According to a 2019 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 35 percent of adults don’t get the recommended amount of sleep (7 hours). Therefore, it’s highly unlikely that most women would willingly get up 1-2 hours earlier to style their strands. In today’s “Insta-society,” it’s all about achieving the best results in the shortest time possible, meaning low-maintenance hair care is the only way to go. Read on to discover five easy ways to streamline your styling routine.
Tip #1: Good hair health is critical
Not too many of us can roll out of bed with good hair, but maintaining the overall integrity of your strands can make it easier to head out the door in the A.M. Rather than spending time and money on styling, devote that energy to keeping your hair in the best condition possible. Apply an overnight hair mask 1-2 times a week, reduce heat styling and get regular trims to help your natural locks looking healthy and fresh—and keep your styling efforts to a minimum.
Tip #2: Opt for hands-off color
If you’re constantly having to conceal grown-out roots or faded color with creative hairstyles, it may be time to rethink your current shade. Swap traditional highlights, which need to be touched up every 4-6 weeks, for low-maintenance balayage. Or, opt for “lived-in” roots rather than an all-over platinum shade. You’ll be able to go longer in between appointments and you won’t have to stress about hiding any regrowth.
Tip #3: Minimize washes
Washing your hair daily is so 2003. Thanks to the miracle that is dry shampoo, women can now go longer in between washes, saving us a ton of time in the morning. What’s more, going longer in between shampoos allows the oils from your scalp to travel down your hair shaft, providing mega nourishment and shine.
Tip #4: Invest in multi-purpose products
When you’re heading out the door the absolute last thing you want to do is rummage through your bathroom cabinets to find your styling products. Instead, invest in products that perform double-duty. Some of our faves? Label.m Texturising Volume Spray, a texturizing/hairspray hybrid, Redken No Blow Dry Just Right Cream, and KEVIN.MURPHY BODY.MASS Leave-in Plumping Conditioning Treatment.
Tip #5: Style your hair overnight
If you want your haircare routine to remain as low-key as possible, it’s important to make the best use of your time. One of the top ways to do so? Style your hair while you sleep! Mastering overnight styling can save you a ton of time in the A.M. Plus, it reduces your need for hot tools, which will contribute to improving your hair health. If you want effortless texture, take a shower at night, allow hair to air-dry slightly, then style your hair in a French braid, for looser beach waves, or boxer braids, for more defined waves. If you have wavy or curly locks and want to smooth them out at bedtime, divide your hair into sections, then wrap each section flat against your head and pin it in place. Cover your hair in a silk scarf while you sleep, then unwrap your hair in the A.M. to reveal smooth, straight and shiny strands.
