Effective And Fast Hairstyles For Busy Mums

Over the last few weeks I’ve been experimenting with my hair looking for fast hairstyles that are practical for a mum. This is a huge statement for me, because my hair is always pulled high in a swinging ponytail, or on the odd occasion I do leave the house and decide it warrants putting in effort, it’s loose & poker straight…I thought I didn’t have time for any other styles, and ok I also had no inclination! I’ve since learnt that it’s actually really nice to see my hair worn a different way, and even nicer not to be suffering from continual headaches from having my hair pulled tight.

I’ve put together a list and have taken some photos to give some other busy mums some inspiration and ideas; and we’d really love to hear yours!

Number 1: The Stylish Ponytail.
There are times as a mum when you simply need to wear your hair pulled back! To take your ponytail to the next level in a flash, I recommend using a hot brush hot air styler (basically a blow waver with a rotating hair brush attachment). Start by brushing your hair back with your regular brush, as high on the back of your head as you like: I personally like it quite high up (think “I Dream of Jeannie”). Fasten with your hair elastic. Next, if you have a fringe, use the hot brush with the rolling motion moving away from your forehead and down, to gently pull forward any short hair not secured in the elastic. Run the hot brush through your fringe once or twice from beneath for volume. Next, using the hot brush vertically, allow the brush to catch your ponytail from the very top at the elastic, and move slowly downward to the tip of your hair. This creates a nice, slightly curled look which ensures the ends don’t begin to knot the second you leave the bathroom! The whole process takes 5-10 minutes, and makes the world of difference compared to scraped back hair lacking volume and that salon feel.

Number 2: The Front Part.

This is my second favourite hairstyle. Having very fine and straight hair that likes to part down the left in a perfect straight line, means more often than not my hair sits flat against my head. I don’t like the lack-lustre feel, and so tend to avoid wearing it down. However, I have found that with little effort, this can be overcome to have pretty, soft-looking hair. Firstly, brush all of your hair back away from your face, then use a comb to create a centre part. Don’t stress if your hair won’t sit flat or part perfectly: it doesn’t matter because you won’t see the part! Use your hair brush to brush out any knots. Next, run your straightener through your hair from the part to the ends. Using your comb once more, section your hair from approx. a third of the way from your forehead hairline back, and from about in line with your pupils on either side. This is the segment you need to pin back over your part. Brush out straight, pull back over your part, twist twice and secure to the back of your hair with a bobby pin. Use your straightener slightly on its side to gently create a wave inward to add some shape around your face. You now have a stylish hairstyle that doesn’t take long and suits pretty much any attire! You can also dress it up by using a pearl length clip or butterfly clip (if you have thick hair) in place of the bobby pin.

Number 3: Hairbands are my Friend

It’s amazing the difference a hairband can make! Particularly if you have a selection of styles and/ or colours. If you’re running very low on time but need just that something a little extra, throw on a hairband to maximise your hairstyle! Whether you’re wearing it up or down, a hairband is always well suited and easy to get right. I have a few plain black hairbands of different thicknesses that are my fall-backs, and I have to say they’ve always managed to pull me through! 🙂

Number 4: Stylishly Tousled

If your hair is simply not playing the game; don’t fight it, go with it. Using a can of dry hair shampoo, spray on the roots of your hair and rub through with the tips of your fingers to muss it up. Standing up, allow your hair to fall then using a hair straightener, use partially vertical and rotate slowly in a slight spiral to allow your hair to curl and heat, then shake your hair to add volume. Voila!