5 Ways to Save Time in the Morning

Always running late? Try these smart tips for quick makeup and hair, and more.

Speed-Dry Your Hair

Wrap your freshly washed hair in a towel (preferably a super-absorbent one, like the Microfiber Hair Towel, $20, at sephora.com) and let it partly dry naturally while you go about getting dressed and having a quick breakfast. Not only will this cut drying time but it will also give your steamy bathroom time to clear out. Humidity is the enemy of a quick—and smooth—blow-out: Imagine drying your hair in a steam room.

A fast blow dry starts with effective tools: the right dryer, plus a big round brush for straight hair (bigger brushes also cut drying time) and a diffuser for curly hair. For easy-to-follow blow-drying directions specific to your hair, either straight or curly, see 3 Easy Steps to a Perfect Home Blow-Dry.

Time saved: 50 minutes each week.