We’ve all been there. Maybe the meeting ran late or the party starts early; because who has the energy to stay out until midnight anymore? Or maybe you just wanted to watch one more episode of Selling Sunset; whatever the reason, you’re late to the party and you don’t have time to fight your hair for a party-worthy up-do.
Here are five go-to hair hacks that will save you time so go ahead and squeeze in another moment of Christine Quinn’s stylish shenanigans.
Mermaid Waves
This is our favorite trend from last fall that we still pull together at the eleventh hour. Valeria worked with Toronto hair stylist Morgan Lovely for these flawless mermaid-style waves. We know, it’s sometimes daunting to use a straightener for making waves (see what we did there?) especially if you have thicker hair and not the best performing straightener; luckily, this technique is simple:
Hot tip: Use a tool that’s wireless so you’re not constrained by being plugged into a nearby wall. If you’re in the market for one, we recommend Dyson’s Coral Straightener.
Step 1: Turn your tool's heat up to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much heat will make it hard to create this smooth and loose texture.
Step 2: Holding the iron vertically, pick up a small section of hair and glide the iron down the hair, twisting your wrist slightly as you go.
Step 3: After you twist, continue to slide the iron down the length of your hair, giving it that smooth wavy look.
Pro tip: Gently comb each section of waves out. This will help to ensure that it turns into a wave, not a curl! Add your favorite hair oil to smooth to add that glassy shine.
Image: Read about this event at Art Basel.
Watch the full tutorial below:
Mini Space Buns
Photo: Twist Me Pretty
If you're already in the cab to the party - maybe try out our sleek bun hack below. For these cute mini space buns, budget around ten minutes in a non-moving vehicle. You will need two clear elastics and a flat iron. If you own the Dyson Corrale, you can use that instead!
Step 1: Section off hair towards the crown of your head.
Step 2: Secure each section with an elastic and wrap twice.
Step 3: On the third wrap, only pull hair halfway through the loop to create a mini bun.
Step 4: Repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Adjust the buns to be the size and shape you want by gently pulling the bun or tightening the elastic.
Step 6: Grab one inch section from the leftover hair that's still in the ponytail.
Step 7: Rock your flat iron back and forth throughout the length of the ponytail for a beachy, loose wave.
Step 8: Repeat on the other side.
Watch the full tutorial below:
Sleek Low Bun
Now it's time for some heatless hairstyles. This one is a classic. Say you've really leaned into the cozy vibe of the holidays and haven't had the heart or motivation to wash your hair in a few days: not a problem. A sleek low bun consistently makes us feel put together and classy. Plus, your hair is pinned against your head which will hide the fact it's been four days since you've even considered washing your hair (no judgement here).
Step 1: Use dry shampoo if your hair is a little oily. We all struggle to line up our social plans with our hair wash days! Spraying a small amount at the roots and brushing through will help any flyaways and freshen up your hair.
Step 2: Using a brush (we prefer a bamboo brush), section your hair into a clean part down the middle of your head.
Step 3: If your hair gets frizzy while drying it, use one or two drops of hair oil or anti-frizz oil and smooth across your head and through your hair before brushing it back. Brush both sections back against your head on both sides, using your hands to smooth the hair back and tie into a simple low ponytail, positioned at the base of your head. If you have thicker or layered hair and it’s difficult to gather all your hair together, after you tie your hair back, put it into a simple braid and follow the next steps.
Step 4: Separate the ponytail into a tight braid or leave it loose, then twist the hair around in a circle to form a bun. Pin it back, paying attention to any areas that feel loose. If baby hairs stick out anywhere, don’t worry.
Step 5: Use a hair wax (we like Garnier’s Shine Wax because you can get it at any drugstore) and smooth a small amount of product over any areas with flyaways. If there are any baby hairs sticking out underneath the bun take some wax, twirl all the hairs together, and pin them into the bottom of your bun, using the wax to smooth and secure them underneath. Greasy-hair day officially slayed!
Watch the full tutorial below:
Hair Crown
This is the perfect look when you want to bring royalty to any party but don't have time to get a professional up-do done (so jealous of Meghan Markle's style team right now). This look can work in a casual setting or fancy dinner party when paired with statement earrings and a ball gown (we won't assume what type of party you're going to).
Step 1: Begin by separating your hair into two even sections on either side of your head (same step as the sleek low bun).
Step 2: Do a simple braid on both sides and secure both with a small clear elastic. Make sure your hair is braided almost entirely to the ends.
Step 3: Take one of the braids and fold it over the top of your head until the ends reach the other side. Secure with many pins (especially if your hair is thicker and longer), no harm in going overboard on this step! Side note: why are these bobby pins notoriously missing? If anyone finds out this age old mystery, let us know.
Step 4: Repeat with the other braid, also securing well with pins. Be sure to leave out a few wispy hairs at the front of your face to act as face-framing pieces.
Step 5: If you have thicker hair, you can put loose waves into these leftover face-framing hairs. If you have thinner hair, just smooth them down and around your face for a flattering framed look.
Watch the full tutorial below:
Full & Loose Curls
This look will always render you 'done-up' and 'classic'. It takes a few more minutes than our sleek bun but it will be worth the effort. All you need is a curling iron or wand.
Step 1: Section your hair, starting from the bottom and working your way up to the crown of your head, gently separating small sections. You can clip each section if you have a lot of hair.
Step 2: Take the vertical sections and wrap the hair around your curling iron. Hold for just a few sections at a time. Make sure to wrap the hair in alternating directions for each section - this creates a more natural look.
Pro tip: Keep the ends of your hair away from the iron; this will give your hair a softer finished look. Try to get your iron as close to the root as you can for added volume.
Step 3: Run your fingers through the curls after each section so that they blend together more seamlessly. Don't brush them out or they will lose their volume.
Step 4: After you finish every section, flip the curled sections of your hair at the roots to either side of your hair part. This will create endless volume.
Step 5: Add hair oil to your ends for extra shine or texture spray.
Watch the full tutorial below:
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