If You Like Beachy Waves
Sleep with your hair in a loose braid, says Amie Decker of Amie Decker Beauty. In the morning, all you have to do is untie the braid, run your fingers through the waves, and add dry shampoo to the roots for some volume.
Try: Moroccanoil dry shampoo, $26
If You Like Braids
Braids are an easy way to create body, but you don’t have to let them down in the morning, says Serena Hampton Yates of Tress Art. A single braid, a halo braid, or two down the back, done at night, make for an out-the-door style.
Try: Sebastian’s Potion 9 Style Cream, $18.95
If You Have Bangs
“Styling the bangs is the fastest way to create a polished look,” says stylist Remona Soleimani. “If you don’t have time to fully wash the hair, pull it back in a ponytail, wash the bang area in the sink, and blow-dry.”
Try: Kevin Murphy Fresh Dry Cleaning Spray, $29.99
If You Like Messy Buns
Ismail Tekin of George Salon at the Four Seasons in Georgetown recommends blow-drying the front pieces of hair that frame the face so they look polished, then adding texturizing spray to the rest before tossing it into the bun.
Try: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $48
If You Want a Sleek Look
“Put a taming balm or smoothing cream in your hair right after the shower and slick it back into a high ponytail or bun, says Monte Durham of Salon Monte in Old Town. “If you’re running late and need a quick fix, you can run [balm] through dry hair to smooth out frizz.”
Try: Monte Taming Balm, $34
If You’re Having a Bad-Hair Day
Don’t throw out those headbands and barrettes just yet. The added benefit of a cute hair accessory is that people will focus on that instead of unruly tresses, says Serena Hampton Yates.
Try: Anything from Zara, like these rubberized hair clips, $17.90 for three.
Photographs courtesy of retailers.
This article appears in the August 2021 issue of Washingtonian.
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
