleep without having to think about it,” says Worthington, who swears if it’s done nightly, it transforms your hair. “Even if you haven’t got an overnight treatment, putting a little bit of regular conditioner in your hair before bed will make a difference as well.” It makes sense if you’re going to be washing your hair in the morning anyway. Try Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave-In Conditioner.

#8 / Detangle in the shower

The best thing you can do is to start the process in the shower while your hair still has conditioner in it. The moisture in a conditioning formula provides the slip you need so you can get a wide-tooth comb through faster without causing breakage. Try the cult product Tangle Teezer, which gets knots out in a flash, or Lady Jayne Detangler Comb if you prefer a traditional wide-tooth comb.

Looking for more ways to save time with your beauty routine? Try these four nighttime beauty hacks.

Check out newidea.com.au for more hair tips from the New Idea beauty team.

Image credits: Getty