The morning rush can feel like a military operation. You’re trying to find a matching pair of school socks, make sure everyone’s had a slice of toast, and locate a PE kit that seems to have vanished into thin air. The last thing you have time for is a complicated hairstyle. But looking like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards isn’t ideal either. The good news is you don’t need an extra hour. You just need a few simple tricks to make it look like you’ve made an effort, even when you’ve barely had time to find your car keys.
The Secret is Prepping The Night Before
Honestly, the best thing you can do for your morning hair happens before you even go to bed. A bit of prep work saves you precious time when the clock is ticking. It’s the difference between a frantic fumble with a hairbrush and a quick, easy style that gets you out of the door.
Master the Art of Dry Shampoo
Most of us reach for the dry shampoo in a panic in the morning, spraying it frantically onto greasy roots. This is a mistake. The best way to use it is to spray it into your roots the night before. This gives the powder time to absorb any excess oil while you sleep. When you wake up, just give your hair a quick brush through. There’s no white, powdery residue, and you’ll have instant volume. It really makes a difference.
Let Your Hairstyle Work While You Sleep
Overnight styling is a classic for a reason. If you want easy waves without heat, this is the way to do it. On slightly damp hair, create one or two loose plaits before bed. A French plait from the crown will give you more volume at the root. In the morning, just undo them, run your fingers through your hair, and you’re good to go. For a softer wave, twist your hair into a loose bun on top of your head and secure it with a scrunchie to avoid kinks. If you want to invest a little, a silk pillowcase can also help reduce frizz and tangles, meaning less work for you in the morning.
Quick Hairstyles for When You Have Five Minutes
When you’ve done the prep, these styles take next to no time. They are designed to look polished and intentional, even if they only took a couple of minutes to throw together between making the packed lunches and shouting “Where are your shoes?” for the tenth time.
The Polished Ponytail
A ponytail can look a bit like you’ve given up, or it can look chic and put-together – I must admit, I’ve always been a “just put it up out of the way” type of girl. However, the difference is in the details. First, for a bit of volume, gently backcomb the hair at the crown before you gather it back. Secure it firmly with a good hair tie. To make it look more polished, take a small strand of hair from the underside of the ponytail, wrap it around the hairband to hide it, and secure the end under the band with a Kirby grip. A quick spritz of hairspray will keep it all in place.
The Speedy and Stylish Messy Bun
The truly messy bun often looks, well, a mess. The effortless-looking one has a bit of hidden structure. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, but on the last pull-through, only pull the hair halfway, creating a loop. Then, take the remaining ends and wrap them around the base, pinning them in place. You can then gently pull at the bun to loosen it and frame your face. It holds much better than a twisted bun and looks great every time.
The Half-Up Twist
This looks so much more complicated than it is and is quicker than plaiting. Take a section of hair from each side of your face, just above your ears. Twist each section backwards, then bring them together at the back of your head. Secure them with a clear elastic or pin them with Kirby grips. You can also use a single, decorative clip to fasten them. It keeps your hair out of your face and looks elegant without any real effort.
When in Doubt, Use an Accessory
Never underestimate the power of a good accessory. A simple headband can hide greasy roots and make you look instantly pulled together. A few decorative clips or slides can turn a basic down-do into a proper style. A hair scarf tied around a simple ponytail or bun adds a bit of colour and personality. It’s the ultimate cheat for looking like you’ve spent time on your hair when you’ve done the bare minimum.
Essential Kit for Busy Mornings
You don’t need a drawer full of products. A small, curated collection of essentials is all it takes to manage your hair on a busy morning.
A good dry shampoo is non-negotiable. It’s worth trying a few to find one that doesn’t leave a white dust/mark on your hair. You’ll also need some decent hair ties that don’t snap, a handful of Kirby grips that match your hair colour, and a light-hold hairspray or texture spray. This will help get rid of flyaways and give fine hair a bit of grip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to a few common questions about quick and easy hairstyles.
- How do I stop my ponytail from sagging during the day?
- There are two good tricks for this. You can use two hair ties for extra support, or you can stick two Kirby grips vertically into the base of the ponytail, underneath the hair, pushing them up into the hair tie. This props the ponytail up and gives it a bit of a lift that lasts all day.
- What’s the best way to tame flyaways quickly?
- The quickest way is to spray a small amount of hairspray onto an old, clean toothbrush and gently brush down any stray hairs around your hairline or parting. It gives you precise control without making the rest of your hair stiff or sticky.
- My hair is too short for a bun or ponytail. What can I do?
- For shorter hair, focus on accessories and texture. A quick spritz of texture spray can give your hair some shape and stop it from looking flat. Headbands are perfect for short hair, as are decorative slides and clips positioned just above your ear to keep hair off your face.
