Hair in a hurry: style advice

From 30-second quick fixes to 10-minute style solutions, for days when you just don't have time! By Eve Cameron and Jess Henley

In 30 seconds...

Create a zig-zag parting to disguise roots that need some attention.

 

In 1 minute...

Play with your parting. Regardless of the length or style of your hair, moving your parting can give you a new look. A side parting gives width to the top part of your head, which softens a heavy jaw or pointed face. Centre partings suit most face shapes, except long.

 

Spritz with VO5 Glossing Shine Serum Mist, £3.91, for instant shine or, if you want to define and revitalise your curls, try Tigi S-Factor One Curl At A Time Curl Serum, £13.30.

 

In 2 minutes...

Add volume to flat hair by hanging your head upside down and using a light hairspray (we like Garnier Fructis Style Bamboo Flexihold Volume And Hold Hairspray, £2.29) through the root area. Then blow-dry hair on a hot setting, focusing on the roots, while your head is still upside down. Throw your head back and you'll have big, sexy hair!

 

In 3 minutes...

Give long hair some extra body by using tongs to curl the front section of hair around your face. It will look like you've spent an hour on it, says hairdresser Beverly C at Goldwell (07748 6661110).

You could also try a chignon, which works best if your hair isn't freshly washed. Comb a styling spray, such as Charles Worthington Results Full Volume Great Body Styling Spray, £3.99, through your hair and pull it into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist your hair around an elastic, making a figure-of eight shape, to create a neat bun and fasten with grips. For a softer look, pull some strands of hair forward.

 

In 4 minutes...

For a quick, but very glamorous look, try this styling tip from hairdresser Michael Van Clarke (www.vanclarke.com). Take a two-inch parting on the front hairline, from ear to ear, and clip it out of the way. Back-comb behind this and then smooth the surface over. Take the front piece and give it a side parting - then, keeping it flat, tuck each side behind your ears, gripping if necessary.

 

In 5 minutes...

No time to wash your hair? Beverly C says you can shampoo just the front of your hair or fringe and blow-dry it section by section with a round brush to make it look fresher. To create quick, soft waves, Michael Van Clarke suggests you make six to eight plaits in your hair and run over them with flat irons. Leave for two minutes, undo and loosen with fingers for soft, tousled waves.

 

In 10 minutes...

Michael believes the most important part of styling any look is, in this order, your front hairline; the top surface layers and the underneath. "You can get a surprisingly effective finish by concentrating on just the front and top, with a natural dry underneath. Add a finishing product at the end, such as Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax, £17.50," he says.

 

 

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