8 Hair Cheats for Busy Moms
We all wish we had more hours in the day, and no one feels this more than moms. Unfortunately, busy moms sometimes let their beauty routines become their last priority (even though they need a boost of self-confidence more than anyone).
Need some pointers on how to capitalize on those few precious minutes in the morning? Ahead, six moms share how they save time and still manage to feel put together on busy mornings.
1. Sleep with Braids…and Wake Up with Waves
“I wear braids to sleep and use Beachwaver Braid Balm beforehand so I wake up with beachy waves,” says Tori Casanova (@toricasanova). “Braids are quick and easy hairstyles to do, and there are so many ways you can wear them.”
“I use Braid Balm before braiding my hair for the gym,” says Jennifer Rose (@blonde_and_beachy). “I take them out after I get home and shower so I have instant, beachy waves and have my hair out of my face at the gym.”
2. Extend Your Waves or Blowout with Dry Shampoo
You can save a few hours each week by limiting the number of times you wash (and dry) your hair by using a dry shampoo (like Second Chance Dry Shampoo) to keep your style going strong.
“One hairstyle I do a lot on the second, third (or fourth) day is the half bun,” says Whitney Margolis (@whitmargolis). “Takes literal seconds and I always get compliments! Plus, you only have to curl the bottom half of your hair, so that’s half the time!”
3. Use the Wrap Up for a 30-Second Bun
“My go-to mom hair cheat is a top knot using the Wrap Up bun maker,” says Beachwaver Co-Founder Erin Potempa (@erinpotempawall). “I can quickly pull all my hair up for a chic bun, flat iron my bangs, and be out the door in 5 minutes!”
4. Do At Least One Thing for Yourself Every Day
“Self-care is so important, and it’s something I didn’t do at first, but once I started, it was a total game-changer for me!” says Whitney. “Now that I’m somewhat in my groove with the whole motherhood thing, I make it a point to get ready every day—even if I have nothing planned! I just feel so much better about myself when I have a little makeup on and my hair looks good.”
Whitney says once her baby goes down for a nap or before he wakes up in the morning, she does a quick, 5-minute makeup and 5-minute hair routine. “With the Beachwaver, I can get gorgeous, easy beach waves in under 10 minutes,” she shares. “And if baby isn’t napping or is your alarm clock every day (guilty 🙋🏻♀️) then invest in a playpen. Throw some toys in there, and voila, you’ve got at least 5 or 10 minutes to yourself!”
5. Save Time by Sectioning
"To save time in the morning, I use the Beachwaver S1.25,” says Beachwaver Co-Founder Sarah Potempa (@sarahpotempa). “I bring all my hair forward and treat it as the left and right side so I don't have to curl the back! Surprisingly, sectioning your hair actually saves time. In three horizontal rows per side, I can curl my hair in 6 minutes!"
6. Try a Silk Pillowcase
Silk is smoother AND less porous than cotton—making it great for reducing frizz and split ends and helping hair retain moisture, so if you haven’t invested in a silk pillowcase yet—make 2020 the year you do.
“I use a silk pillowcase to prevent frizz, which saves time in the morning when I’m trying to get ready,” says Tori.
7. Use Your Bra Straps(?!) as a Styling Tool
Tori says she tried this one styling trick from Liv Tyler…and it worked! “If I just want super loose waves without washing my hair, I’ll spritz it with some water (you can also use Shubie Surf Beach Spray for added texture) and twist it into my bra straps to hold it in place. That way it’s out of my way when I’m doing my makeup and getting ready for the day, and when I take it out, I have the perfect S-waves!”
Move Your Part
For a little more “oomph” at your roots, try this tip from Kate Engelmaier (@abravemess). “I curl my hair in horizontal sections (I have been using the Beachwaver which saves me time because I can take bigger sections), working from the bottom up,” says Kate. “When I get to the last layer, I part my hair in the middle. Then I curl the last layer, spray with light-hold hairspray, and move my hair to my actual part. This creates extra volume on my dominant side!”
Bonus tip: “When I’m getting ready, I fill up the bath with a couple of inches of warm water and Max’s plastic animals and he ‘washes all their hair,’” says Kate. “This keeps him occupied (and next to me) so I can get ready!”