Fast Beauty: 16 Smart Expert Tricks

Fast Hair Tricks

Revive Yesterday’s Style
If you can’t spare a second to wash, but your hair feels stiff from the previous day’s products or is bent out of shape from sleeping, spritz on a shine spray. The silicone in it will soften residue and unkink your style. Then use a flat or curling iron to quickly reshape your hairdo. Bonus: The silicone will protect your hair from the heat, says Johnny Lavoy, a hair consultant for L’Oréal Paris.

Power Through Your Shower
When you have time (albeit limited) to lather up, cut the rinse-out conditioner and just use a shampoo that’s tailored to your hair type. “Then spritz on a leave-in after you step out of the shower,” says Erin Anderson, a hairstylist in Brooklyn (Sachajuan Leave In Conditioner, $28, woodleyandbunny.com, is a good one to try). It detangles and smooths hair and even offers a bit of hold.

Get Straight
Everyone knows that a speedy blow-out is an oxymoron. But you can tame your hair all the same by prepping properly and then doing a “T-zone” blow-out. First, minimize your use of styling products. “Stick to a mousse or a lightweight styling lotion, and avoid creams or waxes, which trap moisture in hair,” says Ryan Cotton, a stylist at the John Frieda Salon, in New York City. Next, blast your hairline and part, which form a T, with hot air from the dryer. “When these areas lie smooth, the rest of your hair stays under control,” says Christophe Belkacemi, also a stylist at the John Frieda Salon. For extra polish, pull hair into a low chignon.

Build Body in a Hurry
If it’s volume you’re after, reach for a dry shampoo (Tresemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, $5 at drugstores), which is a little-known antidote to limp locks, since it adheres to and thickens strands. “Lift your hair in big sections and spray the dry shampoo toward the roots. Then use your fingers to work it through,” says Antonio Prieto, owner of the Antonio Prieto Salon, in New York City.

Camouflage Grays on the Go
The old trick of covering silver strands with mascara works wonders for those with dark hair. But if you’re a blonde or a redhead, it’s a no-go. (Black roots on blonde hair? Worse than grays.) Instead, dust bronzing powder onto roots with a clean blush brush, says Cotton.

Defrizz Midday
Mist your hands with hair spray (such as Sebastian Professional Re-shaper Hairspray, $16.50, sebastianprofessional.com for stores), then run them over flyaways to batten down the fuzz, says Prieto. You will never look fresher faster.